Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Master Plan

D R A F T · N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 8
ii 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

CITY OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
Table of Contents
1 Citywide Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 List of Maps
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Citywide Parks Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10-year Citywide Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Citywide Parks Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Citywide Parks Inventory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Citywide Park Planning Regions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Parks Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Citywide Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 North Side Parks Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Overall Citywide Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 North Side Region - Park Service Radii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Citywide Underserved Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 North Side Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
North Side Region - Non-Motorized Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2 North Side Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
North Side Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Northeast Park Planning Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Northeast Region - Park Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3 Northeast Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Northeast Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Northeast Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Northeast Region - Non-Motorized Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Northeast Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Central Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Central Region - Park Service Radii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
4 Central Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Central Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Central Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Central Region - Non-Motorized Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Central Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Edison Park Planning Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
5 Edison Planning Region Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Edison Region - Park Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Edison Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Edison Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Edison Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Edison Region - Non-Motorized Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6 Milwood Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Milwood Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Milwood Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Milwood Region - Park Service Radii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Milwood Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Milwood Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Milwood Region - Non-Motorized Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
7 South Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
South Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 South Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
South Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 South Region - Park Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
South Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
8 Southwest Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 South Region - Non-Motorized Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Southwest Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Southwest Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Southwest Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Southwest Region - Park Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
9 West Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Southwest Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
West Demographic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Southwest Region - Non-Motorized Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
West Parks Service Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
West Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
10 Background Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 West Region - Park Service Radii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Description of Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 West Region - 10 Minute Walk to Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
West Region - Non-Motorized Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
11 Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN iii

Citywide Action Plan
CITYWIDE ACTION PLAN
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Welcome to the City of Kalamazoo’s The City of Kalamazoo’s parks and
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2019-2023 Parks and Recreation recreation system strives to provide

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Master Plan. This plan reflects a vision facilities that are diverse, of highest
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for the City of Kalamazoo’s parks and quality, and accessible to all potential
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Proposed Zoningrecreation facilities: their operations, users. The City is committed to

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Vision – Enhance the quality of maintenance, and enhancements for

City of Monroe, Michigan
LEGEND
preserving those amenities valued by
the next several years. It serves as a the community and providing new and
0 1,000 2,000
urban life by providing safe, well-

R-1-A Single Family Residential RMD Mixed-Density Residential B Battlefield C-M Monroe Street Commercial I-P Port Industrial
FEET
R-1-B Single Family Residential PUD Planned Unit Development C-0 Commercial - Office C-T Telegraph Commercial I-W Warehouse
R-1-C Single Family Residential MU-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use C-G General Commercial L Legacy AP Airport Base Map Source: Monroe County, 2014, Michigan Center for
Geographic Information, Version 10a. Data Source: McKenna
roadmap for future recreation facilities exciting facilities to improve the quality
R-1-P Park Residential MU-2 Corridor Mixed Use CBD Central Business District I-1 Light Manufacturing Municipal Boundary
maintained parks and offering RM Multiple Family PROS Parks, Recreation, and Open Space C-D Dixie Commercial I-2 General Manufacturing July 31, 2018
DRAFT
quality, affordable programs and and programs by considering existing of life in the city. The City strives
events for the community. parks and programs in and around to maintain and improve residents’
the City and the anticipated demand access to parks within their immediate
Mission – Beautiful parks, quality for additional or improved recreation neighborhoods by providing
recreation, and memorable facilities. routes utilizing multiple modes of
events. transportation.
The Plan also forms the basis for potential recreation grant
funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(MDNR) and other agencies and foundations. The City of
Kalamazoo’s Plan was prepared in accordance with MDNR’s
Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation,
Open Space, and Greenway Plans.
Most importantly, this Plan will act as City of Kalamazoo’s plan for
community building as it relates to parks and recreation over the
next five years.
6 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

10-year Citywide Action Plan

PARK NAME 2014-2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024-2029 COST FUNDING SOURCE
NORTHSIDE
Farrell Park Splash Pad $585,000 Private Donations (Foundation for Excellence)
Krom & Prouty To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined
Martin Luther King Memorial Park Community Vision Implement Vision Implement Vision To Be Determined Private Donations (Friends of Recreation)
Verburg Park Master Plan Implement Master Plan $500,000 Parks Department Funds/Grants
Princeton Park No Planned Improvements N/A
La Crone Park Building and Surface

Maintenance To Be Determined Parks Department Funds/Grants
Fairmount Dog Park To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined

Versluis/Dickinson Softball Master Plan for New
Complex New Facilities New Facilities To Be Determined Parks Department Funds/Grants
Facilities
NORTHEAST
Playground
Rockwell Park Basketball Expended in 2018 Expended in 2018
Pathway
Sherwood Park Master Plan $8,000 (for plan) + implementation costs Parks Department Funds/Grants
Spring Valley Park To Be Determined To Be Determined
CENTRAL
Furnishings
Lighting 2019: Need number from Rachel Parks Department Funds/Grants
Bronson Park
Signage 2020: To Be Determined $850,000 Private CIP
Honor Walk
Dutton Street Park To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined
Previously Expended; Post 2024: Private
Rose Park Veteran's Memorial Irrigation To Be Determined Previously Expended Donations (Kalamazoo Sunrise Rotary
Endowment)
Skate Plaza
Shelter
Davis Street Park Gaga Pit $340,000 Previously Expended
Playground
Furnishings
South Westnedge Park Furnishings $3,000 Parks Department Operating Funds
Axtell Creek To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined
DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 7

EDISON
Mayor's Riverfront Park Playground To Be Determined To Be Determined
Playground
Shelter Parks Department Funds / Grants
Reed Street Park $300,000 - $400,000
Pathway FFE
Furnishings
Playground
Hays Park Pathway
Furnishings
Implement Master
Southside Park Master Plan $8,000 (for plan) + implementation costs Parks Department Funds/Grants
Plan
Relocate Pool
Community Garden
Upjohn Park Master Plan Sports Field $8,000,000 (approximate) To Be Determined
Public Orch ard
Dog Park
MILLWOOD
Implement Master
Emerald Drive Park Master Plan $258,000
Plan
$1,000,000 Parks Department Funds
Implement Master
Milham Park Master Plan $2,000,000 $675,000 Private
Plan
$300,000 DNR
Nellbert Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements
SOUTH
Pathways
Tennis Courts Parks Department Funds / Grants
Crane Park $585,000
Furnishings City CIP / FFE
Landscaping
$250,000 Parks Department Funds
Implement Master
Blanche Hull Master Plan $ 1,975,000.00 $1,400,000 Private
Plan
$300,000 DNR
SOUTHWEST
Lake/Kensington Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements

Furnishings
Springmont Park $40,000 CDBG
Playground
Restroom
Shelter
Playground
Woods Lake Park Pathways Previously Expended Previously Expended
Overlook
Fishing Area
Parking

WEST
Academy Green No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements
Henderson Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements
Playground
Basketball
Pickleball
Henderson Tot Lot Previously Expended Previously Expended
Gaga Pit
Shelter
Furnishings
Lovell Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements
W. Main Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements
Pathways
Furnishings
Frays Park Previously Expended Previously Expended
Tennis Courts
Pickleball
Knollwood Park Master Plan Implement Master Plan $ 10,000 for plan $250,000 Parks Department Funds/Grants
NON-MOTORIZED
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Portage Creek to Stockbridge to Lover’s Cork to Kilgore Cork to Kilgore $10,000,000 Grants
Upjohn Park Lane
$1,500,000
Pitcher to Walnut

Parks Planning
Regions
Burke Acres
Spring
Valley Park
City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Princeton Krom & Prouty
Park
Westwood
Frays Park Fairmount La Crone Park
Verburg Park
Dog Park Northside Rockwell Park
Farrell Park
Fairmont
Rose Park
Eastside
Central
Martin Veteran's
Edison
Luther King Memorial Sherwood Park
Henderson Stuart Memorial Park
East Gateway
Park Mayor's
Henderson W. Main Park Riverfront
Tot Lot
CBD
Park Milwood
Academy Green West Main West Gateway Bronson Park
North
Hill
Lovell Park
Northeast
Dutton Park
Upjohn Park
Arcadia South
South
WMU/KRPH Davis Park Westnedge
Park Edison
Vine
South Gateway
Knollwood Southwest
Park Axtell Creek
Reed
Knollwood
Street
Park
West
Southside
Crane Park Southside

Park
Hays Park
Oakland/Winchell
Westnedge
Hill
Woods
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park
Nellbert Park
Springmont
Emerald
Park
Drive Park
Colony Farm Oakwood
Milwood
Parkview South Blanche Hull
Hills Westnedge
Hill N' Brook Milham Park
0 3,000 6,000
FEET
Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.

Citywide Parks Inventory

This parks plan encompasses 40 parks and facilities, covering 655.08 acres, or
1.02 square miles of land. The total parkland makes up 4% of the 25.11 square
miles in the City. To allow for further analysis of park service area and community
needs, the City was grouped into eight Park Planning Regions based on
neighborhood makeup, geographic location, and physical size. The Park Planning
Regions and their associated neighborhoods are as follows:
Table 1: Citywide Parks Inventory, Kalamazoo, MI
PARKS PLANNING REGION NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS PARKS PLANNING REGION NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS PARKS PLANNING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
REGION
NORTH SIDE Northside Farrell Park EDISON Edison Upjohn Park
Krom & Prouty Park Reed Street Park WEST Westwood Frays Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park South Gateway
Princeton Park Hays Park Arcadia —
La Crone Park Southside Park
Verburg Park Mayors Riverfront Park Knollwood Knollwood Park
Versluis / Dickinson Sports Complex
WMU / KRPH —
Fairmont Fairmont Dog Park
MILWOOD Milwood Emerald Drive Park
West Main Hill Academy Green Park
Milham Park
Nellbert Park Henderson Park
Henderson Tot Lot
NORTHEAST Eastside Rockwell Park
Lovell Park
Sherwood Park
W. Main Park
West Gateway
Burke Acres Spring Valley Park SOUTH Southside —
Westnedge Hill Crane Park
CENTRAL Stuart — South Westnedge Blanche Hull Park
Central Business Bronson Park

District East Gateway
Rose Park Veteran’s Memorial SOUTHWEST Oakland / Winchell
Lake / Kensington Park
Woods Lake Park
Vine Davis Street Park
Dutton Street Park Oakwood Springmont Park
South Westnedge Park
Axtell Creek Park Colony Farm —
Parkview Hills —
Hill N’ Brook —

Parks Classification
For planning and
management purposes,
recreation professionals
MINI-PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS COMMUNITY PARKS LARGE URBAN PARK
classify parks and recreation Mini-parks are small, specialized Neighborhood parks are typically Community parks typically contain Large Urban Parks serve a
facilities based on the type of parks, usually less than an acre
in size, that serve the needs of
multi-purpose facilities that provide
land for intensive recreation
a wide variety of recreation
facilities to meet the diverse
broader purpose than community
parks, typically serving the entire
facility and expected usage. residents in the surrounding
neighborhood. A mini-park may
activities, such as field games, court
games, crafts, playgrounds, skating,
needs of residents from several
neighborhoods. Community parks
community. Large urban parks
often focus on meeting community-
Frequently, the Michigan serve a limited population or
specific group such as tots or senior
picnicking, etc. Neighborhood
parks serve a population up to
may include areas suited for intense
recreational facilities, such as
based recreation needs, as well
as preserving unique natural
Department of Natural citizens. Mini-parks usually serves
people within a radius of 1/4 mile to
5,000 residents located within a
one half- to one-mile radius.
athletic complexes and swimming
pools. These parks usually contain
landscapes and open spaces.
To accommodate the desired
Resources classification ½ mile.
The City hosts 10 neighborhood
other facilities not commonly
found in neighborhood parks such
recreation uses usually a minimum
of 50 – 75+ acres is optimal.
system is used, as follows: 21 of the 40 city parks included
in this plan are classified as mini
parks, located in 7 of the 8 Parks
Planning Regions. Milwood is the
as nature areas, picnic pavilions,
Milham Park is the only large urban
lighted ball fields, and concession
parks. Mini-parks are found in 6 only region without a neighborhood facilities. Community parks serve a park in the City of Kalamazoo. At
of the 8 Parks Planning Regions. park. Neighborhood parks occupy 1 - 2 mile radius. 66.83 acres, Milham Park makes
Although more than half of the 70.46 acres or 11% of the total up 10% of the total city parkland.
parks in the city are mini-parks, parkland. They are Rockwell There are four community parks Milham Park is one of two parks
they make up only 19.97 acres Park, Sherwood Park, Hays Park, in the City, all located in different located in the Milwood Parks
or 3% of the total parkland. They Southside Park, La Crone Park, Parks Planning Regions. They make Planning Region.
are Bronson Park, East Gateway, Verburg Park, Woods Lake Park, up 66.1 acres of parkland or 10%
Rose Park Veteran’s Memorial, Axtell Creek, Crane Park, and Frays of the total. They are Upjohn Park,
Nellbert Park, Reed Street Park, Park. Fairmont Dog Park, Knollwood Park,
South Gateway, Farrell Park, Krom and Emerald Drive Park.
& Prouty Park, Martin Luther King
Memorial Park, Princeton Park,
Lake / Kensington Park, Springmont
Park, Davis Street Park, Dutton
Street Park, South Westnedge Park,
Academy Green, Henderson Park,
Henderson Tot Lot, Lovell Park, W.
Main Park, and West Gateway.

NATURAL RESOURCE AREA REGIONAL PARKS LINEAR PARKS SPORTS COMPLEX PRIVATE AND
Natural Resource Areas serve as Regional parks are typically located Linear parks are developed for Sports Complex areas consolidate SPECIAL USE FACILITIES
preservation areas for significant on sites with unique natural one or more modes of recreational heavily programmed athletic fields Special use recreation facilities are
natural resources, landscapes, features that are particularly suited travel, such as hiking, biking, and associated facilities to larger typically single-purpose recreation
open spaces, and buffering areas. for outdoor recreation, such as snowmobiling, horseback riding, and fewer sites typically serving facilities, such as historic amenities,
Areas may vary in size depending viewing and studying nature, cross-country skiing, canoeing and/ the community as a whole. Sports golf courses, nature centers,
on the availability of the resource. wildlife habitats, conservation, or pleasure driving. Some linear Complex’s size is normally based outdoor theaters or facilities for the
swimming, picnicking, hiking, parks include active play areas. on demand, but usually a minimum preservation or maintenance of the
Blanche Hull Park is classified as fishing, boating, camping and trail Linear parks often link other parks of 25 acres, with 40 – 80 acres natural or cultural environment.
a Natural Resource Area due to its use. Many also include active play or components of the recreation being optimal.
use as a passive natural area. It is areas. Regional parks serve a large system, community facilities, The primary draw of Mayor’s
69.64 acres or 11% of total acres of area, usually with a 3 - 5 mile radius. commercial areas, and other focal Versluis / Dickinson Sports Complex Riverfront Park is Homer Stryker
parkland and offers few amenities points. serves as the main baseball and Field, the home of the Kalamazoo
beyond open space, nature areas, Spring Valley Park is the largest softball field facility for the city Growlers, a minor league baseball
and walking trails. Blanche Hull park in the city, occupying 181.19 The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail and the surrounding communities. team. The Growlers play 36 home
Park is the only park located in the acres or 28% of the total city (KRVT), a recreation trail suitable for Versluis / Dickinson Park is 116.6 games a year against fellow teams
South region. parkland. Spring Valley Park is walking and biking, encompasses acres, the second biggest park in the Northwoods League. Mayor’s
located in the Northeast Parks 35 miles of trail throughout the city in the city, and 18% of the total Riverfront Park is 64.29 acres or
Planning Region and features and Kalamazoo County. The north- parkland. It is located in the North 10% of the total parkland and is
both active recreation and passive south portion of the trail enters the region. located in the Edison region.
natural resources. city from the City of Parchment in
the north, connects to Verburg Park
in the North region, then to Rose
Park Veteran’s Memorial Park in the
Central region, then links to Mayor’s
Riverfront Park in the Edison region,
then on to Comstock Township in
the east. The east-west portion of
the trail links to the north-south
section at Rose Park Veteran’s
Memorial Park. The east-west
portion heads west through the
Central region, then northwest into
Kalamazoo Township. The trail is a
Kalamazoo County Park, but also a
vital resource to the city.


Citywide
Demographic
Report
This Parks and Recreation Plan encompasses the City of
Kalamazoo. In order to determine its Parks and Recreation needs,
the City considered how many people will use recreational
amenities, what programs they will participate in, and what types
of facilities they will need. We must understand these existing
conditions and past trends in order to appropriately anticipate and
plan for the future needs of the community.
Most of the data presented comes from the US Census. The most
recent data comes from the 2016 American Community Survey
5-Year Estimates. The American Community Survey is conducted
every year and samples a percentage of the community on
topics such as population, economics, housing, etc. The 5-year
estimates for a given population are considered a reliable source
as they represent 60 months of collected data for all geographic
areas. However, in some specific cases, the data may contain
inaccuracies due to sampling.

Population Households Age

Changes in the number of people residing in a community are an important This section analyzes the composition and characteristics of households in The age of a community’s population has very real implications for recreation
indicator for community planning. Growing communities have different needs the City of Kalamazoo. Changes in the number of households in a community planning, whether it is an increased or decreased need for children’s
than do communities with stable or declining populations. The table below are an indication of changing demand for recreational activities. recreation to serve the population under 18, or a need for amenities more
shows the relative populations of the City of Kalamazoo and comparison attractive to retirees.
communities, while the chart on the following page compares the population The table below shows that the number of households in the city has
trends. decreased from 29,413 to 28,557 since 2000, which expressed as a The chart below compares the median ages (the mid-point where half the
percentage rounds to 3% decrease. Kalamazoo County has seen the largest population is younger and half is older) of the City of Kalamazoo and the
Table 2: Population increase of the neighboring communities, while the city’s decline was the comparison communities. Residents of the city are noticeably younger than
sharpest of the communities selected. This decline is largely due to the those in the surrounding communities. A younger population likely means
CITY OF CITY OF KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO STATE OF overall population decline of the city. more children and a growing population going forward.
KALAMAZOO PORTAGE TOWNSHIP COUNTY MICHIGAN
Table 3: Number of Households
2000 77,145 44,897 21,675 238,603 9,938,444 Figure 3: Median Age, 2000, 2010, 2016
CITY OF CITY OF KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO STATE OF
2016 75,885 47,854 22,445 258,605 9,909,600 KALAMAZOO PORTAGE TOWNSHIP COUNTY MICHIGAN
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimat 2000 29,413 18,138 9,349 93,479 3,785661
2016 28,557 19,478 9,079 101,589 3,860,394
Population Change Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
The City of Kalamazoo has experienced a slight decrease in its population

with a loss of 1,260 individuals (-1.6%) since 2000. This population loss is Figure 2: Change in Households
not indicative of other selected communities or of the County itself. The
City of Portage, Kalamazoo Township, and Kalamazoo County experienced
population growth since 2000. However, population decline is being
experienced state-wide.
The City of Kalamazoo, aware of their declining population, has put forth
considerable effort to attract and maintain their population base. As an
urbanized community, the City must maintain their population in order to
maintain a tax base which will provide for services throughout. City-wide
planning efforts as well as neighborhood planning has encouraged residents Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year
to become an active member of the planning process and thus become Estimates
invested in the future of their community. This plan seeks to build upon those
efforts.
Figure 1: Population Change
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Population by Age Group Median Household Income Race

Age structure (analyzing which proportions of a municipality’s population are The last section, median income, is the amount that divides the income This section analyzes the composition of races in the City of Kalamazoo.
in which stages of life) gives an insight into the age makeup of a community. distribution into two equal groups, half having income above that amount, Changes in the racial makeup in a community are an indication of changing
To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following and half having income below that amount. demand for recreational activities.
groupings:
Each of the selected areas experienced an increase in median household The table below summarizes the major racial groups compared to those in
• Under 5 (Pre School) income between 2000 and 2016. The City of Kalamazoo experienced the Kalamazoo County. Whites make up the majority of the population in the
• 5 to 19 (School Aged) largest increase (16%), but remains below its neighbors Kalamazoo Township city and the county. However, the racial makeup of the city is more diverse
• 20 to 44 (Family Forming) and the City of Portage. The City’s planning efforts and continued investment than the county with African Americans making up 22% of the population
• 45 to 64 (Mature families) in the community are likely to encourage further increases in the median and multi-racial persons 5% as compared to the county’s 11% and 3%,
• Over 65 (Retirement) household income. respectively.
The table below compares the age structure of the City of Kalamazoo’s with Table 6: Median Household Income Table 5: Race
that of Kalamazoo County. Persons in the Family Forming age group are the
most numerous in both the city and the county. Similar to age, this age group CITY OF CITY OF KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO STATE OF CITY OF KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO COUNTY
KALAMAZOO PORTAGE TOWNSHIP COUNTY MICHIGAN
is more likely to mean more children and a growing population. White 50,604 204,644
2000 29,919 55,936 40,904 44,794 48,432
Table 4: Population Distributed by Age Structure, 2010 Black or African American 16,460 27,266
2016 34,767 57,526 46,213 49,693 50,803
American Indian and Alaskan Native 384 1,059
CITY OF KALAMAZOO KALAMAZOO COUNTY Source: US Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates and 2012-2016
American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Asian 1,279 5,212
Pre School 4,787 15,646
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 27 88
School Aged 15,573 51,063
Some Other Race 2074 3,815
Family Forming 33,389 90,536 Figure 6: Median Household Income Percent Change
Two or More Races 3,434 8,247
Mature Families 13,520 62,306
Hispanic Origin 4,736 9,959
Retirement 6,993 30,780
Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
TOTAL 74,262 250,331
Figure 5: Race, Kalamazoo County, 2010

Figure 4: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaskan Native
Asian
Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
The figure above indicates that the City and the County have a similar
percentage of their population pre school aged and school aged. The City
has a higher percentage of family forming aged persons, while the County
has higher percentages of mature families and retirement aged persons.

Overall Citywide Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the City.
Table 7: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within City of Kalamazoo
BASEBALL / BASKETBALL TENNIS PLAYGROUND WALKING PICNIC FACILITIES NATURE

AMENITY SOFTBALL FIELDS COURTS SOCCER FIELD COURTS PAVILIONS EQUIPMENT TRAIL (TABLES AND GRILLS) EDUCATION RESTROOMS
QUANTITY 6 6 5 6 10 22 18 14 0 9
Emerald Drive Park Henderson Tot Lot Emerald Drive Park Crane Park Davis Street Park Axtell Creek Knollwood Park Axtell Creek Farrell Park
LOCATIONS
Hays Park Mayor’s Riverfront Park Knollwood Park Frays Park Fairmont Dog Park Davis Street Park Frays Park Blanche Hull Park La Crone Park
La Crone Park Rockwell Park Southside Park La Crone Park Farrell Park Dutton Street Park Woods Lake Park Crane Park Mayor’s Riverfront Park
Southside Park Southside Park Spring Valley Park Rockwell Park Henderson Tot Lot Farrell Park Axtell Creek Emerald Drive Park Milham Park
Spring Valley Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park Spring Valley Park Mayor’s Riverfront Park Frays Park South Westnedge Park Frays Park Rockwell Park
Versluis/Dickinson Upjohn Park Milham Park Hays Park Blanche Hull Park Hays Park Spring Valley Park
Softball Complex
Southside Park Henderson Tot Lot Milham Park Knollwood Park Upjohn Park
Spring Valley Park Knollwood Park Emerald Drive Park Martin Luther King Versluis/Dickinson
Memorial Park Softball Complex
Upjohn Park Krom & Prouty Park Hays Park
Mayor’s Riverfront Park Woods Lake Park
Woods Lake Park La Crone Park Crane Park
Milham Park
Mayor’s Riverfront Park Mayor’s Riverfront Park
Rose Park Veteran’s
Milham Park Spring Valley Park Memorial
Princeton Park Verburg Park Sherwood Park
Reed Street Park Sherwood Park South Westnedge Park
Rockwell Park Rose Park Veteran’s Spring Valley Park
Memorial
Sherwood Park Verburg Park
Martin Luther King
Southside Park Memorial Park Woods Lake Park
Spring Valley Park
Springmont Park
Upjohn Park
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
Woods Lake Park

Comparison to State and National Standards
ACREAGE ANALYSIS
Mini Parks /
RECOMMENDED SERVICE AREA BOU NDA RY
It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and

Neighborhood Parks their distribution throughout the City. When evaluating parks and
0.25 – 0.5 miles recreation service areas, it is important to closely consider where
the residents in the City live. The MDNR establishes a recommended
service area for each park classification to determine the areas in
the community that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities.
Community Parks / The service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left.
Natural Resource Area
The table below evaluates Kalamazoo’s park acreage in comparison
0.5 – 3.0 miles to national guidelines for communities throughout the State.
However, the standards are general in nature and do not reflect the
quality of the facilities, the character of the community or other local
Large Urban Parks / differences that affect community recreation facility needs. Thus, in
evaluating the results, the actual conditions and trends present in
Regional Parks / the City must be taken into account. The City is largely urbanized,
Sports Complex / and many areas do not have the large swaths of land available to
support the park acreage recommended. However, further analysis
Special Use identifies specific areas deficient of recreational space, and the
30 minute driving time ongoing efforts to improve recreational amenities to those residents.
Table 8: City of Kalamazoo Park Land Acreage Analysis
PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE KALAMAZOO ACTUAL SURPLUS/

CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE ACREAGE IN CITY DEFICIENCY
Mini Parks 0.25 18.97 19.97 + 1.0

Neighborhood Parks 2.0 151.77 70.46 - 81.31
Community Parks 5.0 379.43 66.10 - 313.33
Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 550.17 156.53 - 393.64
Natural Resource Area Variable 69.64
Large Urban Park Variable 66.83
Regional Parks 10.0 758.85 181.19 - 29.9
Sports Complex Variable 116.6
Special Use Variable 64.29
Total > 15.25 > 1,309.02 655.08 - 653.94

Map: Citywide Service Area Park Service

A l a m o To w n s h i p C o o p e r To w n s h i p R i c h l a n d To w n s h i p
Radii
City of
Parchment
Spring
Valley Park
Versluis/Dickinson
Kalamazoo
To w n s h i p
Softball Complex
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Park
Frays Park Fairmount La Crone Park Verburg Park Rockwell Park

Dog Park
Farrell Park
Martin
Luther King
Rose Park Local Parks Service Radii
Veteran's
Memorial Park Memorial Sherwood Park
Henderson Mayor's Large Parks Service Radii
Park East Gateway Riverfront
Henderson W. Main Park
Tot Lot Bronson Park
Park
Parks
Academy Green Lovell Park
Oshtemo West Gateway Comstock
To w n s h i p
To w n s h i p
Dutton Park
South Upjohn Park

Davis Park Westnedge
Park
South Gateway
Knollwood
Park Axtell Creek Reed
Street
Park
Southside
Crane Park Park
Hays Park
Woods
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park Nellbert Park
Springmont
Park
Emerald
Drive Park
Blanche Hull
Milham Park
0 3,000 6,000
FEET
Te x a s Pavilion
To w n s h i p City of To w n s h i p
Portage


Citywide Underserved Areas
21 Parks worth a 10 minute walk

Farrell Park
A Park Worth Walking 10 Minutes To La Crone Park
Martin Luther King Memorial Park
This plan uses two methods to determine the service area of the parks. Verburg Park
The first is the MDNR guidelines for park service area based largely on the Rockwell Park
size of the park and the amenities available. This is shown above. The second Sherwood Park
method utilizes the “Ten Minute Walk” concept. Planning best practices show Axtell Creek Park
the health and vibrancy of a neighborhood can be determined based on the Bronson Park
amenities available within a ten minute walk. As cities have grown and more
Davis Street Park
reliance was placed on the automobile, alternative modes of transportation
were utilized less, including walking. However, there has been a resurgence of
residents of all ages and abilities seeking opportunities to improve access to Hays Park
the amenities in their neighborhood through non-motorized transportation. Reed Street Park
Southside Park
Parks are an amenity that is considered when evaluating what is available in your neighborhood, however this plan took this one step
further and applied the ten minute walk concept to select parks throughout the city. This plan is largely based on regions and the
Upjohn Park
neighborhoods that make up those regions, it is important to show the areas within the neighborhood we can reasonably expect a person
to walk from to reach a park. The parks selected for this analysis are designed to serve their local neighborhood. They are generally
Emerald Drive Park
located in a residential neighborhood, and offer amenities valued by the community such as open green space, playground equipment,
and one or two sports facilities. Twenty-one parks (listed on the right) were determined to be “a park worth walking ten minutes to.”
Crane Park
The discussion section for each of the eight regions includes an in-depth analysis of the area served within a ten minute walk of the parks Woods Lake Park
mentioned above and the areas underserved by parks within a ten minute walk.
Frays Park
Henderson Park
Henderson Tot Lot
Knollwood Park

Map: 10 Minute Walk Parks Planning

Regions
Burke Acres
Spring
Valley Park
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Park
Westwood
Frays Park Fairmount La Crone Park
Verburg Park
Dog Park Northside Rockwell Park
Farrell Park
Fairmont
Rose Park
Eastside
10 Minute Walk Area
Martin Veteran's
Central
Henderson Stuart Memorial Park
East Gateway
Park Mayor's
Henderson W. Main Park Riverfront
Tot Lot
CBD
Park Edison
Academy Green West Main West Gateway Bronson Park
Milwood
Hill
Lovell Park
North
Dutton Park
Upjohn Park
Arcadia South
Northeast
WMU/KRPH Davis Park Westnedge
Park Edison
Vine
South Gateway
Knollwood South
Park Axtell Creek
Reed
Knollwood
Street
Park
Southwest
Southside
Southside
West
Crane Park
Park
Hays Park
Oakland/Winchell
Westnedge
Hill
Woods
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park
Nellbert Park
Springmont
Emerald
Park
Drive Park
Colony Farm Oakwood
Milwood
Parkview South Blanche Hull
Hills Westnedge
0 3,000 6,000
FEET


Citywide Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Provide diverse Goal 2: Ensure all residents

and exciting recreational have access to green space
opportunities for all residents and parks amenities in their
1. Upgrade park amenities in as many parks as possible by
neighborhoods
2029.
1. Ensure all parks have amenities that add value to the
2. Invest in modern equipment that is fun, safe, equitable, surrounding community, in proportion to the size of the park
and sustainable. and the needs of the community.
3. Provide a wide variety of activities, facilities, and 2. Provide a park “worth walking 10 minutes to” within a 10
amenities. minute walk of all residents.
4. Ensure that newly popular facilities, such as Octoball Pits 3. Provide public green space within a 5 minute walk of all
and Pickleball Courts, are provided to the public. residents.
5. Identify and implement opportunities for community 4. Work with the County Land Bank, other City departments,
gardens and public orchards, particularly in Upjohn Park, neighborhood groups, Western Michigan University, and
but also in other parks. Engage with the community on others to acquire land for new public parks in underserved
optimal locations and partner with Kalamazoo Valley areas.
Community College on implementation and maintenance.
5. Upgrade amenities at parks that are more than 10 minutes
6. Insert language from Sean about the park update process. away for a park “worth walking 10 minutes to”, in order
provide amenities within walking distance of more residents.
6. Ensure parks have adequate and appropriate space
nearby for parking vehicles, where deemed necessary and
appropriate.
7. Provide bicycle parking at parks where deemed necessary
and appropriate.
8. Work with other City departments to ensure sidewalks are
constructed to reach all parks.
9. Work with other City departments to ensure all infrastructure
surrounding parks is in working order and supports the
needs of the park users.
10. Build four spray parks, with the locations determined such
that each spray park serves at least two Parks Planning
Regions.

Goal 3: Design all parks to be Goal 4: Design parks using Goal 5: Create a parks system
welcoming, accessible, and fun best practices for sustainability that the entire Kalamazoo
for all potential users and resiliency region takes pride in
1. Undergo park improvement plan processes prior to investing 1. Reduce impervious surface in parks where possible. 1. Maintain all parks to a high level of quality.
in parks improvements.
2. Preserve wetlands and protect flood plains. 2. Provide high-quality, fun, and exciting equipment and
2. Involve neighborhood groups and the general public in amenities.
3. Preserve trees, and replace any removed trees on a two-to-
parks improvement decisions.
one basis. 3. Work with neighborhood groups to make park spaces the
3. Understand the needs of the neighborhood when planning center of community life.
4. Use native species for landscaping where possible.
parks improvements.
4. Invest in public art and other placemaking activities within
5. Utilize recycled materials in facilities and equipment.
4. Understand the history of parks and their surroundings when parks.
planning parks improvements. 6. Provide and maintain trash and recycling receptacles.
5. Highlight the important role parks play in providing positive
5. Understand the potential users of a park when designing 7. Insert language from Sandy regarding understanding the stimulation and exercise for young people and families.
parks improvements. native environment.
6. Promote City parks to the regional community.
6. Understand the potential for vandalism or other negative
7. Encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhood
influences when planning parks improvements.
parks, and “adopt” them as their own.
7. Maintain and update the signage that identifies City parks.
8. Work with neighborhood groups to promote safety and fun
in parks.
• Promote events and activities in parks.

• Promote opportunities for residents to invest in parks
themselves, such as community gardens, neighborhood
clean-ups, and community art projects.

The North Planning Area
consists of 2.24 square miles or 9%
of the total city area and is made up
of two neighborhoods: Northside and
Fairmont. Eight parks are located
in the North region:
Farrell Park
Krom & Prouty
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
Princeton Park
La Crone Park
Verburg Park
Fairmont Dog Park
Versluis / Dickinson Sports Complex
These make up 146.64 acres
of parkland, or 22% of the total
parkland in the City.
North Side Planning Region

Action Plan
NORTH SIDE ACTION PLAN
North Parks
Planning Region
Versluis/Dickinson
October 30, 2018
Softball Complex
DRAFT
Burke Acres
Central
Edison
Spring Milwood
Valley Park North
Krom & Prouty Northeast
Princeton South
Park
Southwest
West
La Crone Park
Fairmount Verburg Park
Northside
Dog Park
Farrell Park
Fairmont
Martin
Luther King Eastside
Memorial Park Rose Park
Veteran's 0 940 1,880
Memorial
East Gateway FEET
Stuart
Henderson
West Park Mayor's Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data
CBD Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
Main Hill Riverfront
W. Main Park Edison Park
Henderson
WMU/KRPH Tot Lot
Academy Green
West Main Hill

North Side Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the North Side
Park Planning Region.
Population Age
Figure 7: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
The population density (persons/acre) for the North Side region is similar to The median age of the North Side region’s population is slightly above the
that of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the North region median age of the City. 50%
has 4.77 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the 45% North Region
region is 21.4, compared to the city’s 8.63. To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following 40% City of Kalamazoo
groupings: 35%
Table 9: Population, 2016 • Under 5 (Pre School) 30%
NORTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL

• 5 to 19 (School Aged) 25%
• 20 to 44 (Family Forming) 20%
2016 6,839 75,885 9% 15%
• 45 to 64 (Mature families)
10%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates • Over 65 (Retirement)
5%
The table below compares the age structure of the specified region with that 0%
Households of the City of Kalamazoo. PRE SCHOOL SCHOOL AGED FAMILY FORMING MATURE FAMILIES RETIREMENT
Similar to population percentage, the North Side region makes up 9% of the Table 12: Median Age Comparison, 2010
total households in the City. The graph above indicates the North region does not have as high of
NORTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE a percentage of family forming aged person, but it does have a higher
Table 10: Households, 2016 percentage of pre school and school aged persons. This is important to
2010 26.8 26.5 +.3 identify the population using recreation facilities.
NORTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
2016 2,650 28,557 9% Race

Table 13: Population Distributed by Age Structure, 2010
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Identifying the racial makeup of a community is important when determining
NORTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO the types of recreation facilities that are recommended for the community. As
indicated below, Blacks or African Americans are strongly represented in the
Median Income Pre School 755 4,787
North region.
The median income of the North Side region is below that of the city overall.
Family Forming 2,536 33,389
Figure 8: Race, North Region, 2010
Table 11: Household Median Income Comparison, 2010 Mature Families 1,422 13,520
NORTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE Retirement 539 6,993
White
TOTAL 7,105 74,262 Black or African American
2010 $ 24,015 $ 34,767 -$10,752 American Indian and Alaskan Native
Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Asian
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census and ESRI 2018 Forecast Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races

North Side Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the North Side Park Planning Region.
Table 14: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within North Region
BASEBALL / BASKETBALL SOCCER TENNIS PLAYGROUND WALKING PICNIC FACILITIES NATURE

AMENITY SOFTBALL FIELDS COURTS FIELD COURTS PAVILIONS EQUIPMENT TRAIL (TABLES AND GRILLS) EDUCATION RESTROOMS
QUANTITY 6 6 5 6 8 22 18 14 0 9
La Crone Park Verburg Park La Crone Park Fairmont Dog Park Versluis/Dickinson Verburg Park La Crone Park Versluis/Dickinson
LOCATIONS
Softball Complex Softball Complex

Versluis/Dickinson Farrell Park Verburg Park
Softball Complex La Crone Park La Crone Park
Krom & Prouty Park
Krom & Prouty Park Farrell Park,
Farrell Park
Princeton Park

Mini Parks /
RECO M M EN DE D SERVI CE AR EA BOUNDARY
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 15: North Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks Similar to the analysis of the whole city, this plan analyzes park acreage PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE NORTH REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles by parks planning region. The MDNR establishes a recommended CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN NORTH REGION DEFICIENCY
service area for each park classification to determine the areas in the
Mini Parks 0.25 1.71 3.24 + 1.53
community that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities. The
Community Parks / service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left. Neighborhood Parks 2.0 13.68 14.65 + 0.97
Natural Resource Area The table to the right evaluates the North region’s park acreage in Community Parks 5.0 34.2 12.15 - 22.05
0.5 – 3.0 miles comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the State.
However, the standards are general in nature and do not reflect the Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 49.59 30.04 - 19.55
Natural Resource Area Variable 0
Large Urban Parks / differences that affect community recreation facility needs. While the
comparison above may indicate deficiency in two categories, when the
Regional Parks / types of parks and the amenities of each is considered, the North region
Large Urban Park Variable 0
Sports Complex / is well served by parks and recreation facilities. Regional Parks 10.0 68.39 0 - 68.39
Special Use Sports Complex Variable 116.6 + 116.6
30 minute driving time Special Use Variable 0
Total > 15.25 > 117.97 146.64 + 28.67

Park Service
Kalamazoo City of
To w n s h i p Parchment
Radii
October 30, 2018

Versluis/Dickinson DRAFT
Softball Complex
Local Parks Service Radii

Large Parks Service Radii
Parks
Region_Transparency
Spring
Krom & Prouty Valley
Princeton
Park
Park
La Crone Park Verburg Park

Fairmount
Dog Park
Farrell Park
Martin
Luther King Rose Park
Memorial Park Veteran's
Memorial
East Gateway
Henderson 0 1,000 2,000
Park
FEET
Tot Lot
Bronson Park Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data
Academy Green Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
West Gateway
Lovell Park

North Side Region

Underserved Areas
The North Side Park Planning Region has two
parks that are “worth walking ten minutes to
get to” – LaCrone and Farrell. The Fairmount
Dog Park and Versluis/Dickinson complex
are regional amenities, but they are also
specific-use facilties, and therefore living
within a 10 minute walk of either of them does
not fulfill the full range of park usage desires
for residents. Princeton, Krom & Prouty, and
Martin Luther King Jr. are small and lack
amenities (at least at the time of this plan) and
therefore are not included in the 10 Minute
Walk Map. Verburg is very visually appealing,
but provides few amenities.
As shown on the map, the core of the north side has at least one full-
service park within a 10 minute walk, and many residents have two. But
the far eastern portions of the Planning Region, as well as the Fairmount
neighborhood on the western edge, do not have a full-service park
within walking distance.
To reduce underserved areas in the North Planning Region, the Parks

Department will do the following:
• Pursue upgrades to Versluis/Dickinson, the Fairmount Dog Park,

Krom & Prouty, Verburg, and Princeton that expand their range of
amenities.
• Work with the County Land Bank and other partners to identify
opportunities for acquisition, although this is not as high a priority as
upgrading amenities at existing parks.

MAP North Parks

Planning Region
N Bus US 131
S Bus US 131
October 30, 2018
Versluis/Dickinson
DRAFT
Ho me R un Ln
Softball Complex
Old Riverview Dr
10 Minute Walk Area
Ave
Kaaf Dr
Cobb Ave
Central
Wo odward
Edison
N Rose St
Union St
Spring
Valley Park
Milwood
S Rive
North
rvie
Krom & Prouty Harrison St
w Dr
Northeast
N Edwards St
Ra vin e Rd
Krom St
F ox
W Prouty St
Princeton E Prouty St
R id g
eD Park
South
r
Southwest
Lulu St
Bosk er Ave
Burke Acres West
N Church St
Princeton Ave
N Pit ch
La Crone Park
Fairmount W Paterson St
Verburg Park
er St
Dog Park
Northside E Paterson St
A la m William St
N Burdick St
o Av
e
Dou
Norway Ave
Elizabeth St
Sta p les Ave
g la s
N Edwards St
d
N Park St
N P i t c her St
ll R
Gu
Ave
Pa r s o ns S t
Mabel St
Farrell Park
N Pr ai r ie Av e
Am pe rse e
N Blakeslee St Florence St
Pr
a
Av e
Harrison St
irie
Av
Denn e r St
e
Porter St
W Frank St E Frank St Bridge St
N W es t ned g e Av e
Fairmont E No r th St
Hotop Ave
N Rose St
W N or th S t
Martin Luther King

Eastside
E R an s om S t
Jefferson Ave W Ransom St
Memorial Park
Jefferson Ave E H arkin s Ct
Rose Park 0 1,000 2,000
Hil b ert St
Forbes St W Willard St
Willard St
Veteran's
Memorial
FEET
Stuart Ave
Ka l Hav en Tr l
Wa l br i d g e S t
Stuart W K alamazoo Av e
E Kal a m azo o Av e E M ic h igan Ave
Ingleside Ter
W Ma in S l St East Gateway
ik a
Elm St
t h
Mic
NP
Henderson
NE
Mayor's Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

it
che
d
Eleanor S t
Park CBD
wa
rS
Riverfront Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
rds
West t
St
St Park
Ro
Ki
ter
Main Hill
ng
E Wa
ch
W. Main Park W Water St
Edison
Hw
es
ter
y
Av
Henderson
e
WMU/KRPH Tot Lot
G r a nd Ave
W Michigan Ave
Academy Green
West Main Hill

Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The North Side Planning Region is well
served by sidewalks, which reach every
park in the Planning Region. The Imagine
Kalamazoo Plan also envisioned non-
motorized trails and bike routes, as shown on
the map, which would serve all parks in the
Planning Region, except Princeton and Krom
& Prouty.
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the North Planning Region are:
• Implementing the Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan.
• Maintaining sidewalk, and improving pedestrian safety at busy

intersections, particularly Paterson and Westnedge.
• Improving parking at LaCrone Park, including exploring allowing on-

street parking along Paterson Street and Cobb Avenue.
• Adding bicycle parking at LaCrone, Farrell, Martin Luther King, and

Verburg Parks.

MAP Kalamazoo North Parks

To w n s h i p
Planning Region
October 30, 2018

Versluis/Dickinson DRAFT
Softball Complex
Burke
Acres
N Bus US 131
S Bus US 131
D rview
rive
Riv
e
Old rvice
Home Run Ln
Se
NMTP_2025
Hitters Ln
Old Riverview Dr S Riv

Sidewalks
W Dunkley St s
e
Kaaf Dr
31 Parks
Woodward Av
US Bu
Pitchers
1
S
Ln
Herbert St
ervi
W Hopkins St E Hopkins St
W Hopkins St
ew D
N Rose St
Union St
Martin St
Krom & Prouty HarrisonS t
r
un Rd
Princeton
t
Hammond Ave Mo livet
O Spring Valley
Krom St
N Edwards St
Ravine Rd
F ox
W Prouty St
Park W Prouty St E Prouty St Park Dr
Ridge
Spring
N Church St
Ritsema Ct
Dr
rfaith Blvd
Inte Lulu St Valley Park
Dennis W Clay St E Clay St
Ct Bosker Ave
Paterson Ct
d
N Pitc her S
llan
Bessie St
e
Av
Harding Pl
Ho
La Crone Park Verburg Park
Fairmount Northside
Princeton Ave
Rockledge W Paterson St
Cobb Ave
t
Ct E Paterson St
Dog Park
N Prairie Ave
N Pitcher St
William St W Bush St E Bush St
Gordon
Staples Ct Richardson St
Do
N Westnedge Ave
Alam Pl
o Av
N Edwards St
ug
e Norway Ave Roberson St Wattles Pl

Elizabeth St
N Park St
las
Fairmont
Av
Farrell Park Parsons St

Staples Ave
e
Ampers
W Mabel St
arr Ogden Ave
St
Scudder Ct
Hawley
en y
Pl Myrtle St Ra
St
Mason St Darden Ct
W
ee Ave
ar Florence St
N Rose St
re N P Blakeslee St Conant St Drexel Pl
Woodbury
n
Pl rairi Lawrence St Verdries Ct
Burrell
Simpson St
e
Ave
Denner St
E Frank St Bridge St
Ave
Cadillac St
Stuart Ave
River
Summit Ave W Frank St
Ave
Judge
Ave
Rd
Hawley St
Cooley
Nola St Ada St ll St
Gu
St
Lantern Hotop Ave
Harrison St
N Arlington St
E North St
Walbridge St
Su r k C
Ln
N Burdick St
Pa
mm t
W North St E Butler Ct
Elmwood Ct
Jefferson Pl
E Butler Ct
Porter St
W Butler Ct C a ves C t Sherwood
Summer St
it
Lucas
Ct E Ransom St Ave
Willard Ct
Ampersee
Jefferson Ct W Ransom St
Jefferson Ave Rose Park
Ave
E Harkins Ct
E Mills St
W Harkins Ct
Greenwich Pl
Jefferson Ave Elmwood St

W Willard St
Willard St
Veteran's
Eastside
Hilbert St
Forbes St
Elm St
Memorial
Stuart CBD
W Harrison E Harrison
Stuart Ave
Kal Have E Harrison Ct

Mitchell Pl
n Trl Ct Ct
Blaine
Martin Luther E Kalamazoo Ave E Michigan Av
e
Ingleside Ter
Prospe
Cooley St
Henderson
St
as Ct Douglas W Kalamazoo Ave Dr
0 1,000 2,000
ct Pl
Ferris ay
Ave
l St King Memorial East Gateway rkw
Dougl
Parkway Dr
N
Douglas Ter Pa
Ct ika
Park
Pi
S Pr a irie
St ch
Mi
tc
Eleanor St
Park
Ed
Prairie ct Eleanor St Ki
he
ng
Kalamazoo
Kalam
wa
Ro
Pros
rS
Prospe
Orchard Pl
Pl p / St es Hw
FEET
r
ec ter
ch
ds
ElmAly
t
St
Mall
H ill St te y
W. Main Park E Wa
Cooley Ct
Ct
St
Elm P r
M onroe
W Water St
Ave
n
azoo
lle ng
Arbo
l
Grand Ave Inli
t
W Main S
S
ct S
Grove S
Av
t
Old
A
Ed
t Aly
Allen
Blvd
St
e
on St
r St
S Church St
s
Ct
e
w
d
Gran Ave te
sp
Ba
ar St
Bulkley
Catherine
Acker Ln
Ct W Michigan Ave
Edison
Pro
ds
Dr
in Ct
erson
Thomps
S Be
nd ide an W Exchange Pl E Excha

St
H e nderson ig
Ct He Ma ks ch Bronson Park St
ng
Mi ve
Farmers
oo ing
Academy Green
rkley
W Br W
Po r Torrin Dr Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
Pl
Academy St A Corporation rta Sp Gibson St

ge
West Gateway
Aly
Aly t
Devisser
West Main
S Park St
St
St
Grand Av e Pe C
S Rose St
Woodside
ak g
La
E South St
Conne er
College Grove Rd rin
ctor
Valley St
eR W South St
Sp
wn
h
W South St Dr
John Pl
Fi
Hill Lovell Park
e / Pitc
Aly
Normal Vw St
Saint
Oak St
sh
nd E Walnut St
S W estnedge
S
Greenlawn Ave
Ave
Sprague Ave
S Burdick St
kla
Burrows Rd
e
t
Stanwood St
Bellevue Pl
rS
SP
Sheldon S
E Lovell St itch
a
W Lovell St
t
Ave
O
er
Portag
Locust
St
Stone St
Potter St
Davis St
Goldsworth Dr
Pearl St
Dr
Vine
John St
Eldred
Jasper 2nd
ium
WMU/KRPH
St
Reese Ct
St
Bellevue Pl Pearl Ct St St
ad
St t

Farrell Park
A D D R ES S
809 N. Rose Street.

N E I GH BO R H O O D :
Northside
S I ZE :
1.5 Acres
CL AS S I FI CATI O N :
Mini-Park
ACCES S I BI L I T Y SCORE :
Amenities: Farrell Park is located Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: There were no Action Plan: Farrell Park should Aspirations: Future Farrell Park
ACTION PLAN
within a residential neighborhood Amenities at Farrell Park are specific comments for Farrell Park strive to increase accessibility by improvements might include
2014-2018 with easy access via on-street accessible using sidewalks and General comments for parks in this adding accessible picnic tables, designated on-street parking on the
2019 Splash Pad parking, sidewalks, and paved paved paths throughout the region were to increase security, extending the paved path to the west side of North Rose St., bike
2020
paths. The park features a pavilion, interior of the park. The Pavilion, including add emergency phones road, create curb cuts on the west racks, and water fountains. A splash
permanent bathrooms, a central bathrooms, benches and play and bring electricity and technology and east side of North Rose St. pad is planned for the park in 2019.
2021 green space and several play structures are located near the such as wireless internet to the directly adjacent to the park. The
2022 structures. paved path for additional ease of parks. City should also consider making
2023 access. the intersection of North Rose St.
and West Frank St. a four-way stop
2024-2029
to improve pedestrian safety.
COST $585,000
FUNDING Private Donations
SOURCE (Foundation for Excellence)

Krom & Prouty Park
A D D R ES S
1602 Krom St.

Northside
S I ZE :
0.51 Acres
Mini-Park
Amenities: Located on a corner lot Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: There were no Action Plan: Krom & Prouty Aspirations: Future Krom &
ACTION PLAN of a residential neighborhood, Krom paved paths on the perimeter specific comments for Krom & Park should strive to increase Prouty Park improvements might
2014-2018 & Prouty Park has sidewalks on two of the park do not extend to the Prouty Park. General comments accessibility by extending a hard include a new play structure with
2019 sides, on-street parking, a small amenities on the interior of Krom & for parks in this region were to surface to the play structure in an improved surface, additional
play structure, and picnic table. Prouty Park. Therefore, the park has increase security, including add the center. The City should also benches, and tree plantings on
2020 limited accessibility. emergency phones and bring consider making the intersection of the interior for shade. Krom &
2021 electricity and technology such as Krom St. and East Prouty St. a four- Prouty Park is outside of the North
2022 wireless internet to the parks. way stop to improve pedestrian region’s ten minute walk area.
safety. Improvements to this park should
2023
be considered within the next
2024-2029 To Be Determined several years so Krom & Prouty
COST To Be Determined Park can be considered a park
worth a ten minute walk.
FUNDING
SOURCE To Be Determined

Martin Luther King Jr. Park
A D D R ES S
507 N. Rose Street.

Northside
S I ZE :
0.98 Acres
Mini-Park
4
Amenities: Located between N. Barrier Free Assessment: While Public Input: During the public Action Plan: All crossings should be Aspirations: Park maintenance
Church St. and N. Rose St., Martin the park is largely accessible due engagement opportunities, considered for ramps with warning and beautification should continue
ACTION PLAN Luther King Memorial Park features to the paved paths throughout, attendees commented on pads, lighted or flashing signals, to be a priority for Martin Luther
2014-2018 a statues and artwork dedicated to connections to the park should be improvements they would like to and timed crosswalk signals. King Jr. Memorial Park. The City
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sidewalks considered for accessibility. The see at Martin Luther King Memorial should continue partnering with
2019 Community Vision
through the interior of the park park is directly adjacent to railroad Park. Comments included fixing local community groups to install
2020 Implement Vision connect both streets. The park tracks, and persons with a disability the statue of Martin Luther King Jr., landscaping, ensure trash pickup,
2021 Implement Vision has on and off-street parking for may have a difficult time navigating installing permanent bathrooms and monitor condition of memorial
2022
visitors, in addition to benches and the crossing trying to access the with shower facilities, and lack of features. These, as well as the
drinking fountains. The park sees park. signage and wayfinding for the public input received, should be
2023
heavy pedestrian activity due to its park. General comments for parks considered when the City begins
2024-2029 close proximity to the Kalamazoo in this region were to increase the community visioning effort
COST To Be Determined Greyhound station and local bus security, including add emergency planned for Martin Luther King Jr.
station. phones and bring electricity and Memorial Park in 2019.
FUNDING Private Donations
SOURCE (Friends of Recreation) technology such as wireless
internet to the parks.

Verburg Park
A D D R ES S
669 Gull Street.

Northside
S I ZE :
9.65 Acres
Neighborhood Park
Amenities: Verburg Park is located Barrier Free Assessment: Verburg Public Input: There were no Actions: Make sure KRVT has Aspirations: Form partnership
ACTION PLAN on East Paterson Street in the north Park offers off-street parking with specific comments for Verburg Park. signage located in the park. with Kalamazoo River Watershed
2014-2018 west area of the city. It is bordered several handicap parking spaces. General comments for parks in this Promote KRVT link between Mayors Council to create a water trail on
2019 Master Plan on the north by East Paterson, the The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail region were to increase security, Riverfront Park, Spring Valley Park, Kalamazoo River between Verburg
east by the Kalamazoo River, and is paved and allows access to all including add emergency phones and Verburg Park. Maintain existing Park and Mayors Riverfront Park.
2020 Implement Master Plan
the west by the Kalamazoo River users. and bring electricity and technology facilities, place trash cans onsite, The partnership could encourage
2021 Valley Trail. The trail is part of 35 such as wireless internet to the install bike racks, place benches a vendor to operate a kayak rental
2022 mile network throughout Kalamazoo parks. and picnic tables along trail, and from either park. The partnership
County. add water fountains. could seek grant funding to build
2023
improvements such as accessible
2024-2029 kayak launch, rest rooms, kayak
COST $500,000 lockers, and green infrastructure
to improve water quality. Park
FUNDING Parks Department Funds/
SOURCE Grants improvements are scheduled for
2019-2020. These improvements,
as well as the public comments
received, should be considered for
implementation at Verburg Park.

Princeton Park
A D D R ES S
1508 Princeton
Northside
S I ZE :
0.25 Acres
Mini-Park
Amenities: Located on a corner Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: There were no Action Plan: Princeton Park should Aspirations: Future Princeton
ACTION PLAN lot of a residential neighborhood, paved path on the perimeter specific comments for Princeton strive to increase accessibility by Park improvements might include
2014-2018 Princeton Park is lined by a of the park does not extend to Park. General comments for parks extending a hard surface to the a new play structure with an
2019 sidewalk, has on-street parking, a the amenities on the interior of in this region were to increase play structure in the center. The improved surface, additional
small play structure, and a swing Princeton Park. Therefore, the park security, including add emergency City should also consider adding benches, and recreation facilities
2020 set. has limited accessibility. phones and bring electricity and signage along Princeton Avenue to that do not occupy much space
2021 technology such as wireless indicate a park nearby. due to the small size of the park.
internet to the parks. No improvements are planned for
2022
Princeton Park.
2023
2024-2029
COST No Planned Improvements
FUNDING
SOURCE N/A

La Crone Park
A D D R ES S
1508 Princeton
Northside
S I ZE :
0.25 Acres
Mini-Park
Amenities: La Crone Park offers Barrier Free Assessment: A paved Public Input: The first of four field • Remove fences/walls especially Actions: We recommend regular
ACTION PLAN a wide variety of amenities. Play path circles the interior of the park day events was held at La Crone around basketball court maintenance of the park to ensure
2014-2018 amenities include, playground while sidewalks line the perimeter Park on June 12, 2018. The event the new play equipment and other
General comments for parks in this
2019 equipment, basketball courts, tennis of the park. Park amenities such was well attended and numerous amenities are preserved.
region were to increase security,
courts, and a large green space for as the bathrooms, park benches, comments were made regarding La
Building and Surface including add emergency phones Aspirations: Building and surface
2020 field games. La Crone also features waste receptacles, and playscape Crone Park. They are:
Maintenance and bring electricity and technology maintenance is planned for 2019.
paved walking trails throughout, are located adjacent to the path. • Overall satisfaction with recent such as wireless internet to the Additional improvements are to be
2021 water fountains, permanent park improvements parks. determined in the later years of the
2022 bathrooms, park benches, and
• Often not enough parking planning period.
picnic tables. Large shade trees are The first field day event was held
2023
present throughout the park. • Add accessible play surfaces
on June 12, 2018 at La Crone Park.
2024-2029 • More frequent lawn
COST To Be Determined maintenance
• Add water recreation
SOURCE Grants

Fairmount Dog Park
A D D R ES S
1108 Prairie Avenue

Fairmount
S I ZE :
12.15 Acres
Community Park
Amenities: Fairmont Park is the Barrier Free Assessment: A paved Public Input: While no specific Action Plan: Usage and issues Aspirations: Improvements will be
ACTION PLAN only dedicated dog park in the path runs through the interior comments were received related related to dog interaction should determined in the later years of the
2014-2018 city. Dog parks are gated and of the park connecting to park to Fairmont Dog Park, the value of be monitored. One such common planning period.
2019 fenced to allow dogs free run of amenities such as the parking lot, dog-related recreation amenities challenge that may arise could be
the green space. Fairmont features park benches, drinking fountains, was commented on many times. with smaller dogs meeting larger
2020 dedicated parking, paved paths, a bathrooms, and waste receptacles. General comments for parks in this dogs. Large dog parks will often
2021 double gated entry, water station The parking lot does include region were to increase security, build a second smaller fenced
for owners and dogs, and benches handicap parking. including add emergency phones area where only smaller dogs
2022
throughout. and bring electricity and technology are allowed. Lawn maintenance
2023 such as wireless internet to the and lawn cleanup should also be
2024-2029 To Be Determined parks. monitored.
COST To Be Determined
FUNDING

Versluis/Dickinson Park
A D D R ES S
1924 Douglas Ave.

Northside
S I ZE :
116.6 Acres
Sports Complex
Amenities: Versluis/Dickinson Park Barrier Free Assessment: Parking Public Input: There were no Action Plan: Organized team sports Aspirations: It is recommended
ACTION PLAN is a sports complex made of two lots adjacent to the fields allow specific comments for Versluis/ are popular for all ages. As the only that the City seek additional
2014-2018 separate parks: Dickinson Field is handicap persons to park close by. Dickinson Park. General comments major sports complex in the city, it programming opportunities such
2019 to the north and Versluis Park is to Many of the fields have paved or for parks in this region were to is recommended that the softball as additional organized softball
south. The main entrance to the site gravel paths to allow wheelchairs increase security, including add fields be maintained throughout. leagues to offset the maintenance
2020
Master Plan for New is from Douglas Avenue. The park access to the field. emergency phones and bring cost of the facility. Master planning
Facilities
features softball and teeball fields electricity and technology such as for new facilities will begin in 2020
2021 New Facilities including bleachers, field lights, wireless internet to the parks. with implementation in 2021-2022.
2022 New Facilities restrooms, and drinking fountains.
2023
2024-2029
SOURCE Grants


3
The Northeast Planning Area
consists of 2.77 square miles or
11% of the total city area and is
made up of two neighborhoods:
Burke Acres and Eastside.
Three parks are located in the
Northeast region:
Rockwell Park
Sherwood Park
Spring Valley Park
Northeast Planning Region

Action Plan
NORTHEAST ACTION PLAN
Northeast Parks
Planning Region
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Central
Spring
Burke Acres Valley Park
Edison
Milwood
North
Northeast
South
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
Southwest
West
Krom & Prouty

Princeton
Park
La Crone Park
Northside Verburg Park
Rockwell Park
Farrell Park
Eastside
Martin
Luther King
Veteran's
Memorial
Sherwood Park
East Gateway
Stuart 0 1,000 2,000
Mayor's
W. Main Park
Riverfront FEET
CBD Park
West
Main Bronson Park
Hill
West Gateway Edison Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
Vine
Dutton Park

Northeast Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the Northeast Parks Planning Region.
Population Age
The population density (persons/acre) for the Northeast region is lower than The median age of the Northeast region’s population is higher than the Figure 9: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
that of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the Northeast median age of the city.
50%
region has 3.45 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in
Table 19: Median Age Comparison, 2010 45% Northeast Region
the region is 31.3, compared to the city’s 8.63.
40% City of Kalamazoo
Table 16: Population, 2016 NORTHEAST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE 35%
30%
2010 32.9 26.5 +6.4
NORTHEAST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL 25%
2016 6,122 75,885 8% 20%
15%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following 10%
groupings: 5%
• Under 5 (Pre School) 0%
Households • 5 to 19 (School Aged) PRE SCHOOL SCHOOL AGED FAMILY FORMING MATURE FAMILIES RETIREMENT
Similar to population percentage, the Northeast region makes up 7% of the • 20 to 44 (Family Forming) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
total households in the city.
Table 17: Households, 2016 • Over 65 (Retirement) The graph above indicates the breakdown of age groups in the Northeast
region is more evenly distributed than that of the city as a whole. The age
The table below compares the age structure of the specified region with that
NORTHEAST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL group with the highest percentage is the family forming group.
of the City of Kalamazoo.
2016 2,082 28,557 7%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Race
NORTHEAST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO Identifying the racial makeup of a community is important when determining
the types of recreation facilities that are recommended for the community.
As indicated below, Whites and Blacks or African Americans are strongly
School Aged 1,517 15,573 represented in the Northeast region.
The median income of the Northeast region is slightly below the city’s
median income. Family Forming 1,832 33,389
Mature Families 1,324 13,520 Figure 10: Race, Northeast Region, 2010
Table 18: Household Median Income Comparison, 2010
Retirement 781 6,993
NORTHEAST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE TOTAL 5,937 74,262 White
2010 $ 31,809 $ 34,767 -$2,958 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census American Indian and Alaskan Native
Asian
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census and ESRI 2018 Forecast Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races

Northeast Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the Northeast Parks Planning Region.
Table 21: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within Northeast Region

QUANTITY 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 0 2
Spring Valley Park Rockwell Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park Spring Valley Park
LOCATIONS
Rockwell Park Rockwell Park Sherwood Park Rockwell Park Rockwell Park
Sherwood Park

Mini Parks /
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 22: North Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE NORTHEAST REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles distribution throughout the Northeast Region. When evaluating parks CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN NORTHEAST REGION DEFICIENCY
and recreation service areas, it is important to closely consider where
Mini Parks 0.25 1.53 0 - 1.53
the residents in the region live. The MDNR establishes a recommended
Community Parks / service area for each park classification to determine the areas in the Neighborhood Parks 2.0 12.24 10.3 - 1.94
community that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities The
Natural Resource Area service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left. Community Parks 5.0 30.61 0 - 30.61
0.5 – 3.0 miles The table to the right evaluates the Northeast region’s park acreage Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 44.38 10.3 - 34.08
in comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the
Large Urban Parks / State. However, the standards are general in nature and do not reflect
the quality of the facilities, the character of the community or other local Large Urban Park Variable 0
Regional Parks / differences that affect community recreation facility needs. While the
Sports Complex / comparison above may indicate deficiency in several categories, when Regional Parks 10.0 61.22 181.19 + 119.97
the types of parks and the amenities of each is considered, especially
Special Use Spring Valley Park, the Northeast region is well served by parks and
Sports Complex Variable
30 minute driving time recreation facilities. Special Use Variable
Total > 15.25 > 105.60 191.49 + 85.89

Cooper
To w n s h i p
Richland
To w n s h i p
Park Service
Radii
City of
Parchment
October 30, 2018

DRAFT

Spring
Valley Park Large Parks Service Radii
Parks
Region_Transparency
Comstock
To w n s h i p
Krom & Prouty
Kalamazoo
To w n s h i p
Verburg Park Rockwell Park
Farrell Park
Martin
Luther King Rose Park
Memorial Park Veteran's
Memorial Sherwood Park
East Gateway
0 1,000 2,000
Mayor's
Riverfront FEET
Park
Bronson Park
Dutton Park

Northeast Region
Underserved
Areas
The Northeast Parks Planning Region
has two parks that are “worth walking
ten minutes to get to” – Rockwell
and Sherwood. Spring Valley Park is
a regional gem, but it is so large that
walking to it is impractical, as destinations
within it could be a 15-20 minute walk
from the park boundary. The Rose Park
Veterans Memorial is a community asset,
but not an active recreational opportunity.
As shown on the map, the northeast side near Rockwell and
Sherwood is well-served by parks in walking distance. But the
far northeastern portion of the Planning Region has only Spring
Valley Park, and even that is more than 10 minutes away from the
most northerly streets.
To reduce underserved areas in the Northeast Planning Region,

the Parks Department will do the following:
• Pursue upgrades to Spring Valley Park that place parks

amenities at the edges of the park, near key entrance points,
particularly on the north side of the park.
• Upgrades to the amenities at Verburg Park would also serve

northeast side residents, particularly those who live too far
west to be within a 10 minute walk of Rockwell or Sherwood.
opportunities for acquisition, although this is not as high a
priority as upgrading amenities at Spring Valley

Map: Walkable Regions_NE Northeast Parks

Glenhaven Ave
Planning Region
Mead St
Corlot St
Parchmount Ave
October 30, 2018
C o u rt l andt Av e
DRAFT
G l en d a l e B l vd
Park Ave
Birch Ave
Ashton Ave
Michael Ave
Onondaga Ave
Broo k mont D r
Mount Oliv et R d
A l pine S t
Virginia Ave
10 Minute Walk Area
Cimarron
D
R ando m Rd
r
Sonora St
Spring
Central
Nazareth Rd
Burke Acres Valley Park
Av e
O a k cre e k
Edison
E Mosel Ave
Milwood
Gu
ll R
d
North
S p r i ng
Val
ley D r
Northeast
Old Riverview Dr
South
Rd
Versluis/Dickinson v et
Oli
Softball Complex un
t
Mo
Southwest
Ave
Cobb Ave
Wo odward
West
I n v e rn
ess
N Rose St
Union St
Ln
S R ive
rvi
Krom & Prouty Harrison St

ew Dr
Dr
Pa r k
g Va ll ey
Spr in
N Edwards St
Krom St
W Prouty St
Princeton E Prouty St
Park
Lulu St
Bosker Ave
N Church St
Princeton Ave
N P i t ch
La Crone Park
W Paterson St
Verburg Park
e r St
Northside E Paterson St
Rockwell Park
Charlotte Av e
William St
N Burdick St
Norway Ave
Elizabeth St
d
ll R
N Edwards St
N Park St
N P i tcher St
Gu
Center St
Pa r s o ns St
Hazard Ave
Mabel St
Farrell Park
Amp erse e
Wallac e Ave
Fairbanks Ave
S outh w o r th Te r
Florence St
Ave
Harrison S t
Dwight Ave
Porter St
Walbridge St
W Frank St
N W estned g e Av e
E No r th St
Hotop Ave
Eastside
Gilbert Ave
N Rose St
W North S t
Phelps Ave
W Ransom St
Martin Luther King E R ansom St
Sherwood Ave
Memorial Park
Edwin Ave
E H a r kin s Ct
Rose Park
St
Willard St
Veteran's ain
EM
Stuart
W Willard St Charles Ave
Memorial
Kal Hav e n Trl Sherwood Park
East Gateway e
E M ichiga n Av
E Kal a m azo o Av e
0 2,000 4,000
W Kala m a z oo Av e
T r i m b l e Av e
l St
h ik a
Mic
NP
NE
Elm St
it
che
d
Eleanor S t
wa
rS
rds
CBD
St
S t
te r
FEET
Ro
E Wa
W. Main Park W Water St
ch
es
Mayor's
te r
Av
Riverfront
e
Nazaret h Rd
West Park
W Michigan Ave
Kalamazo o Ma l l
e
a n Av
hi g
Mic
S Westnedge Ave
Main W Bronson Park

Academy St
Hill G i bs o n St
W S o u th St E So u th S t Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

West Gateway Edison Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
S Mills St
Po
rt
ag
W Lovell St
E Lovel l S t
e
St
S Rose St
S Park St
Davis St
S Bu r dick St
Sh
W Cedar St
Oak St
eld
Jo h n
on
Locust St
Pearl St
Potter St
E Crosstown Pkwy
Vine
St
St
t
dS
2n
W Walnut St
Jasper St
Dutton Park E Walnut S t

4th St
Ki
ng
S Pitcher H wy
W Dutton St St

Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The Northeast Park Planning Region has important
sidewalk gaps near parks. Rockwell is not reached by
sidewalks on any adjoining street, and there are no
sidewalks on Wallace Avenue adjacent to Sherwood
Park. Mt. Olivet Road only has sidewalks on the north/
west side of the street, not adjacent to Spring Valley
Park, and Brook Drive, which also provides access to
Spring Valley Park, has no sidewalks at all.
The Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan envisions bicycle infrastructure on
Riverview and Mt. Olivet Roads, which would improve access to Spring Valley Park,
as well as a trail through the park itself. That plan also envisions a bicycle loop along
E. Michigan Avenue, E. Main Street, and Wallace Avenue that would serve Sherwood
Park. There are no plans in Imagine Kalamazoo for improved non-motorized access to
Rockwell Park (although it is only two blocks from E. Main Street).
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the Northeast Planning Region are:
• Constructing sidewalks along Wallace Avenue, from E. Michigan Avenue to Center

Street, to improve access to Sherwood and Rockwell Parks.
• Constructing sidewalks along Center Street from Hazard Avenue to Wallace

Avenue, and along Trimble Avenue between Center Street and Humphrey Street, to
improve access to Rockwell Park.
• Improving pedestrian safety along Trimble Avenue where it cuts Rockwell Park into
two pieces, including a signed and painted crosswalk.
• Improving parking at Rockwell Park, including redesigning Trimble Avenue to better

accommodate on-street parking.
• Adding bicycle parking at Rockwell, Spring Valley, and Sherwood Parks.
• Adding additional points of access to Spring Valley Park, to allow it to better serve
the surrounding residents.

Map: NE Connectivity and Access Plan Cooper

To w n s h i p
Richland
To w n s h i p Northeast Parks
Glenhaven Ave
Briarwood Dr
Planning Region
Mead St
Corlot St
Bard Ave
City of Parchmount Ave
Parchment
Clarnin
October 30, 2018
St
Glendale Blvd
Park Ave
Birch Ave
DRAFT
Ashton Ave
Sunfield St
Dexter Ave
Michael Ave
Onondaga Ave
Random Rd
Parkdale Blvd
Courtlandt Ave
Brookmont Dr
Alpin e St
Mount Olivet R d
Chandler Ave
Virginia Ave
rra
Range St
Sie t
S
NMTP_2025
Cimarron Dr
Sonora St
Troy Ave
B ro
Nazareth Rd
Sla ok
Dr
Sidewalks
ve
ek A
ter Dr
cre
Oak
Spring Parks
Shasta Dr
E Mosel Ave
Valley Park Burke Acres
M
on
te
re
y
D
r
d
ll R
Gu
D rview
Borgess Dr
r
S p g Valley D
rive
Ox
ri n
Riv
e
for
Re
Old rvice
dS
Shannon
ge
Se
Glenc o e Ct
t
nt
Ct
St
Heathe r d
Bohner Ct Dorrel Ct
Walden Ct Talbot
Old Riverview Dr S Riv
Meadowood Ct
Rd Larkin o w Ct
et Ct ns L
liv n
tO ay
un sW ll
Invern e s
Mo Gu
As Av
n
b a Rd
bu e
Al
int
ry
Herbert St S a
sL
Comstock
n
ervie
W Hopkins St E Hopkins St
To w n s h i p
Union St
N Rose St
wD
Krom & Prouty D

r
Martin St HarrisonS t y Par k

r
un Rd g Valle
Mo livet Sprin
t
O
Krom St
N Edwards St
W Prouty St E Prouty St
Kalamazoo
W Clay St E Clay St To w n s h i p
Paterson Ct
N Rose St
N Pitc her S
N Burdick St
Verburg Park
Southworth Ter
W Paterson St Rockwell Park

t
E Paterson St Humphrey St
Northside
Charlotte Ave
Albert Ave Albert Ave

N Pitcher St
W Bush St E Bush St
Gordon
Trimble Ave
Beacon St
Richardson St Pl
Norway d
N Edwards St
Roberson St ll R
Fairbanks Ave
Ave Wattles Pl
Gu W
Hazard Ave
Center St all
a
Av ce
Farrell Park Parsons St
Wallace Ave
Ampers
e
St
Southworth Ter
Scudder Ct
y
Darden Ct Myrtle St Ra Alexander St
ee Ave
Dwight Ave
Verdries Ct Dearborn Ave

W Frank St
River
Hinsdell Pl
Judge
Ave
Gilbert Ave
St Fairbanks Ct
Hotop Ave
E North St
Walbridge St
W North St
Harrison St
Kenilworth Ave
Martin
Phelps Ave
E Butler Ct E Butler Ct
Porter St
W Butler Ct av
Rose Park
C
e s Ct Sherwood Ave
Luther King
Ho
E Ransom St
Ampersee Ave
race Ave
Memorial Park E Harkins Ct Veteran's Engleman Ave St

ain
Willard St
Memorial EM
Sherwood Park
Cleveland St
Charles Ave
Edwin Ave
W Harrison E Harrison E Harrison Ct E e Oak

Mills St Av
Ct Ct E Michigan Av
e Trimble Ct Openings St
0 1,000 2,000
Foresman
Blaine
Chicago
E Kalamazoo Ave
St
Ave
W Kalamazoo Ave
N
Dr Elder St The
Mills St
ay Oneil St
rkw Mayor's Schippers Ln
Parkway Dr
Dells St
N
Highland Av e
East Gateway Pa
N
Pi
Eleanor St
tc
Riverfront
Ed
Oonah Pl
he
wa
Ro
r
FEET
t
St
S es
r
ter
ch
ds
E Wa Ct
te
Park
St
W Water St r
Nazareth Rd
He
C urke
ng nry
Inli
S
EM
Av
Ct
Edison
Ed
Aly ich
B
e
iga
tes
t
wa
Po nA
W Michigan Ave rta Ba
rd t
v
ge
s
E Excha
S
Eastside
St
S Rose St
S Church St
ng
t
Devisser Aly
Farmers
CBD gS
e
Torrin Dr
E
Kalamazoo Mall S Burd
rin Ki
Pl
M Ave
Sp Gibson St ng
ich
Aly
Hw
ig
St
y
a
W South St E South St
n
S Mills St
rl
Ea
t
Fi
C
sh
ing
Henrietta St
p r Walnut St
rS
SP
Connec tcher
W Lovell St E Lovell St S itch Lincol

t
er n St
Care Plz
Vine
tor
Health
/ Pi
She l
St
2nd St
Hic
Healthcare Plz
do
Portage
kory
n
ick St
W Cedar St
J oh
E Crosstown Pkwy
s Ct
St
Ct
Den
Smith
Hibbard Ave
Glady
n St
St
Ct
Bleyker Pl
Skinner Dr
2nd
Kr
Jasper St
om
She t
W Walnut St E Walnut St t 4th St

dy
nS
Ki wy
Mil Ct
utto
ke
ok
S
ldon
ng
H
ED
lar
Burnham Dr
Ct
Ko
Bronson Dr
Ct

Rockwell Park
A D D R ES S
1106 Trimble Ave.

Eastside
S I ZE :
5.1 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Nestled in between Barrier Free Assessment: Rockwell court, skateboard plaza, and Action Plan: Rockwell Park should Aspirations: Large-scale
Hazard Avenue and Trimble park has limited accessibility due swimming pool strive to increase accessibility improvements to Rockwell park
2014-2018
Playground, Basketball,
Pathway Avenue, Rockwell Park is located to few paved or hard surface paths. • Improvements to existing by extending hard surfaces to included improving the surfaces of
in a residential neighborhood. The Persons with a disability may find it amenities including more the amenities on either side of the playground and the basketball
2019
park features, tennis courts on challenging to reach the interior of BBQ grills, more seating, Trimble Avenue. The City should court and adding a pathway
2020 the west side of Trimble Avenue the park. new fencing, more garbage also consider adding sidewalks throughout the park. These
and a basketball court on the east. cans, and more frequent lawn along Trimble Avenue and Hazard improvements were completed in
2021
The park also has a play structure, Public Input: The fourth field day Avenue. Future Rockwell Park 2018.
maintenance
picnic tables and benches, on- event was held at Rockwell Park improvements might include
2022 • Large scale improvements
street parking, and permanent on July 26, 2018. Attendees to the accessible bathrooms, and
2023 event would like to see: include a neighborhood teen
bathrooms. center, access to technology, accessible drinking fountains.
2024-2029 • More and improved play and new and bigger bathrooms.
COST Previously Expended equipment
FUNDING
• A variety of activities including
SOURCE Previously Expended a splash pad, pickleball

Sherwood Park
A D D R ES S
300 Wallace Ave.

Eastside
S I ZE :
5.2 Acres
Community Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Sherwood Park is Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: There were no Action Plan: Sherwood Park should Aspirations: The City should
2014-2018
situated on a wooded lot with playground and picnic area is specific comments for Sherwood strive to increase accessibility continue to monitor health of trees
mature trees and is most suited accessible using a paved path Park. General comments for parks building sidewalks on Oonah Place and begin active tree management
2019 for nature walks. Additionally, the connected to the on-street parking. included adding emergency and Wallace Avenue and adding program to ensure longevity of
park features a playground, picnic phones, permanent restrooms, handicap parking signage to the the park as a shaded space. The
2020
benches, and bike racks. doggy waste bags, and bring on-street space closest to the park City should also explore additional
2021 Master Plan electricity and technology such as entrance on Oonah Place. amenities to add to the park such
2022 wireless internet to the parks. as a dog run or a mini disc golf
course. A master planning process
2023
is intended to begin in 2021 with
2024-2029 implementation in 2022.
COST
$8,000 (for plan) +
implementation costs
SOURCE Grants

Spring Valley Park
A D D R ES S
2600 Mt. Olivet

Burke Acres
S I ZE :
181.19 Acres
Regional/Metropolitan
Park
Amenities: As the largest park Barrier Free Assessment: Spring Public Input: During the public Action Plan: Spring Valley Park Aspirations: Future improvements
ACTION PLAN in the City, Spring Valley attracts Valley Park features a paved shared engagement sessions Spring Valley offers a wide variety of amenities, are to be determined in the later
2014-2018 visitors from across the region. The use path around the perimeter Park received a couple of specific and continued maintenance of the years of the planning period.
park features 3.2 miles of paved of the lake which is connected to comments. The first was to clean park is of upmost importance.
2019
trail, a tree walk, fishing dock, park amenities such as benches, up the lake, and the second was
2020 canoe launch, disc gold course, pavilions, and playscapes. The to add a sidewalk entrance to
pavilions, and playscapes. pavilion is zero-step entry. the park at Brook Drive. General
2021
comments which apply to Spring
2022 Valley included adding emergency
phones, add doggy waste bags,
2023
and bring electricity and technology
2024-2029 such as wireless internet to the
park.
FUNDING

4
The Central Planning Area
made up of three neighborhoods:
Central Business District (CBD),
Stuart, and Vine. Seven parks are
located in the Central region:
Bronson Park
East Gateway Park
Dutton Street Park
Rose Park Veteran’s Memorial
Davis Street Park
Axtell Creek
Central Planning Region

Action Plan
CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Central Parks
Farrell Park Burke Acres
Verburg Park
Northside Planning Region

Fairmont Rose Park City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Martin Veteran's Eastside
Luther King Memorial
Memorial Park
East Gateway October 30, 2018
Stuart DRAFT
Henderson Mayor's
Park Riverfront
Park
W. Main Park
Henderson
CBD
Tot Lot
Academy Green Central
Bronson Park
Edison
West Main
Hill West Gateway Milwood
Lovell Park North
Northeast
South
Southwest
West
Dutton Park
Upjohn Park
Davis Park South

Westnedge Edison
WMU/KRPH Park
Vine
South Gateway
Axtell Creek 0 875 1,750
FEET
Reed
Street
Southside Park Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data
Oakland/Winchell Westnedge
Hill

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Central Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the Central Parks Planning Region.
Population Age
The population density (persons/acre) for the Central region is almost double Figure 11: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
The median age of the Central region’s population is slightly below the
that of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the Central region
median age of the city. 70%
has 8.51 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the
region is 1.5, compared to the city’s 8.63. Table 26: Median Age of the Central Area Comparison, 2010 60%
Central Region
City of Kalamazoo
Table 23: Population of the Central Region, 2016 CENTRAL REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE 50%
CENTRAL REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL 2010 26.4 26.5 - .1 40%
2016 7,792 75,885 10% Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 30%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 20%
To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following
groupings: 10%
Households • Under 5 (Pre School) 0%

PRE SCHOOL SCHOOL AGED FAMILY FORMING MATURE FAMILIES RETIREMENT
Similar to population, the Central region makes up 13% of the total • 5 to 19 (School Aged)
households in the city. • 20 to 44 (Family Forming)
Table 24: Households of the Central Region, 2016 • Over 65 (Retirement) The age group with the largest percentage is persons in the family-forming
age group. Over 60% of the population in this region is within the family
CENTRAL REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL The chart below compares the age structure of the specified region with that forming age group. This exceeds the city’s own 45% for this age group.
2016 3,656 28,557 13%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Table 27: Population of the Central Region Distributed by Age Structure, 2010 Race
CENTRAL REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO The Central region is primarily White, with 75% of the population.
Figure 12: Race, Central Region, 2010
The median income of the Central region is below the city’s median income. School Aged 873 15,573
White
CENTRAL REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE
Retirement 520 6,993 Black or African American
2010 $ 22,929 $ 34,767 - $11,838 TOTAL 8,250 74,262 Asian
Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Some other race
Two or more races
The age group with the largest percentage is persons in the family-forming Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
age group. Over 60% of the population in this region is within the family
forming age group. This exceeds the city’s own 45% for this age group.

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Central Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the Central Parks Planning Region.
Table 28: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the Central Region

QUANTITY 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 2 0 0
Davis Street Park Axtell Creek Axtell Creek Axtell Creek
LOCATIONS
Davis Street Park South Westnedge Park Davis Street Park

Dutton Street Park Rose Park Veteran’s
Memorial

Mini Parks /
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 29: Central Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE CENTRAL REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles distribution throughout the Central Region. When evaluating parks and CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN CENTRAL REGION DEFICIENCY
recreation service areas, it is important to closely consider where the
Mini Parks 0.25 1.95 8.73 + 6.28
residents in the region live. The MDNR establishes a recommended
Natural Resource Area service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left. Community Parks 5.0 39.0 0 - 39.00
0.5 – 3.0 miles The table above evaluates the Central region’s park acreage in Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 56.55 12.27 - 44.28
comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the
the quality of the facilities, the character of the community or other Large Urban Park Variable 0
Regional Parks / local differences that affect community recreation facility needs. The
Sports Complex / comparison above indicates deficiencies in several categories. The Regional Parks 10.0 78.0 0 - 78.00
challenge in this region is a lack of dedicated park space. The largest
Special Use park in the region is Bronson Park with 3.62 acres. This region consists
Sports Complex Variable 0
30 minute driving time of mini and neighborhood parks. However, the service area and ten Special Use Variable 0
minute walk area are well covered as shown in the following map.
Total > 15.25 134.55 12.27 - 122.78

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Fairmount Farrell Park Park Service

Dog Park
Martin
Verburg Park
Radii
Luther King
Veteran's
October 30, 2018
Memorial DRAFT
Henderson East Gateway
Park
W. Main Park
Bronson Park Large Parks Service Radii
Academy Green Parks
West Gateway
Region_Transparency
Lovell Park
Dutton Park
Upjohn Park
South
Davis Park Westnedge
Park
South Gateway
Axtell Creek
Reed 0 940 1,880
Street
FEET
Park

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Central Region
Underserved
Areas
Most of the Central Parks Planning Region
is well-served by walkable parks. Only a
portion of the Stuart neighborhood and
some corners of the Vine neighborhood
are not served. There are several parks
“worth walking ten minutes to get to” –
Bronson, Davis, South Westnedge, and
Axtell Creek. A continuous street grid
also helps residents get to parks.
Because this section of the City is well-served, it is not the priority
of the Parks Department at this time to add parks in the Central
Parks Planning Region.

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
(MAP) W Frank St
Farrell Park E Frank St Burke Acres
Verburg Park
Bridge St
Central Parks
Av e
Dou
N Prai r i e
Planning Region
Rd
Wo o dward Ave
Hotop Ave
ull
g las
E No r t h St
S Rive rvie w Dr
G
Av e
Denner St
W Nor th St
Northside
N Wes t nedge Ave
Porter St
Harrison St
Walbridge St
Martin Luther King E R an so m S t
N B u rd i ck S t
Memorial Park
Fairmont Jefferson Ave E H ar k in s C t
Rose Park Eastside City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Hil b ert St Veteran's
Willard St
Forbes St
N Park St
W Willard St
Memorial
Stuart Ave
K a l Ha v e n Trl
October 30, 2018
N Rose St
Stuart
N Chu r c h S t
E Kal a m azo o Av e E M i c h igan Ave
W K a l ama z oo Av e
DRAFT
Ingleside Ter
W Main S l St East Gateway
Elm St
t a
Mi c h ik
NP
Henderson
NE
it
Mayor's
che
d
Eleanor S t
Park
wa
rS
Riverfront
rds
t
St
ter
St Park
Ro
E Wa
W. Main Park W Water S t
ch
es
Mon ro e S t
te r
Av
CBD
e
G r a nd Ave
Henderson
Ki
W Michigan Ave
10 Minute Walk Area
ng
Kalamazoo M a ll
Hw
Tot Lot
y
Bronson Park
Central
West Main
Academy St
Academy Green Av
e Gibso n St
Hill i ch
iga
n
E So u th S t
Edison
WM W S o u th St
Lovell Park West Gateway Po

rta Milwood
S Westnedge Av e
g
W Lovell St
e
North
St
E Lovel l S t
Sprague Ave
Burrows Rd
Dr
ad
ium Northeast
S h el
St W Cedar St
do
South
nS
Potter St
E Crosstown Pkwy
t
t
Locust St
dS
Southwest
an A ve
i ch i g 2n
WM
W Walnut St
Dutton Park E Walnut S t
West
Jasper St
Pea rl S t
S Mills St
S P i tche r St
W Dutton St
Jo hn St E Dutton
Davis S t
S t
W Vine St
E Vine St
O li v e r S t
Upjohn Park
Village St
Jackson St
Davis Park South
Ca ss St G rant St
Westnedge Edison
WMU/KRPH
St
Minor Ave
Park
se
o
Vine
SR
S B u r d i c k St
Dr
nd
kla
Wheaton Ave Lake St

Oak St
Oa
St
S hor
nt South Gateway
Ba
Ke
nk
tR
St
d
Axtell St
Fores t St
Gar Ln Washington Ave
McCourtie St
Me rrill S t
Axtell Creek E Stockbridge Ave 0 1,000 2,000

Pioneer St
Race St
Lon
g Rd
Egleston Ave
FEET
W Crossto w n P k w y Balch St
Fair St
Ree d Ct
Clinton Ave
Southside Reed Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
Hays Park Ave
Street
St
Howard St
ark
Park
SP
Reed Ave
S Pa rk St
Oakland/Winchell Hillcrest Ave

Westnedge
WM
Hill Lay Blvd
a p le
St

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The Central Planning Region has sidewalks
nearly continuously throughout. All parks
are well-served by sidewalks. The Planning
Region is also the convergence of many
bicycle routes planned for in Imagine
Kalamazoo, and all parks are served by bike
routes (Dutton is one block off the Park Street
bike route, all others are directly on bike
routes).
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the Central Planning Region are:
• Work to make all major corridors in the Central Planning Region

true Complete Streets, with a particular focus on the major one-way
corridors (Michigan, Kalamazoo, Westnedge, and Park).

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
(MAP) Burke Acres

Central Parks
Darden Ct Myr tle St
N Pitcher
St
Scudder
Woodward Ave
Cooley Princeton
Florence St
Farrell Park
Hawley St
Fairmount Blakeslee St
R ay
Drexel Pl
Ct
Conant St
Woodbury
Verdries Ct Verburg Park
N Edwards St
Staples Ave
Lawrence St
Cobb Ave
Ave
Burrell
Simpson St
Ave
Bridge St
St
E Frank St
Dog Park
Planning Region
Cadillac St
Stuart Ave
Ave
Summit Ave W Frank St
Judge
Ave
Harrison St
Rd
Hawley St
Do
Nola St Ada St ll H otop
Northside
St
Gu
Denner St
Lantern
ug
E North St Ave
Su rk C
las
Ln
Walbridge St
s Ct
Pa
mm t
Ave
N Burdick St
W North St E Butler Ct
Elmwood Ct
Jefferson Pl
E Butler Ct e
W Butler Ct
Rose Park Cav City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Summer St
it
Lucas
Ct E Ransom St
Willard Ct
Jefferson Ct W Ransom St
Veteran's
N Westnedge Ave
Jefferson Ave
Porter St
W Harkins Ct E Harkins Ct
Greenwich Pl
Jefferson Ave Elmwood St Willard St
Memorial
N Park St
N Church St
Forbes St
Fairmont W Willard St
October 30, 2018
Elm St
Stuart Eastside
W Harrison E Harrison
Stuart Ave
Kal E Harrison Ct
Do Haven Trl
DRAFT
Mitchell Pl
Av ugl Ct Ct
Martin Luther higan Ave
Ingleside Ter
Prospe e as E Kalamazoo Ave E Mic
Cooley St
Henderson ouglas Ct W Kalamazoo Ave Dr
ct Pl
Ferris ay
King Memorial
D
l St
East Gateway rkKw
Parkway Dr
N
Douglas Ter a
Ct i ka
Park P
Pi
St ch in
i g
tc
Eleanor St
Park
Ed
ct Eleanor St M Hw
he
Kalam
wa
Ro
Pros y
rS
Prospe
Orchard Pl
p / St es
r
ec ter
ch
ds
ElmAly
St
t
H ill St te
N Rose St
E Wa
Cooley Ct
t
e
St
Elm P W Water St r
t
n C
azoo
St
M onro
Grand Ave W Ma i n S l lle ling

nd t In
CBD
Av
ect
Gra ve t kS
Old
A
Ed
ly
Allen
ree
Blvd
e
son St
A sA
NMTP_2025
S Church St
sp
Ct
wa
C te
St
Academy Ba
Pro
Catherine
n
Ct W Michigan Ave
rd t
Acker L
in Ct
Bulkley
s
e W Exchange Pl E Excha
S
Thomp
sid
St
Sidewalks
Green Ma
ng
k St
Farmers
oo
e
Torrin Dr
Kalamazoo Mall
W Br ing
Pl
Academy St Po
West
Corporation r
Sp
Bronson Park rta
Parks
Aly
ge
Devisser
West Gateway
Aly
College St
E South St
Conne itcher
Aly
W South St
W South St Grove Rd
Main Normal Vw St
John Pl
t
Fi
D
Lovell Park
r
gC
Saint
nd
ctor
sh
kla
Sprague Ave
rin
e/P
Henrietta St
e
S Westnedge Ave
p St
rS
ve
Hill E Lovell St S son
a
A W Lovell St
O
t
n Gib
Care Plz
Potter St
Portag
ig a
Eldred St
Bellevue Pl
ic h
Health
Burrows Rd
Reese Ct
WM
Hic
Bellevue Pl Pearl Ct
Healthcare
Stone St
Dr Leebarton Ct
kor
Crawford St ium
Plz
ad W Cedar St
yC
Ave St E Cedar Ct
s Ct
Pearl St
Walnut Ct
igan
t
h Normal Glady
Mic Locust St Edgar St St
Old Ct Cedar Ct 2nd kw
y
Ave
Kr
higan nP
p us Dr
Jo hn St
om
WM
ic W Walnut St E Walnut St st ow
Ct
ros
dy
Dutton Park Federal
EC
ok
k
Burnham Dr r
SP
eC
Hoffman Ct Ct
am
Ko
s on D
C i tcher St
Duffield
M Ct
Vanderc
E W Dutton St
Davis St
E Dutton St E Dutto
illa
Ct Bron n St
Dutton
Walwood Pl Roskam Ct
Ln
Upjohn Park
rd
s Wilrad
Pl
es Ct
Central Pl
Village Ct
oo
Pr
W Vine St
Oliver St O liver Ln E Vine St
Locust Pl
Vin e Pl
k Ln
Austin St
Walte
Rose
Boerman Ave
WMU/KRPH
Grant Ct
Ranney St Pkwy
Jasper
kson
Ct
Davis Park Jac t Jackson St
r
Village St Rose Pl
se
Houston Ro Heilman Ct S
John St
St
S Westnedge Ct Hoek Ct
Oak Ct
Fello ws Ave St
Cottage Ave
Cass St Grant St Pl
Burr
e St
Newton Ct
Ne
Minor Ave os Burr Oak St r St Harrigan
Car
wl
an
Upjohn D r Ct
SR
Laura Ct
Oak St
dP
Vine Wall St
Wall St
South Gateway
l
Lake St
Wheaton Ave
Park Pl Portage
S h or
John
Ba
Newell
Edison
John S
St
nt Oak Street Ct
South Street Ct Ct
nk
Pl
Ke Skirrow Pl Vandersalm Ct
P orta
tR
St
Axtell St
Westnedge Collins St
d
ey
t
Dew e
ge C
Born Ct
Av
Forest St Park d
t
John St
W Marketplace B l v
Molhoeks Ct Delaware
St
Den oc Ct
Low Rd McCourtie St k
Av bri d ge
Merrill St
Kent Cir
Axtell Creek Adel Ct e E Stockbridge Ave
High R d
Cal
hou
Lon
g Rd
Pioneer St
Richard Ave
Reed 0 940 1,880
Egleston Ave
nS
t Street
Reed Ct
W Crosstown Pkw y Balch St
Southside Clinton Ave Park FEET

S Rose St
Ho W Emerson St
Fair St
H cut wa E Emerson St Hays
cu owa off rd/O Terrace Ct
St
Park Ave
S Park St
to rd ak
ff
ark
/O la Howard St Reed Ave

ak nd
SP
la Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.

State St
nd
High St
Elgin St
Brentwood
Indiana St
Westnedge
Eva
Stearns Ave
Belford St
nsto Hillcrest Ave Beekman Ct Beekman Ct Maple
n Av Vanzee St Lay Blvd
St
e
Hudson Ave
Ct
S Bu rdick
Maple Ct
ge
Ave
Hill Vernon Ct
t
rta
rk S
W Maple St n Blvd W Maple St E Maple St Lane Blvd
Po
nso
Oakland/Winchell
S Pa
B ro
Bryant St
St

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Bronson Park
A D D R ES S
200 W. South Street

Central Business District

S I ZE :
3.62 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: This urban park is Barrier Free Assessment: Bronson Public Input: Public input was • Amenity suggestions include: Action Plan: Wayfinding signage
served by many amenities. The park Park is highly accessible with paved collected during the Lunch Time • Permanent bathrooms should be maintained on site to
2014-2018
has benches throughout, several paths throughout., and amenities Live event at Bronson Park. The • More shelters for protection ensure visitors are aware of the
Furnishings, Lighting well-maintained lawns, and large (benches and waste receptacles) following comments were received: amenities provided. Signage should
2019 from the elements
Signage, Honor Walk shade trees. The stage located at are located along the paved paths. • Overall satisfaction with the also direct visitors to nearby shops,
• Play equipment designed for
the west end of the park provides Sidewalks line the park on each current programming, but restaurants, and parking.
2020 small children
a performance space while the side and intersect with curb cuts at participants would like to see
2021 Veteran’s Memorial at the northeast each street crossing. Crosswalks • BBQ grills Aspirations: Park improvements
more events at Bronson Park are set to be implemented in 2019.
2022 corner offers a space for reflection. are signaled and striped with • New water feature
and other City parks These will include furnishings,
warning strips. Sidewalks
2023 • Participants would like to see General comments which apply lighting, signage, and an honor
on adjacent blocks support
2024-2029 nighttime events for older kids to Bronson Park included adding walk. Additional improvements are
connectivity to the park, in addition
and adults emergency phones, add doggy yet to be determined for 2020.
2019: Need number from to having nearby handicap parking.
Rachel • Participants also described waste bags, and bring electricity
COST
their frustration with smokers and technology such as wireless
2020: To Be Determined internet to the park.
in the park and targeting the
FUNDING Parks Department Funds/ homeless population.
SOURCE Grants

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
East Gateway Park
A D D R ES S
309 E Water Street


S I ZE :
0.5 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: East Gateway, the first Barrier Free Assessment: East Public Input: There were no Action Plan: East Gateway Park Aspirations: As an entrance to
ACTION PLAN of three in the city, serves as an Gateway is curbed on all sides and specific comments for East should continue to be maintained the Central Business District
2014-2018 entrance, welcoming visitors to does not have pedestrian crossing Gateway Park. including seasonal or landscaping neighborhood of the Central
Kalamazoo. The park features a connections. The interior of the displays that is changed throughout region, East Gateway Park could
2019 “Kalamazoo” masonry monument. gateway is landscaped. the year. incorporate additional signage,
2020 monuments, or displays that are
unique to the CBD neighborhood.
2021
2022
2023
2024-2029 To Be Determined
FUNDING To Be Determined
SOURCE

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Dutton Street Park
A D D R ES S
224 W. Dutton Street

Vine
S I ZE :
0.69 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Dutton Street Park Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: Residents specifically Action Plan: Dutton Street Aspirations: The City’s planned
ACTION PLAN is located within a residential Amenities at Dutton Street Park mentioned the need to add picnic Park should strive to increase improvements to Dutton Park are
2014-2018 neighborhood with easy access via are accessible using sidewalks tables, restrooms, and a big kid play accessibility by extending the yet to be determined. However,
2019
on-street parking, sidewalks, and and paved paths throughout the structure at Dutton Street Park. paved path to the road and create Dutton Park should strive to
paved paths. The park features a interior of the park. Benches and a curb cut directly adjacent to the become a park “worth a ten minute
2020 central green space and a medium- the play structure are located near park. walk.” In addition to the amenities
sized play structure. the paved path for additional ease mentioned in the public input,
2021
of access. installing a pavilion and basketball
2022 court would increase patronage of
2023
the park as well as add amenities
currently lacking in the Central
2024-2029 region.
COST
FUNDING
SOURCE

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Rose Park Veteran’s Memorial
A D D R ES S
645 E. Michigan Ave.


S I ZE :
0.56 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Rose Park Veteran’s Barrier Free Assessment: While Public Input: There were no Action Plan: All pedestrian Aspirations: Park maintenance
2014-2018 Irrigation Memorial is located on the the park is largely accessible due specific comments for Rose Park crossings should be improved and beautification should continue
2019 Kalamazoo River adjacent to the to the paved paths throughout, Veterans Memorial. with ramps with warning pads, to be a priority for Rose Park
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. connections to the park should lighted or flashing signals, and Veteran’s Memorial. The City’s
2020 Sidewalks through the interior of be considered for accessibility. timed crosswalk signals. Signage planned improvements to Rose
2021 the park connect the trail with the The park is directly adjacent to E. should also be included on-site to Park Veterans Memorial are yet to
memorial. Visitors to the site must Michigan Avenue and persons with address access for parking and the be determined.
2022 park at a nearby business and a disability may have a difficult time park’s connectivity via pedestrian
2023 walk in. crossing the street to access the crossings and the Kalamazoo River
park. Valley Trail.
2024-2029 To Be Determined
COST Previously Expended
Previously Expended; Post
FUNDING 2024: Private Donations
SOURCE (Kalamazoo Sunrise Rotary
Endowment)

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Davis Street Park
A D D R ES S
901 Davis Street

Vine
S I ZE :
1.05 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Davis Street Park Barrier Free Assessment: Davis Public Input: Davis Street Park Action Plan: Davis Street Park Aspirations: Long-term
Skate Plaza, Shelter, Gaga recently received recent amenity Street Park is lined by sidewalks was specifically mentioned to have should consider adding signage improvements to Davis Street
2014-2018 improvements that included a on the perimeter. Interior paths bathroom installed. along Davis Street and Grant Street Park should include accessible
Pit, Playground, Furnishings
skate plaza, gaga pit, playground, connect the amenities to the street, identifying “children at play” in restrooms and accessible water
2019
and paved pathways throughout. and the intersection of Davis Street addition to striped crosswalks at fountains. Facilities maintenance
2020 Non-recreation amenities include and Grant Street has ramps with that intersection. should be a top priority.
a pavilion, picnic tables, park warning strips.
2021
benches, waste receptacles,
2022 and doggy waste stations. Davis
Park also has large shade trees
2023
and green spaces for passive
2024-2029 recreation.
FUNDING
SOURCE Previously Expended

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
A D D R ES S
1101 S. Westnedge
Vine
S I ZE :
2.31 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: S. Westnedge Park Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: Public comments Action Plan: As a centrally located Aspirations: The City has
ACTION PLAN offers paved paths throughout a S. Westnedge Park is serviced by include a request to have park in the Vine neighborhood programmed improvements to
2014-2018 central shaded green space. Large sidewalks along the perimeter and more playgrounds in the Vine and the city, the City should strive furnishings for 2019. The City
2019 Furnishings shade trees and park benches through the interior in addition neighborhood. Other frequently to improve the park by adding should consider increasing this
create a pleasant atmosphere to ramps and warning strips at received comments applicable to S. amenities like those listed in amount to include the other
2020 within an urban neighborhood. the intersection of Park Pl. and S. Westnedge Park are: the public comments and also improvements described.
2021 Westenedge. • offer dog amenities such as improve accessibility by offering
waste stations accessible picnic tables and a
2022 marked mid-block crossing at Park
• technology improvements such
2023 Pl. and Newell Pl. The City should
as wireless internet
also incorporate S. Westnedge
2024-2029 • recycle bins in addition to waste Park into the recommended tree
COST $3,000 receptacles maintenance program to ensure
• more programming the trees are trimmed regularly and
FUNDING Parks Department
SOURCE Operating Funds replaced as needed.

CENTRAL ACTION PLAN
Axtell Creek
A D D R ES S
530 Crosstown
Vine
S I ZE :
3.54 Acres
Neighborhood Park
Amenities: Axtell Creek Park is on Pioneer Street. The park is well Additionally, picnic tables should Aspirations: While Axtell Creek bank site to bring the creek
ACTION PLAN located between Pioneer Street served by sidewalks and shared include a wheelchair space. Park and the creek itself are well above ground and extend Axtell
2014-2018 on the north and Crosstown use paths connecting the park with maintained in their current state, Creek Park using a shared use
Parkway to the south and west. the surrounding area. Action Plan: While vehicles may improvements could be made to path along the creek. This type of
2019 The creek and associated green be using Pioneer Street to park the creek located between South improvement could be a catalyst for
space separate the residential Barrier Free Assessment: The and enter the park, pedestrians Westnedge Avenue and South further improvements at the nearby
2020
neighborhood to the north and paved paths throughout the park may use the entrance located on Park Street. Just east of South South Westnedge Avenue/West
2021 the commercial area to the south. support accessibility, however West Crosstown Parkway. Signage Westnedge from Axtell Creek Crosstown Parkway intersection in
The park has park benches and a curb-cut should be made on should be improved at this entrance Park the creek was relocated to addition to elevating Axtell Creek
2022
picnic tables throughout in addition Pioneer Street where the park path for passersby to identify the park. a culvert. A former drive-through Park from a Neighborhood Park to
2023 to a barbeque grill next to the meets with the city sidewalk. A The park is located adjacent to a bank currently sits on the creek. a Community Park which this region
2024-2029 To Be Determined playground. The playground and visitor entering from the residential high-rise apartment complex on Beyond the bank site the creek does not have.
swings are well maintained and are area or parking on Pioneer Street West Crosstown Parkway. Access emerges and creates a water
COST To Be Determined must go almost to Westnedge paths should be maintained
shaded by nearby trees. Visitors to retention area. The city should
FUNDING
To Be Determined the site may use on-street parking Avenue to find a curb-cut. throughout. consider redeveloping the former
SOURCE

5
The Edison Planning Area
consists of 2.79 square
miles or 11% of the total city
area and is made up of one
neighborhood: Edison.
Six parks are located in the
Edison region:
Reed Street Park
South Gateway Park
Hays Park
Southside Park
Upjohn Park
Mayors Riverfront Park
of parkland, or 15% of the
total parkland in the City.
Edison Planning Region

Action Plan
EDISON ACTION PLAN
Edison Parks
Northside
Rose Park Sherwood Park
Martin East Gateway Veteran's
Planning Region
Luther King Memorial
Memorial Park
Mayor's City of Kalamazoo, Michigan

Riverfront
Park
Bronson Park
Eastside October 30, 2018
CBD
DRAFT
Central
Dutton Park Edison
Milwood
Upjohn Park North
Vine Northeast
South
Edison Southwest
South Gateway
West
Reed
Street
Park
Southside
Southside
Park
0 1,000 2,000
Hays Park
FEET

Westnedge
Hill
Milwood

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Edison Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the Edison Park Planning
Region.
Age
Population
The median age of the Edison region’s population is slightly above the Figure 13: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
The population density (persons/acre) for the Edison region is similar to that median age of the city. 50%
of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the Edison region has
45% Edison Region
4.79 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region Table 33: Median Age Comparison, 2010
40% City of Kalamazoo
is 11.5, compared to the city’s 8.63.
EDISON REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE 35%
Table 30: Population, 2016 30%
2010 30.2 26.5 + 3.7
25%
POPULATION EDISON REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 20%
2016 8,568 75,885 11% 15%
To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following 10%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
groupings: 5%
• Under 5 (Pre School) 0%
Households • 5 to 19 (School Aged)
Similar to population, the Edison region makes up 10% of the total • 20 to 44 (Family Forming) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
households in the city. • 45 to 64 (Mature families)

• Over 65 (Retirement)
Table 31: Households, 2016 Race
The chart below compares the age structure of the specified region with that
EDISON REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL of the City of Kalamazoo. As shown below, the Edison region is fairly diverse with nearly 50% of the
population represented as African American, some other race, or two or more
2016 2,982 28,557 10% Table 34: Population Distributed by Age Structure, 2010 races.
AGE STRUCTURE EDISON REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO
Figure 14: Race, Northeast Region, 2010
Pre School 790 4,787
Median Income School Aged 2,357 15,573 White
The median income for the Edison region is below that of the city as a whole. Family Forming 3,178 33,389 American Indian and Alaskan Native
Asian
Table 32: Household Median Income Comparison, 2010 Mature Families 1,855 13,520 Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Retirement 553 6,993 Two or more races
EDISON REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE TOTAL 8,733 74,262 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
2010 $ 29,254 $ 34,767 - $ 5,513 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

The most significant variations from the city’s population age groups is that
the Edison region has higher percentages of pre school and school aged
children, but a noticeably lower percentage of family forming aged persons.

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Edison Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the Edison Park Planning Region.
Table 35: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the Edison Region

QUANTITY 2 3 2 1 3 5 2 4 0 2
Hays Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park Hays Park Upjohn Park Upjohn Park
LOCATIONS
Southside Park Southside Park Southside Park Southside Park Southside Park Mayor’s Riverfront Southside Park Mayor’s Riverfront
Park Park
Mayor’s Riverfront Mayor’s Riverfront Hays Park Reed Street Park
Park Park
Reed Street Park Mayor’s Riverfront
Park
Mayor’s Riverfront
Park

Mini Parks /
BOUNDARY
A BOUNDARY
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 36: Edison Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their distribution PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE EDISON REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles throughout the Edison Region. When evaluating parks and recreation service areas, CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN EDISON REGION DEFICIENCY
it is important to closely consider where the residents in the region live. The MDNR
Mini Parks 0.25 2.14 1.62 + .10
establishes a recommended service area for each park classification to determine
REEA
Community Parks / the areas in the community that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities. The Neighborhood Parks 2.0 17.14 14.16 - 2.98
CEAAR
service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left.
Natural Resource Area Community Parks 5.0 42.85 19.08 - 23.77
RVI CE
0.5 – 3.0 miles The table to the right evaluates the Edison region’s park acreage in comparison to
SERVI
national guidelines for communities throughout the State. However, the standards Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 62.13 34.86 - 48.06
are general in nature and do not reflect the quality of the facilities, the character of
DDSE
Natural Resource Area Variable

Large Urban Parks / the community or other local differences that affect community recreation facility
needs. While the comparison above may indicate deficiency in several categories,
DE
Large Urban Park Variable

Regional Parks /
NDE
when the types of parks and the amenities of each is considered, especially Upjohn
EEN
Sports Complex / Park, the Edison region is adequately served by parks and recreation facilities. Like Regional Parks 10.0 85.7 0 - 85.7
MM
the city as a whole, the region is mostly lacking in community and regional parks, but
COMM
Special Use Sports Complex Variable

RECO
as described in the Other Amenities section of the plan, the City of Portage’s Portage
30 minute driving time Creek Bicentennial Park is just south of the Edison region, at the southwest corner of Special Use Variable 64.29 +64.29
RE
Kilgore Rd. and Lovers Ln. This is a large community park that extends south along
Lovers Ln. An analysis of the parks’ service area is shown in the following map. Total > 15.25 > 147.83 99.77 - 48.68

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Farrell Park
Verburg Park Park Service
Radii
Rose Park
Martin Veteran's City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Memorial Park East Gateway
October 30, 2018
Mayor's DRAFT
Riverfront
Park
Bronson Park

Kalamazoo
Parks
To w n s h i p
Region_Transparency
Dutton Park
Upjohn Park
South Gateway
Reed
Street
Park
Southside
Park
Hays Park
0 1,000 2,000
FEET

Nellbert Park

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Edison Region
Underserved
Areas
The Edison Park Planning Region
has four parks that are “worth
walking ten minutes to get to” –
Upjohn, Reed Street, Southside,
and Hays. Mayor’s Riverfront
Park is an important regional
asset, but the playground, which
is deep inside the park, is the
only amenity aimed at the local
neighborhood. It is also located
in an industrial area.
As shown on the map, the western and southern parts of the
Planning Region are well-served with parks in walking distance.
But the eastern portion is not well served at all.
To reduce underserved areas in the Edison Planning Region, the

Parks Department will do the following:
• Work with the County Land Bank and other partners

to identify opportunities for acquisition, to construct a
neighborhood park east of James Street and north of Lay
Blvd.

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Edison Parks
Northside Willard St
Charles Ave
Martin Rose Park Sherwood Park

Luther King Veteran's
Planning Region
E M i c h i gan Ave Memorial
Phelps Ave
Memorial Park E Kal a m azo o Av e
East Gateway
N Rose St
N C hurch St
NE
Eleanor St
dw
Wallace Ave
ard
sS
t
St
ter
Ro
E Wa
ch
es
EM
Mayor's
te r
ichig
an A
Av
ve
Riverfront
Naza reth Rd
Park
Kalamazo o Ma l l
Bronson Park
CBD
Eastside October 30, 2018
Gibson St
DRAFT
E So u t h S t
Po
rta
ge
St
E Lo v el l S t
S h el
do
nS
E Crosstown Pkwy
t
2n
dS
t 10 Minute Walk Area
Dutton Park
Central
E Wa l nut S t
4th St
Jasper St
S Mills St
Edison
S P it c he r St
K i ng Hw y
Jo hn St E Dutton
S t
I 94
BL
Upjohn Park
Milwood
E Vine St
Vine North
Jackson St
Northeast
I 94 B
Edison South
St
L
se
o
SR
South Gateway Lake St

H a tf i eld Ave
Southwest
West
Ba
nk
St
Division St
w
Pk
wn
sto
os
Washington Ave
Cr
W
Fu lfo r d
St
E Stockbridge Ave
Fu
lfo r d S t
Egleston Ave
Reed
Fair St
Reed Ct
Street
Clinton Ave
Park
Race St
Hays Park Ave

S Par k St
Reed Ave
Cameron St
Lay Blvd
I 94
BL
Southside Lane Blvd

I 94
BL
Bryan t St
Southside
Olms t e a d R d
Park
E Alcott St 0 1,000 2,000
E Alcott St
Factory St
Palmer Ave Hays Park FEET
Gle
nde
S Rose St
n n in
g Rd
Su p er i or Ave
Fulton St

St
ch

ar
Phillips St Buena Vista St

M
Ja m e s
Bu
S
In k ster Ave r di c k S
St
Westnedge
E Miller Rd
Milwood
Go
d en D
Hill
l
Roseland Ave

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The Edison Park Planning Region is well-
served by sidewalks overall, but there
are important sidewalk gaps near parks.
Factory Street and Miller Road adjacent
to Hays Park do not have sidwalks,
and neither do Fulton and Buena Vista
Streets, which provide access to Hays
Park from the west. Additionally, Palmer
Avenue adjacent to Southside Park only
has sidewalks on the south side of the
street.
• Implementing the Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails
plan, and adding a connection to Southside Park.
• Constructing sidewalks in the Hays Park area, particularly

along Factory Street.
• Improving the pedestrian environment along Palmer Avenue

near Southside Park.
• Improving parking at Hays, Southside, and Reed Street Parks,

through road designs better suited for safe and efficient on-
street parking.

EDISON ACTION PLAN
(MAP) Edison Parks
Albert Ave
Farrell Park
Wallace Ave
Parsons St t
S Riv
yS
N Edwards St
Ra
N Pitcher St
Ampers
Scudder Ct
Hazard Ave
Verburg Park
Southworth Ter
erview
Darden Ct Myrtle St Alexander St
Dwight Ave
Fairbanks
Planning Region
ee Ave
Verdries Ct Dearborn Ave
Dr
Ave
Charlotte Ave
N Burdick St E Frank St Bridge St
W Frank St
Northside
River
Hinsdell Pl
Rd
Judge
Gilbert Ave
Fairbanks Ct
Ave
ll St
Gu Hotop Ave
E North St
Walbridge St
W North St
Harrison St
Kenilworth Ave
Phelps Ave
E Butler Ct E Butler Ct av
Rose Park
C
e s Ct Sherwood Ave
Ho
E Ransom St
race Ave
Ampersee Ave
Veteran's
Porter St
E Harkins Ct t
Engleman Ave ai nS
Willard St
Memorial EM
Sherwood Park
Cleveland St
Charles Ave
N Rose St
Edwin Ave
Trimble Ave
W Harrison E Harrison E Harrison Ct E e
e Mills St Av Oak Openings St
Ct Ct E Michigan Av Trimble Ct
Foresman
Blaine
Chicago
E Kalamazoo Ave
October 30, 2018
St
Ave
W Kalamazoo Ave
N
Dr Elder St The
Mills St
ay Oneil St
rkw Mayor's Highland Schippers Ln
Parkway Dr
Dells St
N
East Gateway Pa Ave

DRAFT
N
Pi
Eleanor St
tc
Riverfront
Ed
Oonah Pl
he
wa
Ro
Kalamazoo
rS
St es
r
ter
ch
ds
Park
t
E Wa te
Mall
W Water St Ct
St
Nazareth Rd
He
ng
C t ke
Inli n ry
S
EM
r
Av
Ct
Bu
tes
Ed
ich
e
Ba Aly iga
wa
W Michigan Ave nA
rd t
v
s
W Exchange Pl E Excha
S
e
Eastside
ng
t
Farmers
Academy St gS
e
Torrin Dr
E
Po ri n
Pl
M Ave
Corporation Gibson St
rta Sp
Devisser
ic h
Aly
Aly ge
ig
Aly
St
t
a
E South St
lS
Conne itcher
n
t
r
gC
Ea
Fi
Bronson Park rin
NMTP_2025
ctor
sh
Sp
/P
Henrietta St
e
Walnut St
CBD
rS
W Lovell St E Lovell St Lincol
Portage
t
n St
Care Plz
Health
Sidewalks
She l
2nd St
Hic
Healthcare
do
ko
n
Plz
ry C
W Cedar St E Cedar Ct E Crosstown Pkwy

s Ct
St
Parks
Smith
t
Kalamazoo
Glady
St
Ct
Edgar St
Cedar Ct 2nd
Kr
To w n s h i p
J ohn St
om
W Walnut St E Walnut St 4th St

Ct
dy
Federal
Ki wy
S Mills St
ok
Hibbard Ave
ke
ng
Burnham Dr
H
r
Skinner Dr
Ct
wy et
S Pitcher St
Ko
s on D
nch St King Hwy

Ct
Pk mv
Sheldon St
Bra
M Ct
W Dutton St E Dutton St Sheldon
A
illa
E Dutto St I 94
Bron n St Ct BL
Upjohn
ch
rd
Roskam Ct
Dutton Wilrad Upjohn Park n
Ave
Bra
Ct
Park W Vine St E Vine St
Walte
Myers
Rose
Boerman Ave
Clarence St
St
Pkwy
Jasper
kson
Ct
Jac t
r
Rose Pl Ro Jackson St Li
se
St
aier Ct
Heilman Ct S nt
John St
I 94
Houston Pl Fellows Hoek Ct on
Cottage Ave
St
Russell St
Ave S
BL
Ne
Field
Sch us ter Ave
Neu m
Ave
St
t
Burr Oak St arr Garden St Garden
wl
C
an
Upjohn D r St Ha t
f ield Ave
dP
Fenwick Pl
Brownell Ct
South Gateway
Wall St
l
Lake St
Vine
Maywood
Ba
John Portage
nk
Ave
Lake St
John St
Street Ct Ct
St
P orta
Francis C t
wn Wells Pl
Division St
sto Collins St Dewey Ave
os
S Ro s e
ge C
Cr yBorn Ct
W kw d Washington Ct
t
Washington Ave
John St
St P Marketplace B l v
C a meron St
Fulford
W Delaware Ct
St Olive St
Poplar
oc
k
A v b r idge
Pl
St
e E Stockbridge Ave E Stock bridge Ave
Byron
Ave
Reed
Lamont Ave
Richard Ave
Egleston Ave Ave ton
Street
Fair St
Reed Ct
s
Balch St Egle
Park Clinton Ave

Edison
W Emerson St
E Emerson St
Race St
Terrace Ct Hays Park Ave

S Park St
Reed Ave
State St
High St
Factory St
Elgin St
Belford St
Lay Blvd I 94 B
Vanzee St
Maple Ct L
I 94 B
Vernon Ct L
E Maple St Lane Blvd
W Maple St
Southside Wynn Rd
Bryant St
W Belmont
St E Belmont St
Park
Dixie Ave
Olmstead Rd
Alcott Pl
E Alcott St
Gl
Hays Park
Dixie
en
Stetson Ct
E Alcott St
Factory St
de
Lue
Ade
W Alcott St
nn
Palmer Ave
Pl
lla S
ing
laid
Grandv
s St
iew
Rd
Ave
e St
Fulford St
Supe rior Ave
Remine St Witwer Luella Fulton St Duckett Dr

Jame
Fulton St
Southside
Parkwood Ct Ct Franklin St
Ave Franklin St LAKE St Franklin Fra
Flower St
St ch
S
L AK E S t
nklin
Millview Ave ar
M Buena Vista St
0 1,000 2,000
Cir
Phillips St
Hillside
Golden
Ostran
Trails End St
Pl
Dr
Bu
S
Inkster Ave rdick S d e r St E Miller Rd

Golden Dr
Burdick
t
FEET
Outlook St
Pl
Townhouse Ln
Nora St
t Dr
Creston Ave cen
Saidla Rd
Roseland Ave Roseland Ave
Cres
Homecrest A
Balkema Dr
ve
S Rose St
Edgemoor Ave Homecrest Ave Homecrest Ave

Kalanco
or Allendale St
N
Ra to n D r
St
vinia Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

Montrose Ave
Milwood Southern Ave
Pasadena St
Southern Ave
Cameron St
St
Emerald Dr
Ca Alvan Rd
Fairview
Ave
C mb
rid
m bridge Dr g
a
Fairview Ave Cambridge Dr M

illc
Westnedge
e Ter
Ridgewood St or
Harvard St
kS
Garland St t
Vassar Dr
Hill Nellbert Park
Whittier Dr
Morgan St
Lowell St
St Full Circle Dr
Monarch
St
Whitcomb St
Lov
rk
Konkle St
Nellbert St
S heridan Dr Sheridan Dr
Co
Bur
ers
E
Imperial St
Fairfax
ke S
Ln
Wheeler Ave
Ash
Pomeroy St Reycraft Dr
St
Ave
t

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Mayor’s Riverfront Park
A D D R ES S
251 Mills St
Edison
S I ZE :
64.29 Acres
Special Use
Amenities: Mayor’s Riverfront Park Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: Public Input: No Action Plan: Make sure KRVT the City could form a partnership
ACTION PLAN is best known for Homer Stryker Amenities throughout the park are specific comments were received has signage located in the park. with Kalamazoo River Watershed
2014-2018 Field, the home of the Kalamazoo barrier free including Homer Stryker related to Mayors Riverfront Park. Promote KRVT link between Mayors Council to create water trail on
2019
Growlers. It also features the Field, the Kalamazoo River Valley General comments applicable Riverfront Park, Spring Valley Park, Kalamazoo River between Verburg
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Trail, and the park pavilion. The to the park include technology and Verburg Park. Maintain existing Park and Mayors Riverfront Park.
2020 through the interior park. The trail pavilion is zero-step entry. upgrades such as wireless internet, facilities, place trash cans onsite, The partnership could encourage
is a barrier free, shared use path dog friendly areas and amenities, install bike racks, place benches a vendor to operate a kayak rental
2021
that extends throughout the region. and more shade trees and picnic tables along trail, and from either park. The partnership
2022 Other amenities include a pavilion, add water fountains. could seek grant funding to build
2023
playscape, and location on the improvements such as accessible
Kalamazoo River. Aspirations: The City has identified kayak launch, rest rooms, kayak
2024-2029 Playground Mayors Riverfront Park to receive lockers, and green infrastructure to
COST To Be Determined a new playground in the extended improve water quality.
planning years (2024-2029). In
FUNDING
SOURCE To Be Determined addition to a new playground,

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Reed Street Park
A D D R ES S
1700 Portage St
Edison
S I ZE :
1.52 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Reed Street Park has Barrier Free Assessment: While Public Input: A general comment Action Plan: To help address the Aspirations: The City has identified
2014-2018 a central green space, a small sidewalks are on the perimeter of was received requesting more public comment related to parks in Reed Street Park to receive
playground, large shade trees, and the park (on Portage St. and Reed parks in the Edison region/ the Edison region, the City should improvements listed in the action
Playground, Shelter, a grill for barbequing. The park also Ave.), there are no paved paths on neighborhood. improve the playground and play plan in 2019.
2019
Pathway, Furnishings
has decorative planters along the the interior of the park. There are surface at Reed Street Park and
2020 sidewalk on Portage St. no other accessible amenities. install additional amenities such as
accessible picnic tables, pavilion,
2021
a paved path connecting to the
2022 sidewalk, and a doggy waste
2023
station.
2024-2029
COST $300,000 - $400,000

SOURCE Grants

EDISON ACTION PLAN
South Gateway Park
A D D R ES S
Crosstown/Burdick
Edison
S I ZE :
0.1 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: South Gateway Park Barrier Free Assessment: South Action Plan: South Gateway Park Public Input: There were no Aspirations:
features a large monument, Gateway has crosswalks, ramps, should continue to be maintained specific comments for South
2014-2018 street trees, brick pavers, and and warning strips at all street including seasonal or landscaping Gateway Park.
2019 landscaping. The park is a intersections which connect to the displays that is changed throughout
decorative addition to the region. paved path on the interior. the year.
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024-2029
COST
FUNDING
SOURCE

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Hays Park
A D D R ES S
2001 Miller
Edison
S I ZE :
10.33 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Hays Park recently Barrier Free Assessment: Hays Public Input: Specific comments Action Plan: While the Edison Aspirations: As the park recently
Playground, Pathway, underwent renovations which Park was recently reconfigured to related to Hays Park were: region’s parks supply a wide variety underwent renovations, no
2014-2018
Furnishings added new playscape equipment, a increase accessibility. The paved • A break in the fence to allow for of recreation amenities for the improvements are planned during
swingset, accessible picnic tables, path reaches the playscape area, another entrance residents, the region (and the city) the planning period. However,
2019
bike parking, waste receptacles, accessible park benches, and does not have a nature education should the City have additional
• A basketball court
2020 and park benches along a new waste receptacles. component. As Hays Park has taken funding become available the
paved path. The park is situated on a nature theme, this would be amenities requested in the public
2021
next to a wooded area that lends an ideal location to add information comments as well as the action
2022 a theme to the play equipment. and educational amenities. plan should be incorporated.
2023
Large shade trees are also found
throughout the park.
2024-2029

FUNDING

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Southside Park
A D D R ES S
2100 Race St
Edison
S I ZE :
3.73 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Southside park includes Barrier Free Assessment: While Public Input: The second field Action Plan: The adequacy of Aspirations: The City has identified
2014-2018
a soccer field, pavilion, playground, Southside Park is largely accessible day event was held at Southside parking and accessible amenities Master Plan improvements for
picnic and park benches, by an interior paved path, there Park on June 23, 2018. Specific should be monitored at Southside Southside Park in 2023-2024.
2019 are poor connections to the park comments related to Southside Park. The ball field and large
at the intersection of Palmer Ave. Park include: pavilion make Southside Park an
2020
and Race St. and to the soccer • Overall satisfaction with the ideal location for large gatherings,
2021 field at the west end of the park. paved paths which could overwhelm the
There is also some topography to available parking. The park should
2022 • Add a restroom
the site which may make it difficult further improve accessibility by
2023 Master Plan for persons with mobility issues to • Add benches to the soccer/ providing a marked cross walk
navigate. football field across Palmer Ave. and accessible
2024-2029 Implement Master Plan
play surfaces for the play
$8,000 (for plan) +
COST
implementation costs equipment.
SOURCE Grants

EDISON ACTION PLAN
Upjohn Park
A D D R ES S
1000 Walter St
Edison
S I ZE :
19.08 Acres
Community Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: As shown in the Barrier Free Assessment: Upjohn Public Input: Two public comments Action Plan: Due to the number Aspirations: The City has
pictures, Upjohn Park offers a Park was also designed with were received for Upjohn Park: of amenities available to the identified long term (2023-2024)
2014-2018
wide variety of active recreation accessibility in mind. A paved need new playground at Upjohn community, maintenance for Upjohn improvements to Upjohn Park
2019 amenities for the Edison region. path extends throughout the Park and lower prices at Kik Pool, Park is very important. Upjohn including relocating the pool,
Under the recreation facilities park connecting the parking lot, especially for the family rates. Park could increase accessibility adding a sports field and a dog
2020
for the Edison region, Upjohn swimming pool, playscape, and Additionally, general comments by including accessible furnishings park. In addition to these amenities,
2021 Park is listed under almost every basketball court. The playscape is applicable to Upjohn Park include (picnic tables and water fountains), the City could explore opportunities
category. In addition to basketball ADA accessible (as shown above). technology upgrades such as and provide additional shade trees to tie the park to the Portage Creek
2022
courts, soccer field, tennis courts, wireless internet, dog friendly areas near the tennis courts, skate park, which runs along the western
2023 Master Plan pavilions, playground equipment, and amenities, and more shade and basketball court. border of the park. The creek could
Relocate Pool, Sports Field, picnic facilities, and restrooms, trees provide an educational amenitiy
2024-2029
Dog Park Upjohn Park has a pool, dedicated if improvements were made such
COST $8,000,000 (approximate)
parking, skate park, and furnishings as adding native plantings, wildlife
throughout. habitat, butterfly garden, bat
FUNDING
SOURCE To Be Determined houses, and a lookout pier. The City
has also identified Upjohn Park to
receive a community garden and
DRAFT 11.13.2018 public
2019 orchard
PARKS AND in 2020.
RECREATION PLAN 85
EDISON ACTION PLAN

The Milwood Planning Area
consists of 4.87 square
miles or 19% of the total city
area and is made up of one
neighborhood: Milwood.
Three parks are located in the
Milwood region:
Emerald Drive Park
Milham Park
Nellbert Park
Milwood Planning Region

Action Plan
MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Crane Park
Southside Southside
Milwood Parks
Planning Region
Park
Oakland/Winchell Edison
Hays Park

Westnedge
Hill
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Nellbert Park
Emerald
Drive Park
Central
Milwood
Edison
Blanche Hull
South
Westnedge Milwood
North
Northeast
Milham Park
South
Southwest
West
0 2,000 4,000
FEET


MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Milwood Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the Milwood Park Planning Region.
Population Age
The population density (persons/acre) for the Milwood region is below that of The median age of the Milwood region’s population is above the median age Figure 15: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the Milwood region has of the city. 50%
2.57 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region 45% Milwood Region
is 10.3, compared to the city’s 8.63. Table 40: Median Age Comparison, 2010 40% City of Kalamazoo
35%
Table 37: Population, 2016 MILWOOD REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE
30%
2010 34.8 26.5 + 8.3 25%
MILWOOD REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL
Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census and 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 20%
2016 7,998 75,885 11% 15%
groupings: 5%
0%
• Under 5 (Pre School)
Households • 5 to 19 (School Aged)
Similar to population, the Milwood region makes up 10% of the total • 20 to 44 (Family Forming) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
households in the city.
Table 38: Households, 2016 • Over 65 (Retirement)
Race
MILWOOD REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL
of the City of Kalamazoo. Figure 16: Race, Milwood region, 2010
2016 3,419 28,557 10%
MILWOOD REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO White

Median Income Pre School 633 4,787 American Indian and Alaskan Native
Asian
School Aged 1,215 15,573 Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
The median income of the Milwood region is well above that of the city as a Some other race
whole. Family Forming 3,003 33,389 Two or more races
Mature Families 1,703 13,520 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
MILWOOD REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE TOTAL 7,687 74,262
2010 $ 44,432 $ 34,767 + $9,665 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

The Milwood region has a higher percentage of pre school, mature families,
and retirement aged persons than the city as a whole.

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Milwood Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the Milwood Parks Planning Region.
Table 42: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the Milwood Region

QUANTITY 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 1
Emerald Drive Park Emerald Drive Park Milham Park Milham Park Emerald Drive Park Milham Park Milham Park
LOCATIONS
Milham Park

Mini Parks /
BOUNDARY
Table 43: Milwood Region Park Land Acreage Analysis

A BOUNDARY
ACREAGE ANALYSIS
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE MILWOOD REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles distribution throughout the Milwood Region. When evaluating parks CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN MILWOOD REGION DEFICIENCY
Mini Parks 0.25 2 0.72 - 1.28
AR EA
Community Parks / service area for each park classification to determine the areas in the Neighborhood Parks 2.0 16 0 - 16.0
CEARE
Natural Resource Area service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left. Community Parks 5.0 40 15.17 - 24.83
CE
0.5 – 3.0 miles

SERVI
Local Parks Subtotal > 7.25 58 16.45 - 41.55

DE DSERVI
The table to the right evaluates the Milwood region’s park acreage
in comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the
DED
the quality of the facilities, the character of the community or other local Large Urban Park Variable 66.83 +66.83
Regional Parks / differences that affect community recreation facility needs. While the
EN
EN
Sports Complex / comparison above may indicate an overall deficiently in park acreage, Regional Parks 10.0 80 0 - 80.0
MM
Emerald Drive Park and Milham Park provide many of the recommended
COMM
Special Use Sports Complex Variable 0

RECO
recreational amenities. Specific improvements for each park are listed in

30 minute driving time the individual section to follow. Special Use Variable 0
RE
Total > 15.25 > 138 82 - 55.28

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Crane Park
Southside
Park
Hays Park
Park Service
Radii
Kalamazoo
To w n s h i p
October 30, 2018

Nellbert Park DRAFT
Emerald
Drive Park Comstock
To w n s h i p

Blanche Hull
Parks
Region_Transparency
Milham Park
Pavilion
To w n s h i p
City of
Portage
0 1,000 2,000
FEET


MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Milwood Region
Underserved
Areas
The Milwood Park Planning Region has
just one park “worth walking ten minutes
to get to” – Emerald Drive Park. While
Milham and Blanche Hull Parks are
regional assets, they are not designed
to be easily walked to, and they are very
large, with amenities deep within their
boundaries, a 5-10 minute walk from
the entrance to the park. Nellbert Park
is small and hard to access (and has no
amenities)
Most of the Planning Region is poorly served by City Parks. In
some areas, school facilities, such as those at Milwood and
Greenwood Elementary Schools, Milwood Middle School, and Loy
Norrix High School fill the gaps. In other areas, there are no public
green spaces or recreational amenities.
To reduce underserved areas in the Milwood Planning Region, the

• Partner with the School District to ensure public access to

facilities, and pursue joint investments in community assets.
• Upgrade amenities at Elmwood Drive Park to ensure it can

function as a true neighborhood park.
opportunities for acquisition, to a neighborhood park near
Cork Street and Portage Avenue.

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
(MAP) Milwood Parks

Hillcrest Ave
Lay Blvd
W Ma ple St
W Maple St
rk St
I 94 I 94
BL BL
S Pa
Lane Blvd
Race St
r
dD
lan
W Cro s s
Crane Park
O ak
Br y an t S t
Cherry St Southside
St e a r n s A v e
Planning Region
Southside
Olmst e a d Rd
to
Park
wn
Pkw
P ee l e r S t E Alcott St
G le
Oakland/Winchell
Cameron St
y
Edison
nw oo
E Alcott St
Factory St
dD
Hays Park
r
Palmer Ave
G l en
Crane Ave
de nn
i ng
Su p e r io r Av e
Rd
Fulton St
Parkwood Ave
St
h
arc
M
Buena Vista St

Phillips St
J a m es
Westnedge
Inkster Ave
S Bu
r dic
Fu lfo r d St
St
k
E Miller Rd
Outlook St
Ln
Hill
St
es t e r
s t ch
We
Go
d en D
Creston Ave
r
C re sc en t Dr
Roseland Ave
Unive r s i t y Ave
H ome crest A
Edgemoor Ave ve
Edgemoor Ave
Balkema Dr
Homecrest Ave
Sprinkle Rd
Montrose Ave
S Park St
Bron s on Blv d Southern Ave
October 30, 2018

Duc he
Fa i r vi e w Av e
ss Dr
Pasadena St
Alvan Rd
Came r on St
Emerald Dr
Cambridge Dr
DRAFT
Ridgewood St
Harvard St
Mil
Garland St
lc o
rk
St
E s sex Cir Vassar Dr
S pri
Whitcomb St Nellbert Park F u ll Circle D
r
Morgan St
Whittier Dr
Lowell St
nkle Rd
Sheridan Dr
N e ll ber t S t
P or
Whites Rd Fairfax Ave
t ag
Reycraft Dr
eS
t
S Westnedge Ave
W Cork St
A sh
E Cork St
St
Howland Ave
Foley St
Par 4 Ci r S
e St
pr i
Hutchinson St
S Ro s
nk
Kingston Ave
le R
Hutchinson St
d
Winton Ave
Emerald
G embr i t C i r
Ly nn Av e Drive Park
Clover St
Garfield Ave
Royce Ave
10 Minute Walk Area
Konkle St
S Rose St
Pierce Ave
Moreland St
Pa r ke r Av e
Parker Ave Parker Ave

Miles Ave
Vanr i ck Dr
Central
Ln
Milwood
vers
Lo
Emer a ld D r
Buchanan Ave
Col o ny Rd
Du k e S t
Edison
Lakeway Ave
Blanche Hull
South
Westnedge
Old
Denway Dr
Paddington Rd
Dr
Milwood
Liberty St
si d e
Standish St
Lak e Banbury Rd
Rivington St
Oakhurst Ave
C ovington Rd
Plea s an t Av e Golfview Ave 94
EI
North
Evelyn Ave
Dr
E
H ill an d al e
Duke St
Dorchester Ave
94
WI
M il h am
Pa r k
Northeast
Dr Bloomfield Ave
Prat t R d
Milham Park
Old Colony Rd
C a nd l e w yc k
Manchester Rd
L a ma Rd E K il gore Rd
South
E Ki lgo r e R d
W Kilgore Rd Candlewyck Dr
Kilgore Road Service Rd
Southwest
West
Fairfield Rd
94
EI
D e ad w ood D r
I 94
W
Wi nte rs D r
S Dea d wood D r
0 2,500 5,000
FEET

Romence Rd E

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The Milwood Park Planning Region is
well-served by sidewalks overall, except
near its two largest parks, Milham and
Blanche Hull.
The Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan envisions the
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KVRT) running through Blanche Hull
Park. Upgrades to Blanche Hull will take advantage of that new
amenity and access point. Bicycle infrastructure is also planned
along Lover’s Lane, serving Milham Park (and serving Blanche
Hull if a new Lover’s Lane entrance was opened up), and along
Cork Street serving Emerald Drive Park.
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the Milwood Planning Region

are:

plan, including providing amenities and connections within
Blanche Hull Park.
• Opening a Lover’s Lane entrance to Blanche Hull Park.
• Providing a pedestrian and bicycle connection from Blanche

Hull to Milham Park, across Lover’s Lane. Providing a
pedestrian and bicycle connection from Loy Norrix High
School to Milham Park, across Kilgore Road.
• Ensuring that the bicycle infrastructure along Lover’s Lane

envisioned Imagine Kalamazoo takes the form of a shared-use
path that can also serve pedestrians trying to walk to Blanche
Hull and Milham Parks.

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
(MAP) Milwood Parks
High St
Belford St
Kalamazoo
Elgin St
Factory St
Bushouse
k St
Maple Ct
Vernon Ct
Vanzee St
W Maple St E Maple St
S Park St
W Maple St Lane Blvd
W Cro sst
I 94 BL I 94
Ct
S Par
St
BL Wynn Rd
To w n s h i p
a rk
Pk w y
Race St
W Belmont
St E Belmont St Bryant St
Southside
SP
Betsy Ann Pl
Dixie Ave
ow
Crane Park
Alcott Pl
Olmstead Rd
d lv E Alcott St
Gle
n
B
Peeler St
son Hays Park
Planning Region
Dixie
Cameron St
Edison
nd
on E Alcott St
Park
Gle
Lue
Ade
en
W Alcott St
Br
nw
Palmer Ave
nin
Grandview Ave
Pl
Southside
lla S
laid
Stetson Ct
ood D r
s St
Superior Ave
st
gR
Fore lvd Grandview Ave
Crane Ave
e St
t
nB
d
Jame
W itwer Luella
Factory St
Gle Remine St Fulton St Duckett Dr
Fulton St
Ri dg
Parkwood Ct Ct
M r Plymouth
eR Parkwood Ave Franklin St

Franklin Fra
id
Te Ln
d Dr Franklin St LAKE St
Flower St
St
va
St
Tremont St
L AK E S t ch
le
nklin
Wildwood Millview Ave ar Buena Vista St
M
Cir
Phillips St
Hillside
Pl
Golden
Ostran
Trails End St
Pl
Bur
S
Inkster Ave
Dr
dick S d e r St E Miller Rd
Golden Dr
Burdick
Outlook St
Fulford St
t
Pl
Townhouse Ln
Nora St
t Dr
Law Ave
Creston Ave cen Roseland Ave Roseland Ave
Saidla Rd
Cres
Homecrest A
Balkema Dr
ve
University A ve
Sprinkle Rd
Edgemoor Ave Homecrest Ave Homecrest Ave
Kalanco
or Allendale St
N
to n D r
St
Ra
S Park St
Montrose Ave vinia

St Southern Ave Southern Ave
Ca Alvan Rd
Pasadena St
Came ron St
Emerald Dr
Fairview Ave C mb
r id
Fairview Ave m bridge Dr
October 30, 2018

g
a
Cambridge Dr M
illc
e Ter
Ridgewood St or CS End
Harvard St
kS
Westnedge
Cir t Cork St
Garland St
arland
DRAFT
Vassar Dr
St
Monarch
St Nellbert Park Full Circle Dr
d
comb
Whittier Dr
Morgan St
Hill
Lowell St
R
G
to /
kle
C u e rs
Whitcomb St
ff
W h it Sheridan Dr
rin
Sheridan Dr
Burk
v
Lo
Sprinkle Rd
Sp
Imperial St
Nellbert St
Portage
eS
Fairfax Ave B
Pomeroy St Reycraft Dr Wheeler Ave
Whites Rd
t
u rke
Po
rta
Alle
g
S Westnedge Ave
W Cork St
St
e
E Cork St Old Cork St
y
Comstock
St
As
Saint Joseph Av
Av
e
E
h
Boekeloo St
nd
Marys St
Co
St
mo
Lincoln s hire
Saint
Regency Sq Albany St ed Howland Ave rk
To w n s h i p
S prink le
Ln
St
Ryskamp Ct
Chene M i n di Foley St
Rd
Elys Wa y
s e St
Dr Hughes St
Blvd
Kingston Ave
S Ro
Hutchinson St
Sweet Dr Sunnock Ave
Hutchinson St
Winton Gembrit Cir CS Start
Winton Ave
Ave
Lynn Ave
Pe
Ba Easy St
rbe
NMTP_2025
eenway
nn
Garfield Ave St r
Deloofs
w
Royce Ave
Konkle St
K
ay
Cir
Pierce Ave Aly
St
Fern
S Rose St
Royce Ave
Millwood Ave
Pierce Ave dal
Moreland St
Leona Vanrick Dr Midlink Dr
Leona Ave
Ln
eAve
S Park St
ke Miles Ave
Sidewalks
Ave
Emerald D r
Ln
Du
rs
Parker Ave
St
Pe
ale St
Parker Ave
ve
Peekstock Rd
n
Lo
sh
nw
Buchanan D
enway C
Blanche Hull Lakeway Ave
ay
D
Buchanan Ave Lakeway
Milwood
ir
Zuidema Ct
Sprinkle Rd
Ave
St
Parks
Ave
Denway Cir
Denway Dr South Paddington Rd
Westnedge Banbury Rd
SR
Liberty St Park Circle Dr

Rd
94 Covington
ose
Penway St
Oakhurst Ave WI
Golfview Ave 4
St
EI9
a vis Creek Ct
Pleasant Ave Evelyn
Ave
Evelyn Ave
Blanche Ave Dorchester Ave
Emerald
S Park St
Pembrook St
Pleasant
Manchester Rd
Drive Park
Mayfair St
Mi l h
am Par
Milham Park Bloomfield Ave
D
Home Ct k Dr
Pratt Rd
Candlewyck
Somerset
Nottingham Ave
Av e
E Kilgore Rd
E Kilgore Rd
Windyridge Dr
Woodmont Dr
Kilgore Rd
Garden Rd
Portage Rd
Meredith St
Lov
Candlewyck D r EK
W Kilgore Rd ilgore Rd Kilgore Road Service R d
ers
E N Ave
E Deadwood Dr
Old
Ln
R d
ian
Ind
Bender Rd
N Valley Cir
Evans S t
Donovan Dr
Fairfield Rd Crumps Rd
South S Valley Cir
Dr
od
Westnedge Byrd Dr N Deadwood Dr
W Deadwo
I 94
W
Andrus Ct
Lookout
94
Auburn
EI Lookout Ln
Ln
Ln
Underwood Ln
Hic k s
Brownies Ct
Winters Dr S
Dea
dwood Dr
Co
rn
er
sS
t
Portage Rd
Portage Rd
E
M
E Milham as Milham E Milham
E Milham Ave E Milham Ave te
E Milham Ave Ave nb Ave Ave
ro
ok
D
r
Pavilion
To w n s h i p
City of
Portage
0 1,000 2,000
FEET

Romence Rd E

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Emerald Drive Park
A D D R ES S
3200 Emerald Dr
Milwood
S I ZE :
15.75 Acres
Community Park
Amenities: Emerald Drive Park can accessible from Penway St. Public Input: There were several Aspirations: The City has planned northern part of the park into
ACTION PLAN be broken up into two different • Neither park has dedicated comments received regarding park improvements for 2021-2022. the southern half
parts: parking and the path the north Emerald Drive Park: Among those improvements the • Build sidewalks along Penway
2014-2018
• The northern section is a part of park does not connect • Add a dog park or dog run City should consider the following St., as well as install signage
2019
walking path connecting E. directly to the southern half. (Multiple comments) (in addition to those listed in the and crosswalks to identify the
Cork St. along Emerald Dr. to Public Comment section): park
2020 Barrier Free Assessment: While • Add tennis courts
just south of Lakeway Ave. The the northern half of the park is • Add water fountains/water • Improve the designated • Install permanent furnishings
2021 Master Plan
path has large shade trees and accessible using the walking path, bottle fill station crosswalk across E. Cork St. along the walking path and near
2022 Implement Master Plan connections midway that make the southern half is not. There are including new paint or brick the soccer field.
2023 Master Plan an ideal path for residents in Action Plan: Emerald Drive Park pavers
no sidewalks along Penway St. or
the immediate neighborhood is considered a park worth a ten • Install signage, mile markers,
2024-2029 paths to the interior of the park.
as well as the employees of the minute walk to get to. The City and simple work out equipment
COST $258,000 nearby industrial center. should build upon this image along the path
• The southern park is largely by improving the nonmotorized
FUNDING • Extend the paved path from the
SOURCE made up a soccer field connections to the park and within.

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Milham Park
A D D R ES S
400 E. Kilgore Rd
Milwood
S I ZE :
66.83 Acres
Large Urban Park

ACTION PLAN
Amenities: Milham Park is largely Barrier Free Assessment: The front • Need to spend whatever it Action Plan: As the comments say, destination.
2014-2018
a scenic area with the Portage of the park, adjacent to the main takes to bring Milham Park back Milham Park should be improved • Extend signage across Lovers
2019 Master Plan Creek running through it. The parking area, is largely accessible to it’s 1940’s and 1950’s glory and brought back to its former Lane to create link between
main pavilion, dedicated parking, a and most of the walking paths are • Fix Milham Park and clean out glory. The City should improve the Blanche Hull and Milham Park
playground, restrooms, and picnic paved, however some areas on the pond. Put Milham Park back to amenities while maintaining and • Like Upjohn Park, Milham Park
2021 facilities are located off the main interior of the park may be more enhancing the natural beauty of the
it’s old glory days. should incorporate Portage
2022 entrance on E. Kilgore Rd. The difficult to reach. • Renovate Milham Park with park. Creek as a thoughtful amenity
interior of the park features walking a splash pad (two comments by adding native plantings,
2023 paths throughout with pavilions and Public Input: There were numerous Aspirations: The City anticipates
comments received about received) improvements will be made in 2019- wildlife habitat, butterfly garden,
2024-2029 additional picnic facilities intended bat houses, and a lookout pier
improvements for Milham Park. • Renovate Milham Park 20. Those improvements should
for passive recreation. The large
COST $2,000,000 They are: • Keep art at Milham Park include: • Add signage throughout the
shade trees, stone bridges, natural
park educating walkers about
$1,000,000 Parks walkways, and various wildlife add • Bring back the rocket ship play • Signage at East Kilgore Road/
FUNDING Department Funds, the natural features they are
to the beauty of the park. structure to Milham Park Lovers Lane intersection to
SOURCE $675,000 Private, encountering
$300,000 DNR identify Milham Park as a

MILWOOD ACTION PLAN
Nellbert Park
A D D R ES S
3002 Nellbert
Edison
S I ZE :
0.72 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Nelbert Park is a large Barrier Free Assessment: Nelbert Public Input: There were no Action Plan: As the only mini-park Aspirations: The City currently
ACTION PLAN
grassy area located between Park is largely unimproved and specific comments for Nelbert Park. in the Milwood region, Nelbert has no improvements planned for
2014-2018 Konkle St. and Nellbert St. just has no dedicated parking or paved Park would serve as a great green Nelbert Park during the planning
2019 south of Milwood Middle School. paths. space for dog walkers. Additionally, period. The City should consider
because it is located adjacent to adding the amenities listed in the
2020 a school, Nelbert Park would be Action Plan.
2021
an ideal location for a community
garden. These are both amenities
2022 the surrounding community can
2023
manage and take ownership of
relieving the City of additional
2024-2029 maintenance.
COST
FUNDING
SOURCE No Planned Improvements

The South Planning Area
consists of 3.39 square miles
or 14% of the total city area
and is made up of three
neighborhoods: Southside,
Westnedge Hill, and South
Westnedge. Two parks are
located in the South region:
Crane Park
Blanch Hull Park
South Planning Region

Action Plan
100
Davis Park
South Upjohn Park
Westnedge
Park South Gateway
WMU/KRPH
SOUTH ACTION PLAN
Vine
Axtell Creek

Knollwood Edison Reed
Street
Park
2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN

Southside
Crane Park
Oakland/Winchell
DRAFT 11.13.2018
Westnedge
Hill
Woods
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park
Springmont
Park
Milwood
Oakwood
South Blanche Hull

Westnedge
City of
Portage
SOUTH
Parks Planning Regions
North 0 1,000 2,000
Northeast FEET
Central
Edison
Milwood
South
Southwest Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data
West
October 23, 2018

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
South Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the South Park Planning Region.
Population Age Figure 17: Age Structure as a Percentage of the Whole, 2010
The population density (persons/acre) for the South region is similar to that The median age of the South region’s population is above the median age of 50%
of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the South region has the city. 45% South Region
4.79 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region 40% City of Kalamazoo
Table 48: Median Age Comparison, 2010
is 7.70, compared to the city’s 8.63. 35%
SOUTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE 30%
Table 44: Population, 2016
25%
2010 34.8 26.5 + 8.3
SOUTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL 20%
2016 10,400 75,885 14% 10%
groupings: 0%
Households • 5 to 19 (School Aged) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
Similar to population, the South region makes up 16% of the total households • 20 to 44 (Family Forming)
in the city. • 45 to 64 (Mature families)
• Over 65 (Retirement) Race
Table 45: Households, 2016
SOUTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL Figure 18: Race, South Region, 2010
2016 4,443 28,557 16% White
Table 49: Population Distributed by Age Structure, 2010 Black or African American
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates American Indian and Alaskan Native
SOUTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO Asian
Some other race
Pre School 714 4,787
Median Income Two or more races
The median income of the South region is well above that of the city as a
whole.
Table 47: Household Median Income Comparison, 2010 Retirement 1,203 6,993
SOUTH REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL TOTAL 9,509 74,262
2010 $ 46,532 $ 34,767 + $ 11,765 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

As generally represented in the southern regions, the South region has a
higher percentage of mature families and retirement aged persons than the
city as a whole.

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
South Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the South Parks Planning Region.
Table 50: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the South Region

QUANTITY 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0
Crane Park Blanche Hull Park
LOCATIONS
Crane Park

Mini Parks /
BOUNDARY
Table 51: South Region Park Land Acreage Analysis

EABOUNDARY
ACREAGE ANALYSIS
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE SOUTH REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles distribution throughout the South Region. When evaluating parks and CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN SOUTH REGION DEFICIENCY
recreation service areas, it is important to closely consider where the
Mini Parks 0.25 2.6 0 - 2.6
residents in the region live. The MDNR establishes a recommended
Community Parks /
EA
service area for each park classification to determine the areas in the Neighborhood Parks 2.0 20.8 10.43 - 10.37
AR
CEAR
Natural Resource Area service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left. Community Parks 5.0 52 0 - 52.0
RV I CE
0.5 – 3.0 miles

SERVI
The table to the right evaluates the South region’s park acreage in Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 75.4 10.43 - 64.97
comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the State.
DDSE
Natural Resource Area Variable 69.64 + 69.64

Large Urban Parks / However, the standards are general in nature and do not reflect the
DE
Large Urban Park Variable

Regional Parks /
N DE
differences that affect community recreation facility needs. While the

E EN
Sports Complex / comparison above indicates a deficiency in several parks categories, Regional Parks 10.0 104 0 - 104.0
MM
the main concern is the lack of variety in the types of amenities offered
ECOMM
Special Use Sports Complex Variable

RRECO
by the parks in the region. Only tennis courts and walking trails are
30 minute driving time available. However, based on the demographic analysis, these amenities Special Use Variable
may be adequate for the population of this region. Further analysis of
the suitability of each park is listed in the individual sections to follow. Total > 15.25 > 179.4 80.07 - 99.33

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
Davis Park South

Westnedge
Upjohn Park
Park Service
Radii
Park South Gateway
Knollwood Axtell Creek

Park
Reed City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Street
Park
October 30, 2018
DRAFT
Southside
Crane Park Park

Parks
Woods Region_Transparency
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park
Springmont
Park
Blanche Hull
Milham Park
City of
0 1,000 2,000
Portage
FEET


SOUTH ACTION PLAN
South Region
Underserved
Areas
The South Park Planning Region has just
one park “worth walking ten minutes
to get to” – Crane Park, which is in the
far northern portion of the Planning
Region. The Kleinstuck Preserve,
owned by Western Michigan University,
does provide some green space and
amenities, and there are some school
facilities, but overall walkable park spaces
are not available, particularly south of
Cork Street/Whites Road. Kalamazoo
Country Club is a private facility that adds
green space, but not public amenities.
To reduce underserved areas in the South Planning Region, the
• Upgrade amenities and improve access at Blanche Hull Park,

so it offers more amenities to the immediate neighborhood.
• Pursue partnerships with Hackett Catholic High School to

allow public use of facilities.
opportunities for acquisition, to construct a neighborhood park
south of Whites Road.

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
MAPArcadia
Davis Park South
Westnedge
Park
South Gateway
Upjohn Park
South Parks
WMU/KRPH
Vine
Planning Region
Knollwood Knollwood Axtell Creek
Park City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
Reed
Street
Park
Edison October 30, 2018
DRAFT
Southside
Crane Park Southside

Park
Central
Oakland/Winchell
Edison
Westnedge Milwood
Hill
Woods
North
Lake Park
Northeast
Lake/Kensington
Park
South
Southwest
Springmont
Park
West
Milwood
Oakwood
Parkview
Hills
South Blanche Hull

Westnedge
Hill N' Brook

Milham Park
0 1,000 2,000
FEET


SOUTH ACTION PLAN
Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The South Park Planning Region has a
disconnected sidewalk system, although
Crane Park is served by a continuous
sidewalk network that reaches as far
south as Fairview Avenue and as far east
as Burdick Street.
Blanche Hull Park is not safely accessible on foot from nearby
neighborhoods. The sidewalk on busy Burdick Street only exists
on the west side of the street, and there is no sidewalk along
Pratt or Kilgore Roads, the only streets that connect through to
Westnedge Avenue and neighborhoods further west.
The Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan envisions the

Kalamazoo River Valley Trail (KVRT) running through Blanche Hull
Park. Upgrades to Blanche Hull will take advantage of that new
amenity and access point. Bicycle infrastructure is also planned
along Burdick Street. But no bicycle infrastructure is planned to
connect to Crane Park. The main bike route through that area
will run not on Westnedge Avenue, but on Bronson Blvd and
Crosstown Parkway.
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the South Planning Region are:

plan, including providing amenities and connections within
Blanche Hull Park.
• Providing a connection between the planned Bronson Blvd/

Crosstown Parkway bike way and Crane Park. Improving
pedestrian access to Blanche Hull Park, through sidewalks on
Kilgore Road and/or other east/west corridors.

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
MAP South Parks

Carr
Davis Park
Minor Ave Burr Oak St Harrigan
Ave
South Upjohn Dr P Garden St
Davis St
Cottage
Russell
Oak Ct
an Av
y
Arcadia Rd St
Ol
S t l te r
e
Burr
Ne
ichig Ct
kw
Dormitory
St
od Laura Ct
i ve
WM
Van De Giessen Rd
Fenwick Pl
wn
Ave
wl
Wall St
Gateway E Crossto
a
Rd S
rS
t
Arcadia
Knollwo
an
Wall St
W
Newton Ct
Lake St
South
dP P
Wheaton Ave
Maywood
Moore Park Pl Portage
Oak St
Sh or
l o rtage
Dr John
Ba
Sh
John St
Newell
Ave
St Oak
aw nt
Westnedge Street Ct Ct
Planning Region
S Mills St
nk
Ke Street Ct Skirrow Pl Vandersalm Ct
tR
St
Pl
WMU/KRPH
Axtell St Collins St Dewey Ave
Ln
Park
d
Upjohn Park
S Ros e
N Auditorium St
E
Born Ct
Shaw
Ct
Ln W
Redwood
Vine
Sutherland Ave
Kn Forest St d Washington Ct Washington Ave
John St
Ave oll Auditorium Dr St Marketplace B l v
Lafayette Ave
w W
oo Gar Ln Molhoeks Ct St Delaware Ct
St
s s Den oc
Ca Low Rd k
d Ave
McCourtie St Av bri d ge
Western Ave Kent Cir
Axtell Creek Adel Ct
n Rd
Merrill St
e E Stockbridge Ave
De
Cr a
r
ll D
ne n
Va s
Hussey Dr
High R d
se
Ln Pioneer St
Westbrook St
Southside Reed
e
Gie
Ro
Lon
Knollwood Edison
Calh g Rd Richard Ave
W orner Dr oun Egleston Ave
St
Street
Reed Ct
W Crosstown Pkw y Balch St
Fair St
Race St
Park
Ln
Weaver Blvd Recreatio n Dr Clinton Ave
ar
W Emerson St
S Rose St
G
Knollwood H Ho E Emerson St
cu owa wa Terrace Ct Hays Park Ave
St
October 30, 2018
to rd rd
S Park St
ff /O /O
Park
a rk
ak ak Howard St Reed Ave
SP
nC
la
nd cu land
DRAFT
State St
Ev a nston Ave
High St
to
s to
Elgin St
Westnedge
ff
Brentwood Ave
an
Belford St
Hillcrest Ave Beekman Ct Beekman Ct Maple Lay Blvd
Oakland/Winchell
Vanzee St
Ev
Indiana St
Ct
r
Hill
D
Maple Ct
Dr
Stadium Vernon Ct
t
rk S
W Maple St E Maple St
ld
W Maple St Lane Blvd
e ffie
Southside
S Pa
Stearns Ave
Aberdeen D Sh Bryant St
Hudson Ave
Dickie Dr
Crane Park
W Belmont
St E Belmont St
Park
r
SS Cherry St Betsy Ann Pl

pru Dixie Ave
Alcott Pl
ce E Alcott St
Be n ja
D
Saxonia
r Peeler St
Dixie
Acorn Centeridge Rd E verg E Alcott St
Po
Gl
re e
Lue
Dr
Ade
Ald
Ln nD W Alcott St
en
n
rta
m Palmer Ave
e
Av r Grandview Ave
P
i
wood D r
g
lla S
en
Av
e
la
l
e
Superior Ave
Crosswin d Dr
Stetson Ct
ide S
Grandview Ave
St
Crane Ave
ite
Pl
d
t
Av Fore st
ry R
Wa Remine St Witwer Luella Fulton St Duckett Dr
Linwood Dr
Fitch
Ri d g
d
M
NMTP_2025
t
Glen Blv
Frederick
Parkwood Ct Ct
id
era
Ave eR
va
Sunset Ln Parkwood Ave
t Ln d Dr Franklin St
le Plymouth
Watterworth LAKE St
Flower St
p
Sunse
James St
Tremont St
Tip
Te
L AK E S t
Springhill Dr
Dr
Millview Ave
Ln
r
Wildwood
Sidewalks
Phillips St
Hillside
Pl
Golden
Dover Rd
Ostran
Pl
Dr
Winchell Ave Inkster Ave S Bur
d e r St
Burdick
dic E Miller Rd
Golden Dr
Outlook St
e
k
Av
Embury Rd
Parks
Ru
Pl
n
st er
ista
Sheffield Dr
ss
St
stche
Bruce Dr
Argyle Ave
et
Law Ave
We Creston Ave C rescent Dr Roseland Ave
V
Lomond Dr
Dr
Wils hire Blvd
ta
E dger Homecrest A
Al
ve
e
Hillshire D r
University A ve
i dge
Alta Vista Av
S Westnedge Ave
Cir Edgemoor Ave Edgemoor Ave Homecrest Ave
Woods
Kalanco
Cloyster Ct
Lake C or
N
Chevy Chase Blvd to n D r
St
Ra
S Park St
Cha vini
Lake Park ronson C
e Dr
Montrose Ave
he
aS Southern Ave
B
vy
se D t
ir
Applelane Ave Bronson Blvd
ly l
ar r Fairview Ave
d
Duchess Dr
C lov elly
R
Fairview Ave
C
Danby
Cambridge Dr
Lorraine Ave
Lake/Kensington nder
Ridgewood St
r
D
d
lan Calle Garland
Ct
Garland St
n d Ci r
ak Vassar Dr
Park
C
Ave
t
Wellington Rd ve O
g a t e Ln
yA St
wa Essex Cir Monarch
oad G ar l a
Fe Br Whitcomb St Sheridan Dr
d St
rdo omb
Es
Sheridan Dr
Burk
oo e Cohas
nR W se Wh itc
Portage C toff
d Ke Ln t Imperial St
x Rd
nsin gto n Dr
Springmont
eS
u
Whites Rd Fairfax Ave B
Pomeroy St Reycraft Dr
Vista Rdg
t
u rke
Lovers /
Crest St
Park Parkview Ave
Alle
W Cork St
St
E Cork St
y
Unknown 077 42160 7
As
Saint Joseph Av
Av
e
Hol Hi Dr
h
nd
Marys St
St
mo
Saint
Logan Ave Logan Ave Regency Sq Albany St ed
Laird Ave
R
Ln
Ryskamp Ct
Carolee M i n di
Ln Chene Dr Elys Wa y Foley St
se St
Amherst Ave Hughes St
Par 4 Cir
e
Milwood
Merrie Ln
S Ro
Hutchinson St
Sunnock Ave
Barnard Ave
Par 4 Rd Hutchinson St Sweet Dr

Benton Ave
Lynn Ave Ba
rbe
Garfield Ave eenway St r
Adam s
Springmont Ave Deloofs Royce Ave
Cir
Clover St Pierce Ave Aly Fer
S Rose St
St nd
Oakwood
Royce Ave
Duke Ln Pierce Ave Ave
Leona
ale
Parker Ave Leona Ave
South
Ln
S Park St
Hazel Ave Ave Miles Ave
Ruthin Rd
Oakridge
rs
Ro bin Ln
Parker Ave
ve
h St
ale St
Parker Ave
Colony Rd
Dr
Lo
Westnedge s Peekstock Rd
Stevens Ave Denway C
Blanche Hull
A
Lakeway Ave
D
Buchanan Ave Lakeway
St
Buchanan Ave
ir
Zuidema Ct
Ave
t Ave
Du k e
Denway Cir
Edgewood Dr
O ld
Edgewood Dr n Denway Dr
ale Dr
Ke
N Hill and
Dr
SR
e
Standish St
dg Liberty St
d Ridge Dr Ri id e D
r
O a klan
ose
Sunvalley Dr akes
Rivington St
nd Oakhurst Ave
t s Ln
la Flora
L
ak
St
O l Dr Evelyn
h Pleasant Ave
He i g Ave
a le D r
Evelyn Ave
d W hite Oak D Blanche Ave
gR r
Sunnybrook Dr glin
Duke St
S Park St
An E Hill an d
Pembrook St
Pleasant Mi l
ha m
Milham Park
Edg
Hill N' Brook Home Ct Park D

r
e
Pratt Rd
Old Colony Rd
cliff
Autum n Crest L n Candlewyck

Ln
en Dr
Lama Rd
S u ns
Skyler Dr
La
ke
D l a ne
av
et sid
Glen r
Su
Woodh
Morningside Dr
Stonehenge Dr
be
Old Kilgore Rd
D
nn
Windyridge Dr
r
Dr
Woodmont Dr
Te
r
eD
rose
Meadowlark
Garden Rd
ybr
Tim
Lov
0 1,000 2,000
Candlewyck D r
r
oo r
W Kilgore Rd
City of E Kilgore Rd
ers
k
D
L n
Portage dia
n Rd
In
FEET
Evans St
Fa
irfie
ld
Rd
I 94
W
94
EI

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
Crane Park
A D D R ES S
2001 S. Westnedge
Westnedge Hill
S I ZE :
10.43 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Crane Park features Barrier Free Assessment: Crane Public Input: One comment was Action Plan: Crane Park has much Aspirations: The City has identified
2014-2018 tennis courts, grassy lawn, Park has perimeter sidewalks received related to Crane Park: potential for improvement based improvements to existing amenities
landscaped walking trails, and ensuring ease of access for Replace the lilac bushes at Crane on its size alone. Crane Park is an at Crane Park for 2019. Amenities
Pathways,Tennis Courts,
2019
Furnishings, Landscaping
shade trees throughout. the surrounding neighborhood, Park. ideal location to add recreation listed in the Action Plan should
however the paths on the interior of amenities lacking in the region such also be considered, however
2020 the park are not paved. as a pavilion, picnic facilities, and all improvements should be
2021 permanent furnishings. Additionally, thoughtfully incorporated into the
the City might include public art natural landscape of the park.
2022 among the walking trails as well as
2023 signage which identifies the species
in the landscape.
2024-2029
COST Need number from Patrick

SOURCE Grants

SOUTH ACTION PLAN
Blanche Hull Park
A D D R ES S
4225 S. Burdick
South Westnedge
S I ZE :
69.64 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN
Amenities: Blanche Hull Park is Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: There were no Aspirations: The City anticipates by adding native plantings,
2014-2018
a natural haven for the city. It is Blanch Hull Park parking lot allows specific comments related to improvements will be made in 2019- wildlife habitat, butterfly garden,
2019 Master Plan the third largest park in the city ample room for handicap parking Blanche Hull Park. 2020. Those improvements should bat houses, and a lookout pier
and is the largest natural resource and there is a paved trail head at include: • Add signage throughout the
area. The park features walking the parking lot. However, many of Action Plan: The City should
• Signage at East Kilgore Road/ park educating walkers about
2021 trails beneath large shade trees the trails on the interior of the park improve the amenities while
Lovers Lane intersection to the natural features they are
and along the Portage Creek. It is are not paved. maintaining and enhancing the
2022 identify Blanche Hull Park as a encountering
accessible by car and on-street bike natural beauty of the park.
destination
2023 lanes on South Burdick Street. The
• Extend signage across Lovers
2024-2029 park has dedicated parking from
Lane to create link between
which you can enter access the
COST $ 1,975,000.00 Blanche Hull and Milham Park
trails.
$250,000 Parks • Like Upjohn Park, Blanche Hull
FUNDING Department Funds, Park should incorporate Portage
SOURCE $1,400,000 Private, Creek as a thoughtful amenity
$300,000 DNR

The Southwest Planning Area
made up of five neighborhoods:
Oakland/Winchell, Colony Farm,
Parkview Hills, Oakwood, and Hill
N’ Brook. Three parks are located
in the Southwest region:
Lake/Kensington Park
Springmont Park
Woods Lake Park
Southwest Planning Region

Action Plan
SOUTHWEST ACTION PLAN
Arcadia Knollwood
Park
WMU/KRPH
Southwest Parks
Knollwood
Vine
Planning Region
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Central
Edison
Oakland/Winchell
Milwood
Westnedge North
Woods Hill
Northeast
Lake Park
South
Lake/Kensington
Park
Southwest
West
Springmont
Park
Oakwood
Colony Farm
South
Westnedge
Parkview
Hills
0 1,000 2,000
FEET
Hill N' Brook


Southwest Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the Southwest Park Planning Region.
The population density (persons/acre) for the Southwest region is similar to that The median age of the Southwest region’s population is above the median 50%
of the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the Southwest region has age of the city. 45% Southwest Region
3.13 persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region is 40% City of Kalamazoo
0.98, compared to the city’s 8.63. Table 55: Median Age Comparison, 2010 35%
30%
Table 52: Population, 2016 SOUTHWEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE
25%
2010 40.8 26.5 + 14.3 20%
SOUTHWEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL
15%
2016 7,559 75,885 10% 10%
groupings: 0%
Households • 5 to 19 (School Aged) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
Similar to population, the Southwest region makes up 12% of the total • 20 to 44 (Family Forming)
households in the city.
Race
Table 53: Households, 2016 • Over 65 (Retirement)
Similar to the other southern regions, the Southwest region is less diverse than
SOUTHWEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL The chart below compares the age structure of the specified region with that the city as a whole. 85% of the population is white while 9% of the population is
of the City of Kalamazoo. African American.
2016 3,345 28,557 12%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates White
Figure 20: Race, Southwest Region, 2010 Black or African American
SOUTHWEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO American Indian and Alaskan Native
Asian
Median Income Pre School 468 4,787 Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
The median income of the Southwest region is well above that of the city as a School Aged 1,202 15,573 Two or more races
whole. Family Forming 2,342 33,389 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

SOUTHWEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE TOTAL 7,291 74,262
2010 $ 57,134 $ 34,767 + $22,367 Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

As generally represented in the southern regions, the Southwest region has
a higher percentage of mature families and retirement aged persons than
the city as a whole.

Southwest Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the Southwest Park Planning Region.
Table 57: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the Southwest Region

QUANTITY 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 1
Crane Park Woods Lake Park Woods Lake Park Woods Lake Park Woods Lake Park Woods Lake Park
LOCATIONS
Springmont Park

Mini Parks /
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 58: Southwest Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE SOUTHWEST REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles distribution throughout the Southwest Region. When evaluating parks CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN SOUTHWEST REGION DEFICIENCY
Mini Parks 0.25 1.89 1.11 - 0.78
Natural Resource Area service area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left.
Community Parks 5.0 37.8 0 - 37.8
0.5 – 3.0 miles The table to the right evaluates the Southwest region’s park acreage
Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 54.81 7.45 - 47.36
in comparison to national guidelines for communities throughout the Natural Resource Area Variable 0
Large Urban Parks / State. However, the standards are general in nature and do not reflect Large Urban Park Variable 0
the quality of the facilities, the character of the community or other
Regional Parks / local differences that affect community recreation facility needs. The Regional Parks 10.0 75.6 0 - 75.6
Sports Complex / comparison above indicates a deficiency in all of parks categories, and
furthermore, the demographic analysis supports the main concern: Sports Complex Variable 0
Special Use this region does not offer enough park acreage. However, the facilities
analysis does indicate the region is fairly well served by recreation Special Use Variable 0
30 minute driving time amenities. Further analysis of the suitability of each park is listed in the
individual sections to follow. Total > 15.25 > 130.41 7.45 - 122.96

Park Service
Radii
Knollwood
Park City of Kalamazoo, Michigan
October 30, 2018

DRAFT

Parks
Region_Transparency
Woods
Oshtemo
To w n s h i p Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park
Springmont
Park
0 1,000 2,000
FEET

Te x a s City of
To w n s h i p Portage

Southwest Region
Underserved Areas
The Southwest Park Planning Region has just
one park “worth walking ten minutes to get
to” – Woods Lake Park. Asylum Lake, owned
by Western Michigan University, is also a
popular amenity, but overall walkable public
park spaces are not available. The Parkview
Hills neighborhood does have park spaces
that are available to its residents, but not to
the public at large.
To reduce underserved areas in the Southwest Planning Region, the
• Improve access to Blanche Hull Park, so it offers more amenities to

the immediate neighborhood.
• Pursue partnerships with Western Michigan University to add

neighborhood amenities to Asylum Lake.
opportunities for acquisition, to construct a neighborhood park
in or near the Oakwood neighborhood, with more amenities than
Springmont Park.

MAP Arcadia
W Michig an Ave
Knollwood
Park
W este rn Ave
Ca
ss
Southwest Parks
Lafayette Ave
St
St
nt
ood Ave
Planning Region
Ke
rL
Ga
WMU/KRPH Lon
gR
ll w
d
Vine
Kn o
Ga
rL
n
Recreat i on Dr
L ilac Ln Debbie
L n
Knollwood
H o war d St City of Kalamazoo, Michigan

Hillcrest Ave
E l Ran cho D r
r
H aw kD
October 30, 2018
e ld Dr
W Maple St
Sta dium Dr
DRAFT
Abe r deen D he
f fi
r
S
SS Cherry St
S t ea r ns Av e
pru
ce
Dr
Tre
e
Ben
ha
ve
nD
ja m
r Av
in
ve
e
eA
Ln
Wa it
m or e
ve
A
yca ick
Frede r
S
Rd
ra ry
T ip pe
10 Minute Walk Area
Ra
mb
l in
Oakland/Winchell
gR
d
Central
Wi n c h e l l Ave
Ru
Rd
sse
e
id g
tD
Edison
R
ne
r
r
Rd
Pi
nD
wy
li n g
Lomond Dr
rk
Pa
b
Ram
Ta li e
s in D
r
Edgemoor Ave Milwood
Chevy Chase Bl v d
Woods Westnedge North
Lake Park
Hill
Applelane Ave
r
eD
Bronson Blvd
Northeast
lyl
D uc he
r
Ca
ss Dr
Lorraine Ave
Wellington Rd Lake/Kensington South

adw
ay A
ve Park
B ro E ssex C ir
Tamsin Ave
Fe
rd
on Southwest
Dr
Dr Rd
Ke nsi ng t on
nd
kla
West
Oa
Whites Rd
Pa rkvi e w Ave Crest St
Springmont
Park
Wood St
Knox St
Willow Lake D r
Lowden St
af Blv d
Amherst Ave
Hoover St
l v d G re e nle
Par 4 C i r
Bar n a r d Ave
C am p u s D r
Benton Ave
af B
e n le
Oakwood
Gre
College C
ir
Laird Ave
Springmont Ave
A dam
Clover St
s St
Hazel Ave
Parker Av e
Colony Farm Eng i neer i ng Dr E
Stevens Ave
Parkview South
is o n St
Co l o ny Rd
Hills Westnedge
n t Av e
NU
Mad
S1
Ol d F i e l d Tr l Edgewood Dr
31
Ke
Horton Dr
SU
Old
S1
31
Gre enle af C
ir
Sunval ley Dr Dr
sid e
Standish St
Lake
Rivington St
res
tL 0 1,000 2,000
Fo
n
La ke
rook Dr d
S un nyb gR
g li n
Dr
An E
FEET
H illan d a l e
Duke St
Hill N' Brook
Old Colony Rd
Skyler Dr Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data
L a ma Rd Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.
W Kilgore Rd

Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The Southwest Park Planning Region has
sidewalk in only a few places, including
portions of the Oakwood neighborhood
and streets near Oakland Drive. Woods
Lake Park is somewhat served by
sidewalks – the sidewalks along Oakland
Drive end at the park entrance and do
not continue across the frontage. There
is also a crosswalk in the area that is not
ADA accessible.
The Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan envisions
bicycle infrastructure on key corridors in the Oakland/Winchell
neighborhood, including Winchell Avenue, Chevy Chase Blvd,
and Wellington Road, which will connect to the existing bike lanes
on Oakland Drive and provide access to Woods Lake Park. Bike
infrastructure is also planned along Portage Avenue.
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the Southwest Planning

Region are:

plan.
• Improving pedestrian and bicycle access to Woods Lake Park.
• Ensuring that Oakland Drive is a true Complete Street,

designed to be safe and efficient for pedestrians and cyclists
throughout the entire corridor.

MAP Arcadia
Southwest Parks
Dublin Ave an
ichig
Farrell Ave
Kn v
Westfall Ave
Westmoreland
St
WM
Ellendale St
ollwood
er
Ae
Arcadia Rd
Weaver Ave
Ave
liv
Hawthorne
Dormitory
Ol
retum Cir
Van De Giessen Rd
Honeylocust Ln
O
e
Ave
ive
Middlebur Saint Antoine Ave
Rd S
Rdg St
Chase
Cl
yD
Knollwood Av
a yb
r
Wheaton Ave
Ivy
orne Dr r
Dob bin D
Thornapple Firethorne Moore
Planning Region
Sh o rt
r
Donnegal
n
Dr
eD
Sh St
ll L
Rdg
Euclid St
bo
Grv aw
Dover Hills D Ar hi
r Ave nt
E ma
Ke
we
r s
Kimbark
Lan rk
Rd
s
Be
WMU/KRPH
Ave
Hidden
Bo
ca
Ln
El d
Greenwood Ave
jea Emaje
r
Hills Dr N Auditorium St
E
e Way
Shaw
rid
Jack Pine Dr
nS
ste
Ln W
Lo
ge
Fra
ng
Sutherland Ave
r
t
Redwood Ave
Lit t le
Kn
Dr
Auditorium Dr
Rd
Dr
Red P i n oll
ter
ape Dr y
w oo Gar Ln
St
V
Esc
it
Dr
WKL
e
s Low
an S
Ca
s
Ave
a Av
d Ave
r
illa
sD Western Ave Kent Cir Rd
n Rd
d
Vine
ge
t
De
oo
Cr a
rn
r
eW fo
ll D
a li n
D
ne
W Michigan Ave chigamm Va es Rd
se
High
r
Mi C Ln
Ke n
Westbrook St
e
Gi
Hussey Dr
Ro
Lafayette Ave
b r ooke Ct Calh
O ji
Tr w W orner Dr oun
Sh
Knollwood
l a
b
St
Pi
a d
ne Terrace B ow ine
Ki c
lvd Dr ka
Ln
Lil po Weaver Blvd
o Ct Recreatio n Dr
October 30, 2018
ar
ac Ln
G
H Ho
Lilac Ln Debbie Rio Rd cu owa wa
Knollwood
Meadow
L Jay Dr
DRAFT
View Dr
n to rd rd
ff /O /O
El Rancho Dr
Ct
ak ak Howard St
Ct
Granada Ln
Wo o i
Cardinal
t
Ct
Park
nC
la
nd cu land
ck
Dr
Tray L
rk
dla n d F o Ev a nston Ave
lly
Ja
Ma
Indiana St
rest Hills L n to
sto
Valencia Ln
H
ll s Ct Swift Dr Swift
Bi
ff
Brentwood Ave
Debbie
Adios Dr
an
Nanc Dr Hillcrest Ave
n
Fiesta Ln
Todd
Ev
Ridgeway Cir y Ln
Ln
Lark Dr
Ln
Mexicali Ln
Dr
Ridgeway Ln
Ridgeway
Jody Ln
Poncho Pl
W Maple St
ield
r
Ha
S e neca Ln wk D Pampas Ln
Meadow
View Rd
Stadium Dr
e ff
Stearns Ave
Aberdeen D Sh
Cir
Dickie Dr
r
SS Cherry St
p ru
ce
Be n ja
D
Saxonia
r
Bobolink Ln Acorn Centeridge Rd E verg
Fair Oaks Dr Tree gbird D ree
Dr
ha kin r Ln n nD
m
ven oc
e
Av r
i
NMTP_2025
Av
Dr M e
Crosswin d Dr
Ln
L akesedge Dr
ite
Pi ne e
Shelter
Grove Ln or Av
Wa
Rd
ycam
Linwood Dr
r Fitch
on D
Frederick
ry
ub
S
Aud
Sidewalks
Po Ave
era
int Magnolia Watterworth
Ra
p
Cir
Dr
Tip
Dr
mb
g
Parks
lin
R Dover Rd
Winchell Ave
Oakland/Winchell Westnedge
Ru
Embury Rd
Rd
Hill
ss
ge Larry
n g Rd
Sheffield Dr
et
Ri d
Bruce Dr
Hi g h
L Argyle Ave
Dr
ne n
Dr
Lomond Dr
p oin te Dr Rid
Pi
b li
gev E dge
Ridgevie
e
Hillshire D r ri dge
Alta Vista Av
Cir ie w
Ram
Cir Edgemoor Ave
in Dr
s
Woods
Pa
Talie
Cloyster Ct
Chevy Chase Blvd Lake C
rk
Oshtemo n
wy
Cha
Lake Park
e Dr
he
Ap p lela
nD
Bronso
vy
se D
Cir
To w n s h i p
r
Applelane Ave
ly l
ar r
d
vd
C lov elly Bronson Bl
R
C
ne
Lake/Kensington
Cir
Lorraine Ave
Dr nde r
Calle
Brook l y
d
lan
Park
C E
Blv d
Wellington Rd k
t
Oa
g a t e Ln
e
y Av s sex Cir
dwa
n
Fe oa
rd Br d
Es
Tamsin Ave o nR oo e
W
s
d
Darmo St
Kens ington Dr Kensin gto n Dr
x Rd
Springmont Whites Rd
Vista Rdg
Crest St
Parkview Ave Park
ge
Unknown 077
Hol Hi Dr
B luf f
Campus
r id
Pi n L n
42160 7
Shady
e
Te r Logan Ave Logan Ave
Laird Ave
Wood St
Knox St
s
pu
Campus Dr Willow Lake Dr

m
Lowden St
Ca
Amherst Ave
f
Hoover St
Blv Gre enlea
u s
mp
lvd
Ca
Barnard Ave
d B
Par 4 Rd
Benton Ave Par 4 Cir
Col le g
Dr
cli ff
af
Lynn Ave
C ir
ood
nle
Adam s
e
ee
Springmont Ave
W
Oakwood
Gr
Clover St
i St
Co
lle g e C
r
Moraine Trl
Parker Ave
Parkview
Hazel Ave
Ruthin Rd
Oakridge
N
Ro bin Ln
Colony Farm
U
E
Engineering Dr
Colony Rd
Dr
S
Hills South
13
1
Stevens Ave
Westnedge
t Ave
Edgewood Dr
Woodstone Dr E
Ol
O ld
n Den way Dr
dF
O Edgewood Dr
ld Old Field Trl ale Dr
Ke
Lake
Terrace Dr
N Hill and
iel
S
Horton Dr Fi aridge Rd
ed
dP
US
el
Cri c
Ma dis o
T d
C
l
G Dr
13
Lolich D k rl n
id L re e nleaf Cir
r
L n et
1
d Lak e
Standish St
Katy Ter e dg D
d Ridge Dr Ri id e
r
r a c e Dr O a klan akes
nS
Kaline Ave Sunvalley Dr

eld T
rl nd
t s Ln
ld Fi
at la Flora
t
L
ak
K
yd
Hill N' Brook
Blackberry Ln id O l Dr
O
Ln h
He i g
a le D r
Starlite Ave t
es W hite Oak D
F or Rd
Ln
ke rook Dr ng r
Sunnyb A ngli E Hill an d Pleasant Ave
La
Eventide Dr Brandywine Rd
Siesta St
r
Edg
ssove Ln
R ox b
31 Cro rd
US 1 So ng b i
e
Old Colony Rd
cliff
ur Autum n Crest L n
y Ln
0 1,000 2,000
Ln
Moonlight Ave
Lama Rd
S u ns
Skyler Dr
La
haven Dr
ke
D l a ne
Dr Lake F et sid
Lake Hill
Glen
o re
Dr
Morningside Dr
Stonehenge Dr
st be
FEET
Dr
r
Ter
r
Dr
eD
Me
rose
Meadowlark
Tim
rry
r
vie
Wood
wD W Kilgore Rd
r

Te x a s City of
To w n s h i p Portage
South
Westnedge

Lake/Kensington Park
A D D R ES S
2435 Kensington
Oakland / Winchell
S I ZE :
0.88 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Lake / Kensington Park to Woods Lake, the public wants to In regards to connectivity in the Action Plan: As identified in the Aspirations: The City does not
ACTION PLAN features a lakefront green space see: area, the public wants to see: public comment, Lake / Kensington have any planned improvements
2014-2018 and look out pier. This park is an • Native plantings added to • Designated pedestrian crossing Park should strive to improve for Lake / Kensington Park during
2019
ideal location for fishing. beautify the lake and add a low across Parkview Ave. west of accessibility and connectivity with the planning period. However, if
maintenance element Oakland Dr. the surrounding neighborhood. As the City does receive additional
2020 Barrier Free Assessment: a green space on a lake, this is a funding small improvements such
Lake / Kensington Park largely • Prevention and limitation of the • Sidewalks added to north side
great alternative to visiting Woods as permanent furnishings and a
2021 inaccessible. The park offers no amount of salt run-off into the of Parkview Ave.
Lake Park. paved or hard surface path could
paved or hard surfaces to access lake
2022 There were also several comments encourage more visitors to the
the fishing pier or lakefront. • Improve lake quality after being received requesting to expand park. Large improvements that
2023 impacted by salt run-off the amount of open space in the should be considered improving
Public Input: No specific comments
2024-2029 • Dredge shallow parts of lake Oakwood neighborhood. the connectivity of the surrounding
were received related to Lake /
• Removal of lily pads from east neighborhoods.
COST No Planned Improvements Kensington Park, but the quality of
the lake and accessibility around it end of Woods Lake to allow for
FUNDING
were discussed in detail. In regards fishing and boating

Springmont Park
A D D R ES S
2416 Springmont
Oakwood
S I ZE :
0.23 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Springmont Park is a tot Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: No specific Action Plan: Springmont Park is an Aspirations: The City plans to make
ACTION PLAN lot occupying a residential lot. The Springmont Park has a perimeter comments were received related important asset to the surrounding improvements to the furnishings
2014-2018 park offers a fenced in green space, sidewalk along Springmont Ave. but to Springmont Park. General neighborhood, and the City should and playground at Springmont Park
slide, swingset, park benches and there are no hard surfaces on the comments were received regarding strive to make Springmont Park a in 2019. These should be combined
2019 Furnishings, Playground
picnic table. Large shade trees are interior of the park. connectivity and parks in the area. park worth a ten minute walk. with accessibility improvements
2020 on the perimeter. the public wants to see: such as accessible paths, picnic
• Designated pedestrian crossing facilities, play structure, and
2021
across Parkview Ave. west of signage near the park signifying
2022
Oakland Dr. “kids at play.”
2023 • Sidewalks added to northside
of Parkview Ave.
2024-2029
• Expand the amount of open
COST $40,000 space in the Oakwood
FUNDING
CDBG neighborhood.
SOURCE

Woods Lake Park
A D D R ES S
2900 Oakland
Oakland / Winchell
S I ZE :
6.34 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Located off of Oakland Public Input: Two engagement In regards to Woods Lake, the In regards to connectivity in the Aspirations: Woods Lake Park
Restroom, Shelter, Drive in south west Kalamazoo. sessions were held at Woods Lake public wants to see: area, the public wants to see: recently underwent improvements
Playground, Pathways, Woods Lake Park has a recently Park. The first was on July 10, 2018 to the restrooms, shelter,
2014-2018 • Native plantings added to • Designated pedestrian crossing
Overlook, Fishing Area, installed playground, a swimming and the second was held on August playground, pathways, overlook,
Parking beautify the lake and add a low across Oakland Dr.
beach on Woods Lake, new 14, 2018. These sessions were well maintenance element fishing area, and accessible
• Sidewalks added to west side
2019 restrooms, drinking fountains, and attended and numerous comments parking area next to the shelter.
• Prevention and limitation of the of Oakland Dr.
pavilion. were received regarding the park, Continued maintenance of the
amount of salt run-off into the
2020 the lake, and connecting to the There were also several comments equipment and facilities should be
Barrier Free Assessment: lake
surrounding neighborhoods. received requesting to expand completed. Future improvements
2021 Improvements were made to make • Improve lake quality after being the amount of open space in the to Woods Lake Park should focus
Woods Lake Park accessible. In regards to Woods Lake Park, the impacted by salt run-off Oakwood neighborhood.
2022 on improving the quality of the lake
The main parking area is above public wants to see: • Dredge shallow parts of lake
Action Plan: As one of only two city and improving the connectivity of
2023 the park, located at street level. • Add a retaining wall • Removal of lily pads from east parks with beach access, the City the surrounding area.
However, a driveway leads to the
• Alternative to steps/less steps end of Woods Lake to allow for
2024-2029 lake below where only handicap should continue to promote Woods
• Splashpad fishing and boating Lake Park and program appropriate
vehicles are allowed. Paved paths
connect the parking lot with a large • Beginner/learn to swim area activities.
FUNDING pavilion, accessible restrooms, and
water fountains.

The West Planning Area consists
of 3.77 square miles or 15% of the
total city area and is made up of five
neighborhoods: Westwood, Arcadia,
Knollwood, WMU/KRPH, and West
Main Hill. Eight parks are located
in the West region:
Academy Green
Henderson Park
Henderson Tot Lot
Lovell Street Park
West Main Park
West Gateway Park
Frays Park
Knollwood Park
West Planning Region

Action Plan
WEST ACTION PLAN
West Parks
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
Planning Region
October 30, 2018

Westwood Northside DRAFT
La Crone Park
Frays Park
Fairmount
Dog Park
Central
Fairmont
Edison
Milwood
North
Northeast
Stuart
Henderson South
Park
Southwest
W. Main Park
Henderson
Tot Lot West
Academy Green
West CBD
Main Hill West Gateway
Lovell Park
Arcadia
WMU/KRPH Davis Park South

Westnedge
Park
Vine
Knollwood
Park Axtell Creek
0 1,000 2,000
Knollwood
FEET
Southside
Westnedge Crane Park
Oakland/Winchell Hill

WEST ACTION PLAN
West Demographic Report

A basic demographic analysis is provided to understand the specific characteristics of the West Park Planning Region.
The population density (persons/acre) for the West region is above that of The median age of the West region’s population is below the median age of 70%
the city overall. The city has 4.72 persons/acre, and the West region has 8.62 the city. 60% West Region
persons/acre. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region is City of Kalamazoo
1.70, compared to the city’s 8.63. Table 62: Median Age Comparison, 2010 50%
WEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE 40%

Table 59: Population, 2016
2010 22.5 26.5 - 4.0 30%
WEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL
2016 20,808 75,885 27%
10%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates To compare age structure, the population is divided into the following
groupings: 0%
The population density (persons/acre) for the North region is similar to that of • Under 5 (Pre School)
the city overall. However, the park acres per 1,000 residents in the region is
• 5 to 19 (School Aged) Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
21.4, compared to the city’s 8.63.
• 20 to 44 (Family Forming)
Households Race
• Over 65 (Retirement)
Similar to population, the West region makes up 21% of the total households The West region is predominantly white with 79% of the population, but also
The chart below compares the age structure of the specified region with that 12% of the population is African American and 4% of the population is Asian.
in the city.
Table 60: Households, 2016
Table 63: Population Distributed by Age Structure, 2010 Figure 22: Race, West Region, 2010
White
WEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO % OF TOTAL Black or African American
WEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO
2016 6,033 28,557 21% Asian
Pre School 574 4,787 Native Hawiian and Other Pacific Islander
Source: US Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Some other race
School Aged 4,919 15,573 Two or more races
Median Income Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census
The median income of the West region is well below the median income of
Retirement 953 6,993
the city as a whole.
TOTAL 19,797 74,262
WEST REGION CITY OF KALAMAZOO DIFFERENCE

As expected, because this region is the home of Western Michigan
2010 $ 26,733 $ 34,767 - $8,034
University, the predominant population age groups for the West region are
school aged and family forming. Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

WEST ACTION PLAN
West Parks Service Analysis

The table below shows the publicly owned facilities available in the West Park Planning Region.
Table 64: Public Owned and/or Operated Recreation Facilities within the West Region

QUANTITY 0 1 1 1 0 3 2 1 0 0
Henderson Tot Lot Knollwood Park Frays Park Woods Lake Park Knollwood Park Knollwood Park Frays Park Woods Lake Park
LOCATIONS
Frays Park Frays Park

Henderson Tot Lot

Mini Parks /
ACREAGE ANALYSIS Table 65: West Region Park Land Acreage Analysis
Neighborhood Parks It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and their distribution PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE WEST REGION ACTUAL ACREAGE SURPLUS/
0.25 – 0.5 miles throughout the West Region. When evaluating parks and recreation service areas, CLASSIFICATION PER 1,000 RESIDENTS RECOMMENDED ACREAGE IN WEST REGION DEFICIENCY
it is important to closely consider where the residents in the region live. The MDNR
Mini Parks 0.25 5.2 4.55 - 0.65
establishes a recommended service area for each park classification to determine the
Community Parks / areas in the community that are lacking easy access to parks and facilities. The service Neighborhood Parks 2.0 41.6 11.04 - 30.56
area boundary for each type of park is shown to the left.
Natural Resource Area Community Parks 5.0 104 19.7 - 84.3
0.5 – 3.0 miles The table to the right evaluates Kalamazoo’s park acreage in comparison to national
guidelines for communities throughout the State. However, the standards are general Local Parks Subtotal 7.25 150.8 35.29 - 115.51
in nature and do not reflect the quality of the facilities, the character of the community
Large Urban Parks / or other local differences that affect community recreation facility needs. Thus, in
evaluating the results, the actual conditions and trends present in the City must Large Urban Park Variable 0
Regional Parks / be taken into account. The comparison above indicates a deficiency in all of parks
Sports Complex / categories, and furthermore, the demographic analysis supports the main concern: this Regional Parks 10.0 208 - 208.0
region does not offer enough park acreage. In summary, the region occupies 15% of
Special Use the total area, 27% of the total population and 5% of the total parkland. However, the
Sports Complex Variable 0
30 minute driving time facilities analysis does indicate the region is fairly well served by recreation amenities, Special Use Variable 0
in addition to those other amenities provided. Further analysis of the suitability of each
park is listed in the individual sections to follow. Total > 15.25 > 358.8 35.29 - 323.51

WEST ACTION PLAN
Park Service
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
Radii
October 30, 2018

DRAFT
Kalamazoo
To w n s h i p
La Crone Park
Frays Park Fairmount
Dog Park
Parks
Region_Transparency
Henderson
Park
Tot Lot
Academy Green
Oshtemo West Gateway
To w n s h i p
Lovell Park
Davis Park
Knollwood
Park Axtell Creek
0 1,000 2,000
FEET

Woods
Lake Park
Lake/Kensington
Park

WEST ACTION PLAN
West Region
Underserved
Areas
The West Main Hill neighborhood is
one of the best served neighborhoods
for walkable parks in the City, with the
Henderson Tot Lot in walking distance
for most of the neighborhood (though
awkward to access due to its location
on an alley). There is also a nearby
Kalamazoo Township Park, and smaller
green spaces such as Academy Green,
Henderson Park, and Lovell Street Park.
The rest of the West Parks Planning Region, however, only has
two parks “worth walking ten minutes to get to” – Knollwood Park
and Frays Park. However, they are far apart from each other, and
outside of their ten minute walk zones, there are no walkable
parks. Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College have
recreational facilities, but those are designed for students and
employees of the schools. There are also public school facilities
in the Planning Region (Arcadia Elementary School and Linden
Grove Middle School).
To reduce underserved areas in the West Planning Region, the

• Pursue partnerships with the School District and the

Universities to allow public use of campus facilities.
• Work with the Planning Department to require amenities for

residents in new residential developments.

WEST ACTION PLAN
Map Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
West Parks
Planning Region
Ave
Kaaf Dr
Cobb Av e
Wood ward
Beech Ave
Rav ine Rd W Prouty St

F ox
R id g
eD
r
Lulu St
October 30, 2018
DRAFT
Bosker Ave
Highgate Rd
Westwood Northside
Frays Park
La Crone Park
Cro y den
A ve Fairmount W Paterson St
S t a ff ord Rd
Dog Park
Northampton Rd
A la m William St
o A ve
Dou
Elizabeth St
S ta p l e s Av e
g las
Ave
C a n t erbury Ave Mabel St
N Prairie Av e
10 Minute Walk Area
Picc a d illy Rd
N Blakeslee St Florence St
Pr
a
Fairmont
irie
Av
Central
D en n e r S t
e
N W es t ned g e Av e
W North St Edison
W Main St
Milwood
Jefferson Ave
H i l b er t St
Forbes St
North
W Willard St
Stuart
Stuart Ave
Sage St Kal Hav en Tr l
N Sage St
Northeast
Ingleside Ter
W Kalamazoo Ave
W Ma i n S l St
ika
Elm St
t h
Mi c
Henderson
Park
W. Main Park
South
Mon r oe S t
Stonebrooke St G r a nd Ave
Henderson W M i ch i gan Av e Southwest

Tot Lot
on
Academy Green West A c ade m y S t
ve CBD
West
P
nA
Main Hill
dD
Wimble t o n Wa
y iga
ch
rE
i
WM W South St
Greenlawn Ave
Lovell Park West Gateway
S Westnedge Av e
Goldsworth Dr W Lovell St
Hemm ingw
a y Dr
Sprague Ave
Burrows Rd
g Oaks Dor m itory Rd N W Cedar St
ve
din
nA
yn
is o
W
Gil k
Locust St
e
an Av
i chi g
WM W Walnut St
A r boretum Pkwy
a ver Av e
We
Pearl S t
Edinburgh Dr
Dav i s S t
an
S Ken d
R
kin
Av
e
a ll
ll Ln Hylle S t ve W Vi ne St
Bos we
A
Arcadia Do
bb
i O liv e r St
nD
S Hay s D r
Ellendale St
C l ayborne D r
ridge D r
Eld
WMU/KRPH
Westfall Ave
Village St
Westmoreland Ave
Cas s St G rant St Davis Park South

Westnedge
Ave
wo
Minor Ave Park
od
Arcadia Rd
Middlebury D r ll
no
K
Cir
Dover Hills Dr Wheaton Ave
Oak S t
Ar
r e tu
m
Vine
bo
Dr
hi St
S h or
re
rk s Ke
nt
Be
tR
d
Axtell St
Greenwood Ave
Em aje an
Redwood Ave K no
llw
o
WK Forest St
St
r
L Av e G a Ln
od
F ra
Av
ter
e
nit
yV
Knollwood
Lafayette Ave
Western Ave
ve
McCourtie St
M e r r ill S t
i ll ag
aA
Park
e Dr
ni
W Michi g a n A ve li f
or
Ca
r
Axtell Creek
ll D
Roe
Pioneer St
0 2,000 4,000
Lon
g Rd
W Crossto wn Pk w y
Recreation Dr
L ilac Ln Debbie
L
Knollwood
FEET
n
How a rd S t
Hillcrest Ave
Southside
E l Ran cho D r
Stad iu m Dr
Westnedge
r
H a wk D
l d Dr
W Maple St
Hill Source: City of Kalamazoo, 2018, McKenna, 2018.

ff i e
Aberdeen Dr he
S
SS Crane Park
Oakland/Winchell Cherry St
S t e ar ns Ave
p ru
ce
Dr
d
Bl v
Rd
P eeler St n
Broadway Ave
Ben
so
b li ng
ro n
Dr
ja m
nd
B
R am
Av
kla
ve
in
e
eA
Oa
Wa i t

WEST ACTION PLAN
Connectivity and
Mobility to Parks
The West Park Planning Region
has sidewalk in the West Main Hill
neighborhood, but only sparsely through
the rest of the Planning Region. Frays
Park is not served by sidewalks, nor is
Knollwood Park.
The Imagine Kalamazoo non-motorized trails plan envisions
bicycle infrastructure along Academy Street in West Main Hill,
which would serve the parks in that area, but planned bike routes
along Stadium Drive and Howard Street/Arboretum Parkway
would not serve any parks.
Therefore, the mobility priorities in the West Planning Region are:

plan.
• Construct sidewalk near Frays Park, particularly on Piccadilly

and Stafford Roads.
• Improve pedestrian access to Knollwood Park, particularly on

Lafayette Avenue and Westbrook Street.

WEST ACTION PLAN
Map West Parks

N Bus US 131
S Bus US 131
Versluis/Dickinson
Softball Complex
Planning Region
Home Run Ln
Hitters Ln
Cumberland S t
W Dunkley St
e
Kaaf Dr
Woodward Av
Pitchers
October 30, 2018
Ln
Kingsbrook St Pontiac Ave
DRAFT
Trail wood Dr
N Drake Rd
Stone Mill St
Apple
s
anwoo Bluff Dr
d Cir
Ottawa Ave
rs
Pe
od
Hammond Ave
r
Ci
nwo
Kalamazoo Ravine Rd W Prouty St
ia
F ox
Ridge
Pers
Beech Ave To w n s h i p Ritsema Ct
Dr
rfaith Blvd
Iroquois Trl Inte Lulu St
Dennis
Highgate Rd
Ct Bosker Ave
Northside
Av nd
lla
Cobb Ave
e
Harding Pl
Ho
Westwood
Frays Park Rockledge
Ct
Fairmount W Paterson St
Croyden A
ve Croyden Ave
Dog Park La Crone Park
NMTP_2025
N Prairie Ave
William St
Northampton Rd
Staples Ct
Do
Alam
Dunhill Ter o Ave
ug
Greenway
Elizabeth St
las
Donnington
Dev
Stafford Rd
Fairmont
onshire Ave
Sidewalks
Av
Ter
Staples Ave
Ter
e
W Mabel St
arr Ogden Ave
Hawley
Canterbury Ave en
Ave
Piccadilly Rd
Canterbury Pl
St
Mason St
N ewgate Rd
W Florence St
ar N Blakeslee St
Parks
Conant St
Woodbury
re Pr
n air Lawrence St
Burrell
Pl ie
Simpson St
Sunnyda le Ave
Ave
Denner St
Park C t
Su m m i t
Ave
Cadillac St
Stuart Ave
Darby Ln
We stbu
Summit Ave
Ave
Londonderry Ave
Hawley St
Nola St Ada St
Ln
Win c h
Lantern
N Arlington St
Ln
ry
Chelten St
W North St
es
Elmwood Ct
Jefferson Pl
Summer St
te
Lucas
r Pl
Ct
Jefferson Ave
Jefferson Ct
Stuart W Ransom St
Willard Ct
W Main St
Jefferson Ave
Elm St
Elmwood St
N Sage St
W Willard St
Hilbert St
Forbes St
Stuart Ave
Kal
Greenwich Pl
Haven Trl
Mitchell Pl
Ingleside Ter
Valley Prospe
Sage St Ridge
Henderson glas Ct Douglas W Kalamazoo Ave Ferris St
ct Pl
Dr Ave kal
chi
Dou
Douglas Ter Ct Mi
Park
Mer
riwea St
S P rairie
ther
Ln Prairie ct Eleanor St Eleanor St
Kalam
Prosp
Prospe
Pl ec /
ElmAly
Orchard Pl
St
H i l l St
W. Main Park
Mo nroe
t
n
azoo Ct
lle
Arbo
t
Old
Ave
Grand Ave W Main S kS
l
Green Acres Dr Grove St
t
t
Allen
tS
ee
Blvd
P
Cr
St
on St
r St
ec
Elm
Grand Av e
Bulkley
Catherine
sp
Acker Ln
Ct W Michigan Ave
in Ct
Ave
Pro
Dr
Stonebrooke St erson
S Be
Stonebrook Cres e
Thomps
nd an
St
H e nderson id
Leisure Ln Ct He Ma ks hig
S Da
oo Mic
Academy Green CBD
rkley
W Br W Academy St
rtmouth St
e St
Po
West Gateway
St
Grand A v e Pe
Oshtemo
Woodside
nd a
La
g College Grove Rd
Valley St
Sa ke
S Kendall
W South St
wn
Rd
Normal Vw St
S W South St
Ave
To w n s h i p
Po n
y Greenlawn
Dr
mbleton Wa
St
Ave
Wi Ave
E
Dr
i n gham
d
tum So W Eddie W Lovell St
Carringto re s Ln
West
lon St Goldsworth Dr
Eldred St
bo kwy
Bellevue Pl
n So
C Ar Pearl
Ln
Burrows Rd
P
Dil
lon
t Bellevue Pl
Stone St
Hemmingway D r How Leebarton Ct Ct
TUR
Main
ard Crawford St
St W Cedar St
Dormitory Rd N an A
ve
Lovell Park
Pearl St
Sprague
hig
e
Oaks Normal
N Ramp Dr
Av
ing
Hill Mic
Ave
nd Valley Dr rnha rd Old Ct
on
Whicker
Wy h/Be n Ave
ki s
p u s Dr
Pt Dunns Rdg ort ichiga W Walnut St
wy
N D o rm
WM
Gil
s
Pk
Ellsw
Duxbury St
Acces
Wynding
Arbor etum Pkwy tu m
Locust St
Ln
Wilbur Ave
Arbor e Hoffman Ct
Oaks
Rd
ver Ave Mem or y
am
ie
M a ri o n
ea l C
F
Duffield
itory
Un W Dutton St
Vandercoo
E
Davis St
WW
A ve
kno
Cir
r
ard
S Ken d a ll
dhouse
Edinburgh Dr Ct
or
o ea Bernher Access 4 wn 07 sL
n Walwood Pl
lb Cir ver Ra ent 216 7 es
Hil Wilbur Ave 05
Central Pl
nk Wilbur Ave
Village Ct
C
Pr
Barrington Dr in W Vine St
Av Av O liver Ln
Locust Pl
Vin e Pl
k Ln
Hylle St e e Austin St
l Ln
in Ave
Ellendale St
l
Boswe Do O liver St
Arcadia
Grant Ct
bbin
S Hays Dr
Davis Park
Hays/ W
Buckhout
WMU/KRPH
Village St
Westmoreland Ave
R ank
Westfall Ave
Dr
Farrell Ave
Dormitory
dge Dr
Ave
Clayborne Dr
ldri Grant St
Rd S
e Cass St
Dublin Ave
Newton Ct
Cu stern
E
Ave
Kn v
an toff Minor Ave
ichig
ollwood
Ae
Hawthorne WM Arcadia Rd
retum Cir
Laura Ct
Oak St
Van De Giessen Rd
Honeylocust Ln Rdg Middlebury Dr Saint Antoine Ave e
Chase
Knollwood Av
Ivy
Wheaton Ave
Thornapple Firethorne Moore
S h o rt
Donnegal Dr
Dr
Rdg Sh St
Euclid St
bo
Grv aw
Dover Hills D Ar e Ave nt Oak Street Ct
EA
Lan
E ma
r ir Ke
cas sh
Kimbark
k
udit
te Be r
Rd
Hidden rD Ave Axtell St
Ln
Greenwood Ave
ditor
jea
Vine
orium Ct
Hills Dr
E
Au
e Way
Shaw
ium
nS
Ln W
Jack Pi ne Dr
Fra
Dr
Sutherland Ave
t
Redwood Ave
Lit t le
Kn Forest St
Emaj
Red P i n oll Auditorium Dr

te
ape Dr w Gar Ln
rni
y oo
V
Esc
Dr
ea
WKL
t
Ave
a Av
Low Rd
d Ave
McCourtie St
n St
r
Axtell Creek
illa
sD Western Ave Kent Cir
n Rd
d
Merrill St
ge
De
oo
i
Cr a
rn
r
W lifo
ll D
n
D
e ne
W Michigan Av e chigamm Ca Va s High R d
se
r
Mi Ln Pioneer St
Ke n
Westbrook St
e
Gie
Hussey Dr
Ro
Lon
Lafayette Ave
b r ooke Ct Calh
O ji
g Rd
Tr w W orner Dr oun
Sh
l a
b
St
Pi kwy
a d
ne Terrace B ow ine nP
P
Ki c
lvd Dr ka
Knollwood
Ln
po
w
Lil o Ct Weaver Blvd Recreatio n Dr
o
ar
st
ac Ln
os
H Ho
cu owa
Cr
Lilac Ln Debbie Rio Rd wa
Jay Dr
Knollwood
Meadow
L
View Dr
to rd rd
W
n
El Rancho Dr
ff /O /O
Ct
ak ak Howard St
Ct
Granada Ln
Wo o i
Cardinal
Ct
Ct
Park la
nd cu land
ck
Dr
Tray L
rk
dla n d F o Ev a nston Ave
ton
ly
Ja
Ma
rest Hills L n Valencia Ln to

H
Swift Dr Swift
Bil
ll s Ct ff
Brentwood Ave
s
Adios Dr
D ebbie
an
Nancy Dr Hillcrest Ave
n
Fiesta Ln
Todd
Ev
Ridgeway Cir
Ln
Ln
Indiana St
Lark Dr Mexicali Ln
Westnedge
Ln
Dr
Ridgeway Ln
Ridgeway
Jody Ln
Stadium Dr ple
Poncho Pl
W Maple St
ld
r
Ma t
Ha
S e neca Ln wk D Pampas Ln
Meadow
View Rd
e ffie
Hill
W S
Stearns Ave
Aberdeen D Sh
0 1,000 2,000
Cir
Hudson Ave
r Dickie Dr
SS Cherry St
pru
ce
Be n ja
D
Saxonia
r Peeler St
Bobolink Ln Acorn Centeridge Rd E verg
Gl
Fair Oaks Dr Tree gbird D re e
Dr
kin
Ald
ha Ln nD
en
r n
m
ven oc
e
Av r
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Whites Rd P A

WEST ACTION PLAN
Academy Green
A D D R ES S
1520 Academy
West Main Hill

S I ZE :
0.17 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Academy Green is a Barrier Free Assessment: The park Action Plan: Located in a residential Public Input: No specific comments Aspirations: The pocket park
ACTION PLAN small pocket park located in the is accessible by way of a sidewalk neighborhood, the sidewalk were received related to Academy has the potential to be a shared
2014-2018 Henderson Court neighborhood. adjacent to Academy Street. A curb surrounding Academy Green has Green Park. community space. Neighbors
2019
It sits at the triangle point of cut at the corner of Henderson and the potential to be well used. The should be encouraged to use the
Henderson Drive and Academy Academy allows pedestrians access Green would be an ideal location to space as a community garden
2020 Street. It features a green space of to the park. place a park bench to allow walkers including perennial native plantings,
mowed lawn and young trees. a place to rest. annual flower beds, and a produce
2021
garden. If successful, the City might
2022 consider improving the sidewalk
and installing a water faucet.
2023
Allowing the neighbors to take over
2024-2029 the space would reduce the City’s
role in maintaining the property,
and create an added amenity to the
FUNDING
SOURCE No Planned Improvements neighborhood.

WEST ACTION PLAN
Henderson Park
A D D R ES S
1300 Grand Avenue
West Main Hill

S I ZE :
1.4 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Henderson Park serves Barrier Free Assessment: The park Public Input: No specific Action Plan: Henderson Aspirations: The City has no
ACTION PLAN as the entrance to the West Main is accessible by way of a sidewalk comments were received related to Park should continue to offer planned improvements for
2014-2018 Hill neighborhood. Henderson Park adjacent to Monroe Street. A curb Henderson Park. surrounding neighborhoods an Henderson Park. However,
2019
is a triangular park located at the cut at the corner of Monroe St. open green space suitable for the City should consider minor
point of W. Main St. and Grand Ave. and Grand Ave. allows pedestrians walking and passive recreation improvements such as a sidewalk
2020 It features a green space of mowed access to the park. The interior and incorporate landscaping or along Grand Ave. park benches
lawn and shade trees throughout. of the park is unimproved with no monuments that are unique to the along the paths, educational
2021
paved paths. neighborhood. recreation such as chess boards,
2022 and a pedestrian crossing across W.
Main St.
2023
2024-2029

FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
Henderson Tot Lot
A D D R ES S
1601 Henderson Ct.

West Main Hill

S I ZE :
1.1 Acres
Mini Park
ACTION PLAN
Playground, Basketball, Amenities: Located in the cul-de- Barrier Free Assessment: Public Input: Public Input: No Action Plan: With the recent Aspirations: To further improve
2014-2018 Pickleball, Gaga Pit, Shelter, sac of Henderson Ct, Henderson specific comments were received improvements at Henderson Tot Henderson Tot Lot, separate play
Furnishings Tot Lot has a recently installed related to Henderson Park. Lot, maintenance of the facilities equipment for children ages 2-5
2019
playground, basketball court, should be a priority. and 6+ should be added, as well
pickleball, gaga pit, pavilion, and as bike racks, water fountains, and
2020 furnishings. accessible amenities such as picnic
tables accessible play surfaces.
2021
2022
2023
2024-2029

FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
Lovell Street Park
A D D R ES S
1101 W. Lovell St
West Main Hill

S I ZE :
1.27 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: Lovell Street Park is Barrier Free Assessment: The park Public Input: No specific Action Plan: Lovell Park should Aspirations: The City has no
ACTION PLAN a triangular park located at the is accessible by way of a sidewalks comments were received related continue to offer surrounding planned improvements for Lovell
2014-2018 point of W. Lovell St. and Eldred St. and paved paths on all sides. An to Henderson Park. Due to Lovell neighborhoods an open green Park. However, the City should
2019
It features a green space, picnic unimproved curb cut at the corner Park’s proximity to Kalamazoo space suitable for walking and consider minor improvements
benches, landscaping and shade of W. Lovell St. and the railroad College and Western University, passive recreation and incorporate such as park benches along the
2020 trees throughout. The park also tracks. allows pedestrians access to technology improvements landscaping or monuments that are paths, signage along the WMU
has a trail running adjacent to the the park. The interior of the park is suggested for all the parks should unique to the neighborhood. trail, educational recreation such
2021
railroad tracks which connects to unimproved with no paved paths. be incorporated here, as chess boards, and an improved
2022 the Western Michigan University pedestrian crossing across W.
campus southwest of the park. Lovell St.
2023
2024-2029

FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
West Main Park
A D D R ES S
800 W. Main
West Main Hill

S I ZE :
0.11 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: West Main Park is Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: There were no Action Plan: The sidewalk should Aspirations: The environmental
ACTION PLAN an urban pocket park at the site has sidewalks along both Elm specific comments for W. Main Park. continue to be maintained to impact of the site could be
2014-2018 intersection of West Main Street, Street and West Main Street with promote connectivity with the enhanced. With the Arcadia
2019
Elm Street, and the railroad tracks. a curb cut at the intersection. The surrounding area, and the park Creek adjacent to the site, green
Amenities include park benches, a surrounding area is connected bench should be moved alongside infrastructure could be incorporated
2020 drinking fountain, and shade trees. via sidewalks. The site does have the sidewalk. to improve drainage, water quality,
On-site signage identifies the park. a park bench but it is located in and visual aesthetics.
2021
This park brings green space in to the back, middle unreachable by
2022 the urban landscape. sidewalks. The bench should be
moved alongside the sidewalk to
2023
allow pedestrians a place to sit.
2024-2029

FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
West Gateway Park
A D D R ES S
Stadium/Lovell
West Main Hill

S I ZE :
0.5 Acres
Mini Park
Amenities: West Gateway Park Barrier Free Assessment: West Public Input: Action Plan: West Gateway Park Aspirations: As an entrance to the
ACTION PLAN features a large monument, Gateway has crosswalks, ramps, should continue to be maintained West Main Hill neighborhood, West
2014-2018 street trees, brick pavers, and and warning strips at all street including seasonal or landscaping Gateway Park could incorporate
2019
landscaping. The park is a intersections which connect to displays that is changed throughout additional signage, monuments, or
decorative addition to the region. the paved path on the interior. the year. displays that are unique to the West
2020 However, the monuments have step Main Hill neighborhood.
entry with no ramp access.
2021
2022
2023
2024-2029

FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
Frays Park
A D D R ES S
4400 Canterbury Ave.

Westwood
S I ZE :
11.04 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN Amenities: Located in between Barrier Free Assessment: The Public Input: One comment specific Action Plan: Due to recent Aspirations: Should the City pursue
Pathways, Furnishings, Tennis Piccadilly Rd. and Stafford Rd., improved paths and accessible to Frays Park was received: add improvements at Frays Park, additional improvements to Frays
2014-2018
Courts, Pickleball Frays Park has a recently installed play surfaces have increased the soccer nets to Frays Park. maintenance of the facilities should Park, as a park worth a ten minute
2019
pathways, tennis court, pickleball, accessibility of Frays Park. The City be a priority. walk, permanent restrooms, a
and furnishings. Additionally, there is encouraged to add accessible pavilion, and permanent nets or
2020 is a large green space with shade furnishings such as picnic tables, a back stop for a ball field are
trees throughout. To enter the water fountains, and accessible play worthwhile amenities.
2021
park, there is street parking on equipment.
2022 Piccadilly Rd. and Stafford Rd., with
a nonmotorized path entrance from
2023
Canterbury Ave. The main entrance
2024-2029 to the park is from Piccadilly Rd. at
Canterbury Ave.
FUNDING

WEST ACTION PLAN
Knollwood Park
A D D R ES S
4400 Canterbury Ave.

Westwood
S I ZE :
11.04 Acres
Neighborhood Park
ACTION PLAN
Amenities: Knollwood Park features Barrier Free Assessment: Though Public Input: No specific Action Plan: Knollwood Park is Aspirations: The City will begin
Pathways, Furnishings, Tennis, a wooded disc golf course, which there are paths throughout, many comments were received related considered a park worth a ten Master Planning efforts for
2014-2018
Courts, Pickleball
is one of two in the city. There is a of them are not paved, and persons to Henderson Park. Like other minute walk. The disc gold course Knollwood Park in 2021-2022.
2019 large green space, a playground, may have difficulty reaching the parks in this region, technology is a desirable amenity, especially Recommended improvements
picnic tables, and paths throughout. amenities on the interior of the improvements should be included due to the Park’s proximity to include paved paths throughout,
2020
Access to the park is from on- park. at Knollwood Park. WMU and Kalamazoo College, permanent ball field facilities,
2021 Master Plan street parking on Lafayette Ave. or however improvements should be accessible play equipment and
2022 Implement Master Plan dedicated parking off of Westbrook considered to encourage increased furnishings, restrooms, water
St. activity at the park. fountains, a pavilion, disc gold
2023
course signage, and improved
2024-2029 nonmotorized connections to the
park both from Lafayette Ave. and
$ 10,000 for plan +
COST
implementation costs Westbrook St.
SOURCE Grants

1
WEST ACTION PLAN

10
Background Information
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Description of Planning Process

The City of Kalamazoo is pursuing Parks and Recreation Plan to organize and articulate the community’s vision. Citizen input
played a critical role in the development of the Plan. As a result, recommendations described within the action plan reflect
the needs and ideas of those who use the City’s parks and recreation facilities. The process included seven tasks that are
discussed below.
Task One: Task Two: Task Three: Task Four: Task Five: Task Six: Task Seven:
Community Description. Parks and Recreation Administrative Structure Public Participation. Analysis. Action Plan. Plan Completion and
Inventory. and Funding. Adoption.
The first task was to obtain The following public Based on the data collected Taking into account the
a description of the City of The parks and recreation The administrative structure of participation methods were in tasks one through four, the analysis, goals and objectives The Park Committee approved
Kalamazoo’s demographic inventory includes written the City’s parks and recreation conducted throughout the information was analyzed in and public input results, a the draft plan to be made
characteristics. These descriptions of facilities in the facilities, and well as budget process of preparing the Plan: accordance with national and five-year plan was created. available to the public on
features include population City of Kalamazoo, as well as and funding information, can be state guidelines, local needs, The Plan provides the City a October 26, 2017. The Public
characteristics such as age recreational amenities operated found in Chapter 3. • Public Outreach – The the experience of City staff and checklist of what action is to Review Period lasted from
distribution and household size. by other entities in Kalamazoo Imagine Fun! team collected consultants, the desires of the be accomplished, when and October 26, 2017 to January
The Community Description County. The information in-person feedback at residents, and potential funding where it will occur, who will 9, 2018. A Public Hearing was
can be found in Chapter 1. includes the acreage, barrier- Lunchtime Live, Movies in the sources. accomplish it, how much it will held by the City Council on
free accessibility, types of Park, and Field Day events cost, and potential funding January 9, 2018, and the plan
recreation facilities, and other during the summer of 2018. sources. The Goals and was adopted that night.
descriptions of the physical A summary of the input for Objectives of this plan can be
attributes of the area’s facilities. each park is listed in the found in Chapter 5, and the
The Inventory can be found in individual park sections, with Action Plan can be found in
Chapter 4. full results in the Appendix. Chapter 6.
• Survey – A survey was made
available to City residents
in the summer of 2018.
Selected results can be
found in Chapter 6, with full
results in the Appendix.
• Review Period – October 26,

2017 to January 9, 2018
• Public Hearing – January 9,

2018

Key Findings
• Thirty-five of the city’s parks are local parks (mini, neighborhood, or community
parks), yet local parks only make up 156.53 acres or 24% of the total parkland
in the city.
• The Milwood region is the largest region (geographically) at 4.87 square miles
(19% of the total city) but fourth in amount of park acres.
• The West region is the most populated, but has the third least amount of
parkland.
• Central region has more than double the population density of the city, but
less than a quarter of the park acreage as compared to the city as a whole.
• Our facilities analysis takes into account ten different types of commonly
provided park amenities. Spring Valley Park provides eight of the ten, and
Upjohn Park and LaCrone Park each provides seven of the ten.
• Playground equipment is the most common amenity found in Kalamazoo city
parks.
• Based on the 10 minute walk time, 27% of the city is within a 10 minute walk of
a park worth walking to.
• Kalamazoo has 8.63 acres of park land per 1,000 residents and one park for
every 1,897 residents. The National Recreation and Park Association’s 2016
Field Report identifies a national average of 9.5 acres of park land per 1,000
residents and one park for every 2,277 residents.

Description of
Community Input Process
The public engagement process for Imagine Fun! Involved
events throughout the summer of 2018. McKenna and OCBA
along with the Parks and Recreation Department at the
City of Kalamazoo held four field day events specifically to
discuss Imagine Fun! in addition to attending multiple lunch
time live and movies in the park events. The four field day
events were held on the following days:
• June 12, 2018 at La Crone Park

• June 23, 2018 at Southside Park
• July 10, 2018 at Woods Lake Park
• July 26, 2018 at Rockwell Park
A fifth engagement session was held on August 14, 2018

at Woods Lake Park in order to collect feedback from the
members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Members of the public were encouraged to attend. Each
session was well attended by the public and specific
comments are included in each park’s section.

Administrative Accessibility
Structure and Budget An assessment was completed of each of Kalamazoo’s parks

and their associated accessibility features. Based on the
YEAR BUDGET conditions of each park and the amenities offered, each park
2013 $966,473.00 was assigned an accessibility score. The scores range from
2014 $954,848.00 1-5; 5 being the most accessible. The definitions for each
2015 $825,695.00 score are listed below:
2016 $849,507.00
2017 $846,530.00
2018 $1,042,212.00 SCORE DEFINITION
The park is not accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. The site includes little
1
paved areas and the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are not easily accessible.
The park is somewhat accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Either the parking
2 area or pathways are paved, but not both. Many of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas
are not easily accessible.
The park is mostly accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Most of the parking
3 areas and pathways are paved, and some of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are
accessible but may not be completely barrier-free.
The park is completely accessible to people with a broad range of physical disabilities. Parking areas
4 and pathways are paved, and most of the facilities such as play equipment or picnic areas are easily
accessible
The entire park was developed or renovated using the principles of universal design, a design approach
5 which enables all environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of
age, ability, or situation.
When measuring the accessibility of the parks, the scores ranged from 1-4. As there were no 5 scores given, four was the
highest. Each park description includes an accessibility score and the analysis behind it.


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D R A F T · N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 8

ii 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

6 Milwood Planning Region Action Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Milwood Park Planning Region. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN iii

Mission Introduction Philosophy

2019-2023 Parks and Recreation recreation system strives to provide

Proposed Zoningrecreation facilities: their operations, users. The City is committed to

Vision – Enhance the quality of maintenance, and enhancements for

urban life by providing safe, well-

6 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

10-year Citywide Action Plan

La Crone Park Building and Surface

Fairmount Dog Park To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 7

Nellbert Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements

Lake/Kensington Park No Planned Improvements No Planned Improvements

8 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 9

October 30, 2018

Crane Park Southside

Colony Farm Oakwood

Hill N' Brook Milham Park

Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

10 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

Citywide Parks Inventory

Table 1: Citywide Parks Inventory, Kalamazoo, MI

Westnedge Hill Crane Park

CENTRAL Stuart — South Westnedge Blanche Hull Park

Central Business Bronson Park

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 11

12 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 13

14 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 15

Population Households Age

The City of Kalamazoo has experienced a slight decrease in its population

Figure 1: Population Change

16 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

Population by Age Group Median Household Income Race

Figure 5: Race, Kalamazoo County, 2010

Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 17

Overall Citywide Parks Service Analysis

BASEBALL / BASKETBALL TENNIS PLAYGROUND WALKING PICNIC FACILITIES NATURE

18 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

Comparison to State and National Standards

It is also essential to consider the type of parks, their location, and

Table 8: City of Kalamazoo Park Land Acreage Analysis

PARK NRPA GUIDELINE ACREAGE KALAMAZOO ACTUAL SURPLUS/

Mini Parks 0.25 18.97 19.97 + 1.0

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 19

Map: Citywide Service Area Park Service

October 30, 2018

Frays Park Fairmount La Crone Park Verburg Park Rockwell Park

South Upjohn Park

Basemap Source: Michigan Geographic Framework, 2017. Data

20 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN DRAFT 11.13.2018

Citywide Underserved Areas

21 Parks worth a 10 minute walk

DRAFT 11.13.2018 2019 PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 21

Map: 10 Minute Walk Parks Planning

October 30, 2018

Colony Farm Oakwood

Hill N' Brook Milham Park