Park Registrations Online

The Parks and Recreation Department is currently investigating the possibility of accepting registrations on the internet. This would likely involve a non-refundable convenience fee for each registration completed online, based on a percentage of the activity fee. We are accustomed to these types of fees now, like when purchasing movie tickets online so we don't have to wait in line and get right to picking out our favorite seats. For example, an $18 class might cost $19.67. Signing up for soccer at $30 might total $32.45. These are estimates of course. This would put more responsibility on your end to ensure that your child meets the proper age requirements before committing to a non-refundable fee. Deadline day? No need to find someone to come in and pay for you, just hop online.

So what types of registrations would be taken online? Most likely special events and classes to start with, hopefully athletics, and then perhaps the ability to check shelter and ball field availability and reserve your own timeslot someday.

The benefits to the Parks Department are obvious; less time spent typing hundreds of forms into the computer which then have to be proofread, less time processing phone calls and checks in the mail. Lessening labor-intensive work like this allows staff to devote more time to improvements and those projects that always seem to get pushed aside because there just isn't time. A more streamlined operation helps everyone.

Is a couple of extra dollars worth the convenience of not having to mail in a form with a check, pick up the phone, or come out in person?

Depending on the route we take, there is also the possibility that there would be no additional fees for those who register online in trade for a higher up-front cost to Delta, with this only making sense if enough people would use the system. We are exploring a number of options at this time.

If you have any comments one way or another, please email sdimartino@deltami.gov or post your comments here.

Five-Year Recreation Master Plan

The Delta Township Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department has begun the process of preparing a five-year Recreation Master Plan update in effect from 2006 to 2011. A Recreation Master Plan assists the Township and specifically the Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department to identify recreation needs within the community. The plan ultimately determines the most effective and efficient methods of improving the existing facilities and programs, as well as providing new facilities and programs. While a Recreation Master Plan assists the community in determining its long-range goals and needs, it also qualifies the community for recreation grants which are administered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management Section.

Delta Township Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department is now at the stage in the process where public involvement and community input is essential. This is where the Township needs your assistance. Public comments and participation are both encouraged and welcome. The draft plan is available for review at http://www.deltami.gov/Parks/Township_Parks/ParksOpenSpace.htm through the July 2006 Commission Meeting.

Planned Widening of Willow Highway

In 2006 Willow Highway, between Creyts & Elmwood, is planned for widening to 3 lanes with sidewalks & bike lanes on both sides of the road. What input would you like to provide regarding this project?

New Delta Township District Library

Delta Township officials are contemplating construction of a new library in the future. What do you think of this and what features would be most important to you?