History ANNUAL REPORT 2009 First Full Year of Operation as a Stand Alone Organization On July 1, 2008 the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority took its first steps as a stand alone organization having transitioned out of a department within the City of Howell.   The Authority board is made up of 5 individuals – Todd Smith (Chairman, Genoa Township), Sean Dunleavy (Vice-Chairman, Oceola Township), Steve Manor (Secretary, City of Howell), Paula Wyckoff (Treasurer, Marion Township) and Mike Peterson (Howell Public Schools) and continues to develop policies and procedures that keeps our organization operating with high professional standards including bylaws, revisions to our personnel policies, employee discount policy, travel and vehicle policy, identity theft policy, and cell phone use policy.  We successfully recruited new staff members for the positions of Summer Camp Director, Summer Camp Counselors, Building/Site Supervisors and Beach/Boat Launch attendants.  We will be seeking qualified candidates in early 2010 for our senior center coordinator and for our front office.  Three Tier Fee Structure Four municipalities (the City of Howell, Oceola, Marion and Genoa Townships) joined forces back in 2006 creating the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.  Our goal then as it is now…to provide our community with the very best in recreational programs and leisure time activities.  Over 21,000 individuals are served each year through our youth and adult sports leagues, enrichment classes, special events, teen center, senior center, preschool and summer day camp.    Our operating budget of $750,000 is supported not only by participation fees but by healthy contributions that are provided by these four municipalities.  The City of Howell and Oceola Township each contribute $100,000 to the overall operations, while Genoa and Marion Township each contribute $60,000.  When combined, these amounts equal approximately one half of our operating budget.  In recognition of these contributions, we have adopted a three tier participation fee structure that we feel provides an equitable solution to the differences between contributing members and non-contributing government entities.   Residents of the four municipalities that are members of the Authority are afforded a lower participation fee because approximately half of their program participation fee is already paid for through their local unit of government.  Marion and Genoa Township resident fees are approximately 30% lower than non-resident rates, and the City of Howell and Oceola Township resident fees are 50% lower than non-resident rates.  If you need additional clarification about the Authority’s fee structure, please feel free to contact Deborah E. Mikula, Director, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority at 517/546-0693 ext. 7702 or by e-mail at dmikula@howellrecreation.org   Master Planning The 5 year master plan of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority was completed in August 2008 and was accepted by the Department of Natural Resources and the 4 municipalities that make up the Authority in January/February 2009.  We are now assessing park acquisition and development projects in our community that we would apply for funding through the DNR grant process.   Staffing The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority has 3 full-time staff members – the Director, Sports Director and Enrichment Director.  We have 3 staff members who work part time in the front office and these administrative assistants also handle the finance/bookkeeping duites and marketing responsibilities.   We employ 2 part-time staff members at our Teen Center, 1 part-time staff member in our Senior Center, 2 part-time staff members to direct and teach in our preschool, numerous building/site supervisors, and a part-time custodial/maintenance staff member.  In the past year, we have also added a full-time Aquatic Center director and 2-3 building/site supervisors at the pool.  In the summer, we increase our employee population by hiring seasonal staff including 5-6 individuals to run our Summer Day Camp, and 10-12 individuals to manage the Howell City Park beach/boat launch.  Our staff is supplemented by hundreds of volunteers.  Volunteers Over 8500 hours of volunteer time was recorded during the past year and in recognition of this, we held our 2nd annual Recreation Recognition Reception in November 2009 and recognized 7 individuals and organizations who were extremely active within our organization.    Leases for Athletic Fields in Genoa and Oceola Township The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority entered into two leases on January 1, 2009 for a one year period with Oceola Township and Genoa Township for the management, maintenance, and scheduling of the athletic fields that were built by each of the townships during the previous year.  Soccer leagues and flag football leagues for kids were moved from the Howell Public School grounds to the new athletic fields.  A separate joint user agreement was also signed and put into effect for the Genoa Township Athletic Fields between SELCRA and the Authority to share expenses and management.  Aquatic Center Management Contract In early 2009, the Howell Public Schools began looking for ways to cut $2.4 million from its 2009-2010 budget.  At that time, the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority was approached by the Howell Public Schools administration to outline a proposal to manage the Howell Area Aquatic Center to help reduce costs associated with the current structure.   As of August 2009, the Authority signed a one year management agreement with HPS for the Aquatic Center and has increased programming and marketing across the board during the ensuing months.  This has been a very successful partnership and we hope to continue our arrangement in the future.   Beach/Boat Launch Management Contract A management agreement with the City of Howell was reached in May 2009 for the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority to manage the Howell City Park Beach Front and the Boat Launch.   The City of Howell contracted with the Authority for $43,000 to hire a part-time seasonal Beach Front Supervisor and 12-14 part-time seasonal staff members to operate the entrance gate at Howell City Park, operate the entrance gate at the Boat Launch, operate and clean the restroom and concession facilities at the beach, clean up the goose droppings on the beach, provide weekly water testing, deposit revenues collected, work in collaboration with the Fire Department to set up and take down the buoys and rope lines, and other duties that were assigned for a smooth and efficient operation during the summer of 2009.  All entrance fee revenue continued to be deposited with the City of Howell, the concession revenue and expenses became the responsibility of the Authority.    Marion Oaks Lease Agreement Due to economic conditions faced by many property owners and developers, theowner/developer of the Marion Oaks Golf Course (Marion Township) sought out the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority to utilize the 230 acre property at the corner of D-19 and Wright Rd. for recreational purposes (buildings – barns and club house, and grounds) for $1/year. The owners have stated that they want to offer the property to a wider community on a short term basis to use until such time in the future where it will be developed or sold. There is a dual lease with a Marion Township farm that also utilizes the property for agricultural/farming needs (harvesting hay and sheep) so that the owner can take advantage of an agricultural tax exemption.   As of May 2009, the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority signed a one year lease with an option to renew and has utilized on a limited basis this property for horseback riding, nature trails and cross country skiing.    Communications We continue to keep lines of communication open with our constituents by producing a weekly e-mail newsletter sent to over 5000 patrons and participants with news and information from the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority.   We continue to receive great reviews and comments each week and are still averaging about a 30% open rate.   We have also added a facebook page where we are able to connect with our 300 “friends” on a daily basis.  We successfully produced a winter 2009, spring/summer 2009 and fall 2009 program guide which were distributed to over 25,000 households by direct mail, and to all elementary age children in the Howell Public Schools through their Friday packets. Our website is updated on a daily basis.  Awards The Michigan Recreation and Parks Association recognized us for the outstanding work that has been accomplished with our website and new branding and awarded us the Communication Award in February 2009. We also received award recognition from the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce in 2009 for “Outstanding Community Initiative” for the work that we have accomplished during the past year.  To see the awards that have been earned by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority <click here>   Scholarship and Reduced Fee Policy The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority established a viable strategy toaddress the needs of children who are not able to participate in our programs because of economic conditions.  The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority board of trustees adopted a scholarship policy that is designed to provide financial assistance to children who wish to experience and participate in our recreational activities and programs.  So that we can serve as many individuals as possible that live in the City of Howell, Genoa, Marion and Oceola Township, each family showing need is limited to a maximum scholarship of $50 per child per year or $150 per family per year.    Enrichment Classes In 2009 we were able to start many new partnerships while providing quality enrichment programs. Working together with LESA and the adult transition team we were able to offer programs for students that will give them life long skills and much needed social interaction. Also we were able to work together with Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists to provide senior chair exercise to help promote healthy and active lifestyles. We were also awarded two grants from the DNR in 2009, one for ORV (Off Road Vehicle) safety and one for the after-school archery program. Every year we look to offer new and exciting programming opportunities.  Last year we were able to add the following new classes: Bridge Lessons, The Basics of Selling on Ebay, Astronomy, Drop-In Tai Chi, Zumba, Chair Exercise, Kindermusik, Beginning Watercolor and Tae Kwon Do for Beginners.   We continue to offer programs in art, dance, martial arts, photography, continuing education, dog obedience, exercise, gymnastics, horseback riding, music, safety/first aid, and skating.  With the start of 2010 we are looking forward to again expand and explore new enrichment programs for the Howell community.  Sports Leagues, Clinics and Events The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority Sports department has put on many events that have benefited the citizens of Howell.  As we have in the past we run sports leagues for children in pre-school up to adults including soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, and volleyball.  Throughout the school year, we also provide 2 nights of drop in basketball, and 1 evening of drop in volleyball at local gyms.  We also provide classes in tennis and golf.  We have just begun to offer coaches clinics/training in soccer in partnership with the Howell Revolution. The sports department also runs special events which include MLB Pitch, Hit and Run, NFL Punt, Pass and Kick and the Flip and Flop Fishing tournament to name a few.  We also introduced two new special race events - the Kids Crosstown Triathlon as well as the Headless Horseman 5K that brought in many people from all over the state and even the country.  The sports department continues to add new and exciting programs each year.  In 2010, we will be introducing an indoor triathlon in February which will be a partnership between the Aquatic Center and the Authority.  We also have just received a grant and special equipment from the National Parks & Recreation Association to offer golf for children. We also have begun 2 new clubs during the past year – Cycle Howell is a biking club that gathers once or twice a month and goes for extended bike rides as a group.  Upwards of 50 riders come together for these cycling events.  We have also been working with Mt. Brighton to re-create a Ski & Snowboarding Club that has just begun as of December 2009.  We have over 100 members that have signed up in the first month and are excited by the prospects of establishing this as a permanent club in the Howell area.  Special Events The special events that took place in 2009 gave us a great opportunity to take our events and think outside the box. Our highlight of the year was our 32nd Annual Howell Melon Run with us hitting a new record of over one thousand runners! We also were able to add some new events to the calendar last year with the great success of Dinner with Dean, Senior Spelling Bee, Cycle Howell, Ski & Snowboard Club, free outdoor family movies at Howell City Park, and horse trail riding at Marion Oaks. 2009 also gave us the chance to improve, reinvent and recreate some of our existing special events like the 2nd Annual Buck Pole, Twilight Tours of Lakeview Cemetery (May and October) and Tiny Tot Track and Field into events that had great impact on the community. With the beginning of 2010 watch for major changes to happen with the Daddy/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances which will take place in a new venue and with a new partner, and the Moon Glow and Marshmallow Drop!    Senior Center The Senior Center membership has been slowly growing since its incorporation 2 years ago and we now boast close to 250 active members.  We also secured a $10,500 grant from the United Way for services and staffing.  Food and bread donations are received daily from VG’s, Pepperidge Farms, Panera Bread and Gleaners.  We also receive other cash and gift card donations to help purchase supplies for the senior center like coffee, CD/DVD’s, paper products, etc.  Programs include an active travel program, bingo, exercise, bridge, computer classes, and socializing.  A monthly newsletter is produced and distributed to all members and others can pick up a copy at the Senior Center.  Teen Center Since the installation of the Internet Café at the Teen Center, attendance has increased to close to 50-60 teens each day ranging from 6th grade – 12th grade.  We continue to promote a no-fee policy for teens that attend during the day from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday during the school year.  We continue to hold monthly late night events that draw anywhere from 50-75 youth who pay to participate.  On the last day of school in June, we celebrate with our ”Last Day Breakaway” and then we close the Teen Center during the summer months due to funding shortfalls.  An $8,650 grant from the United Way was secured for staffing and services.  Preschool The Howell Recreation Preschool & Learning Center offers 3, 4 and 5 year olds social and cognitive skills to prepare each child for success in school.  This year we have made changes to create additional opportunities for more families in our community to attend.  We have combined 3, 4 and 5 year olds in the same classes.  This promotes children to progress by skill not age, which keeps children engaged and supports self esteem.  An additional change this year is with our Tuesday/Thursday class, which offers two choices in class time – 9:15 – 1 p.m. or 9:30 – 2 p.m.  The choice of a longer day is offered where children bring a sack lunch and participate in extended activities.  These changes have increased enrollment and proven to be successful in affordability and opportunity.  We are pleased to have a FULL enrollment for the first time ever, and continue to strive for improvements to better serve our community.  Summer Day Camp In our 2nd year of Summer Day Camp, we instituted a full 10 week program at the Barnard Community Center.  Close to 20 kids ages 5-10 attended each week and it was very successful.  Daily walking trips for swimming and beach activities took place at Howell City Park and Beach.    Partnerships - Melon Festival The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority took an active role in the newly formed committee that took over the Howell Melon Festival after the Jaycees turned it over to the Howell DDA in March 2009.  This event was a highlight of the summer as we incorporated changes to the 32nd Howell Melon Run and brought the start/finish line right downtown creating a vibrant opening to the festival.  The Authority was also inspirational in adding new events to the line up including:  The Melon Candy Hut, the 1st annual Doc May Commemorative Bike Ride (15 miles), a sand melonball (volleyball) tournament, trebuchet competition and watermelon skiing!  Partnerships - Legend of Sleepy Howell Another great event that the Authority partnered with the DDA on was the Legend of Sleepy Howell.  For the past couple of years, the Authority has added programs to this event including the famous Witch’s Caldron on Grand River Ave. where everyone can come and roast a marshmallow and have a smore.  We served 3000 individuals in October 2009.  We also got many of the kids involved in playing “Broom Ball” – which is similar to street hockey only played with brooms.  To capture the real story of the Legend of Sleepy Howell, new this year we added to the festivities by incorporating a nighttime run, called the Headless Horseman 5K.  Over 330 runners came out to participate in its first year.  The race route began at the Howell Depot, and leading the runners out of the gate was a horse and rider dressed as the Headless Horseman.  The route took the runners north to the Crosstown Trail in the neighborhoods between Byron and Michigan Ave.     Partnerships - Classic Film & Lunch Series Our partnership with the Howell Theatre and the Carnegie District Library continued in early 2009 to offer a monthly classic film series at the Howell Theatre in downtown and then a shared lunch at a local restaurant (Diamonds, Mr. B’s or Cleary’s).  In early May, the Howell Theatre closed during a legal dispute and our series was moved to the auditorium at the freshman campus for a number of months and then moved to the Howell Senior Center where we continue to show monthly nostalgic films.  We are hopeful that during 2010, we will be able to move back to the Howell Theater, but we are currently not able to do this until a long-throw projector is located and installed at the theatre where we can show DVD versions of the films.   We continue to be in contact with the current owners and they know our desire to bring the series back to the theatre in the future.