Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 10-26-26

The City of Bay City, Michigan, Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee met on October 26, 2026. The committee reviewed the nearly completed Carol Park playground surfacing; staff planned a final inspection and would send any issues to the contractor. Members discussed Arboritum Phase 2 and generally opposed the proposed stage and pavilion concept, citing uncertain programming and maintenance responsibilities and concern about a potential investment of roughly $1 million. The group discussed redirecting fundraising toward park sustainability and maintenance improvements; irrigation work is underway with some funds already set aside, but no project award or spending decision was made.

The committee voted to proceed with exploring replacement of the chain-link fence at Carol Park with black aluminum fencing, including obtaining a quote and measuring the required length; this was authorization to investigate, not approval to purchase. Staff also discussed possible grant priorities—including shoreline erosion work, a skate-park safety grant, Winona Park fencing, and a potential return of an ice rink—and plans to obtain a quote and assessment for Carol Park’s bridge and pavilion. Staff are discussing a possible change to softball-field operations: the current lease is $1 per year with maintenance assigned to the lessee, while a future city-run maintenance and rental arrangement is under consideration. No contract awards or other procurement approvals were identified.