Steering Committee Members help to explain future growth trends in the Howell Community at our community open-house meeting

The City of Howell, Genoa Township, Oceola Township, and Marion Township sought to establish multi-jurisdictional Recreational Authority under Michigan Public Act 321 of 2000. This law permits an Authority to levy a millage upon the approval of its electors for the acquisition, construction, operation, or improvement of park and recreation facilities, including open space.

The Howell area multi-jurisdictional effort was spurred by community-wide recognition of current urban trends, including the loss of open space and the lack of recreational facilities to support a growing population.

Currently, area park and recreation services are directed by the City of Howell Parks and Recreation Department, with limited financial support from each participating township. A Recreational Authority would fairly distribute funding, administration, and programming of park and recreational services among the participating jurisdictions while also meeting the needs of the entire community by providing both active and passive recreation opportunities.  The four jurisdictions are still currently working out ways to coordinate recreation opportunities and funding.

Please visit the Howell Community project website for more information.

Update: Unfortunately, a millage proposal to support several of the goals and objectives of the Recreation Authority was unsuccessful. However, our efforts helped build momentum for the Recreation Authority. Ultimately, the participating jurisdictions decided to maintain the Authority, officially transitioning out of a department within the City of Howell and becoming independent in 2008. Today, three full-time staff members oversee a $750,000 operating budget and provide recreation programs to over 21,000 citizens each year.