A new park is coming to Clare.
The 26.27 acre site is expected to be completed in phases.
“It’s actually pretty large,” Clare Parks & Recreation Director Joy Simmer said. “When it’s completed it will have a walking exercise trail around the perimeter of the park with adult exercising stations.”
The process began in 2006, when the city of Clare was asked to take over the youth soccer program which used to be run by the school and volunteers.
As time went on the league became larger and the capacity was maxed out.
Parks & recreation was called in to help look for places around the city to build a park.
“We moved to a temporary location which was the airport,” she said. “There was field space there, so we began playing out there. The airport was only supposed to get us by until we found something else.”
In 2010, the city began to look at alternative locations for soccer to be played at.
“When I arrived a few years ago they were still playing at the airport,” she said. “But then they were asked to move because of FAA regulations. We would’ve had to shut down the runways, and that would’ve made it difficult for the airport to run their business.”
In 2012, a location was found for the park.
“We had a millage that was used to assist in buying the property,” she said. “It’s a 10-year millage that we got in 2012. The property was purchased in September of that year.”
It was located behind Tice’s Farm Market.
The original design included 15 soccer fields, but it was decided on to decrease it.
“The review board and advisors thought it would be better to expand this project,” she said. “Along with our soccer players, we wanted to bring in our nature lovers. Our local football players can play there. We wanted to meet the needs of our whole community.”
To complement the sports fields, the park will feature amenities such as a skate park, butterfly garden, concession stand with bathroom facilities, two picnic pavilions and adult exercising stations.
“Clare County is ranked 82 out of 83 counties in Michigan for health,” she said. “So there is a need there. We want to promote people getting out and being active. Whether it’s using the exercise equipment or walking the trail, it’s easier to work out when you have more options and less roadblocks.”
The Recreation Department for the City of Clare is looking for a name for the new park.
All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
Applicants of all ages are encouraged to submit a name.
“So far we have 15 entries,” she said. “But we would definitely like more.”
All submissions become the shared property of the entry and the City of Clare.
Emailed submissions are preferred, but you may also mail, fax or walk-in your entry to City Hall.
Please include your name, address, phone number and email with your submission.
You can also go to www.cityofclare.org to print the registration form or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QGLHVRF to submit online.
The top submissions will be voted upon by the Clare Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and then will be presented to the Clare City Commission for final approval.
The winner will be notified by July 1 and will receive bragging rights along with a City of Clare gift.