Springfield Parks and Recreation director explains millage proposal

I am not sure how this clears why I would want to vote for this millage. In the 6 plus years we have lived here, we have signed our daughter up for 5 programs -2 of which were canceled and it took 2 weeks to get a refund check even though you cashed our checks the same week we gave them to you. 2 of the programs were not worth the money especially compared to a similar program offered through Holly Schools is the same distance and a far superior program. The only program that was really worth it for her was the baseball program, and the coaches are what made that a good program-after all we called your so called weather hotline and they said the games were on and we got to the fields only to learn the games were canceled. I was recently talking to a longtime Davisburg resident, and asked her whatever happened to the youth program that used sponsor the baseball program. Again, I look to Holly's baseball program and they offer many things this program lacks-which is probably why my friend and Davisburg resident sends her kids to Holly's program because it is more organized and offers many options to make it a great experience for children. In addition when one asks about other programs, we are always told we need to seek out Waterford or Independence for those types of programing because we are to small or "not allowed" to offer them because these other communities somehow get to choose what you offer to your residents -yet in general we can not get into the programs because they are filled by those twp's residents.

When it comes to the parks, well the beach is not a beach that comes off as warm and inviting maybe it is the plant life, often murky water, or maybe it the fishing area right next to it. Family friendly, maybe if your kids are older but our family would prefer at least one park (in our own town) that has slides, swings, etc all in one location as opposed to the current set up where you have a slide structure, basketball, tennis, etc at one location and swings at one of the baseball fields.

My family and I truly enjoy hiking trails and on any given weekend that is where you will find us. We have tried the trails and they leave a lot to be desired. We realize that we should not expect the amazing trails we hike on our family mountain vacations this is Oakland County afterall, however they could have some longer options like the state and county parks offer-especially since there are over 500 acres to choose from.

I understand that we need to preserve our rattlesnakes at the environmentally significant parkland, but couldn't we find away to do that and make trails that avid hikers would find enjoying and challenging as well. (The county, Metropark, and state park systems have figured out a way.)

I am just not impressed that you are asking for tax dollars to maintain the status quo and not give us something more in return. I also found it ironic that just before this millage increase became advertised that a survey went out to residents asking if we would be willing to pay more in taxes if the parks and rec would create a paved bike path in areas around our community-in talking to some residents I know that gave them the impression that this millage was for that-however it seems to me that it is to maintain the few programs you offer as well as take care of greenspace.
I will be voting no this August 3rd for STPR millage and voting yes for the Oakalnd County Parks Millage Renewel because you have had time to figure it out and have chose not to.

I have been a resident of Springfield Township for 30 years and have participated, with my children and grandchildren, in many programs and events through Springfield Township Parks and Recreation. We have throughly enjoyed these times in the beautiful area Parks and Preserve. Because of a decrease over the past few years in state shared revenue and property tax collections, on August 3rd, Springfield Township is asking voters to VOTE YES to a dedicated 4 year parks and recreation millage. By VOTING YES on August 3rd, Springfield Townhip will have a dedicated source of income for Parks and Recreation that will be used to operate, maintain, and preserve over 550 acres of parkland (plus any offered programs and events) that is available for all area residents to use and enjoy. Over this past year, because of funding cuts, Parks and Recreation has had to cancel the chemical treatments and weed harvesting for the Mill Pond Park beach/pond area plus cancel the Fishing Derby which was held in past years during the first weekend in June - this is just two examples of budget cuts that have already been implemented. It is my hope that the registered voters of Springfield Township will go to the polls on Tuesday, August 3rd, and VOTE YES to the parks millage. I would love to see these parks maintained and preserved for future generations to use and enjoy as much as my family has to this point.

Jean Vallad
Resident, Springfield Township