ROSCOMMON- Nestled within the forests, rivers, and larger inland lakes of northern Michigan, Roscommon and Roscommon County are year-round tourist destinations. Many “locals” vacationed in the area prior to permanently making their home here.
Whether it be trails for hiking and skiing; snowmobile trails; area parks; rivers and streams for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing; or lakes for all seasons of water recreation, care and maintenance of those environments is crucial. One might think it all falls under the care, custody, and control of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is true that many aspects of those recreational areas fall under the supervision of the DNR.
Locally, the grooming, maintenance, and general care of some trails and parks, are the responsibility of the Roscommon Area Recreation Authority (RARA). What is RARA? RARA is an integral part of the Roscommon Community. Originally formed in 1969 as the Roscommon Metropolitan Recreation Authority (RMRA), under the Village of Roscommon and Higgins Township, it was reorganized in late 2019, to better incorporate the current demographic area.
Under the authority of RARA, are the CRAF Center, Roscommon Metro Park, Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, AuSable River Center, maintenance and grooming of the Tisdale Triangle, and the recent addition of grooming the Mason Tract cross country ski trails.
As one might imagine, the demographic of the area has changed greatly since its settlement in the mid- nineteenth century by loggers. The county population in 1890 was 511 and has grown to nearly 24,000 as of the 2020 census.
While tourists and locals primarily enjoy recreation at venues outside the village of Roscommon, local children and their families may be inclined to seek recreation closer to their homes. Wallace Park is in the downtown area and the Metro Park nearer the outskirts. They are two well used locations as is the CRAF Center. The Maguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve is also in proximity. Picnicking, fishing, pickleball, Silver Sneakers, exercise equipment, environmental education, walking indoors and out, Little League, hiking, biking, and more are available at one or more of those locations.
RARA is a governmental entity however, the “properties are managed by volunteer boards and are all financially self-sustaining.” Funding for the upkeep and development of the various properties comes primarily from donations and membership fees.
RMRA and RARA, respectively, were created to assess the needs and changes of community recreation and sporting activities. RARA, notably, oversees a larger more diverse area of population and needs. To that end, the RARA Board has developed a five-year Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan, and are working to provide, develop, and promote safe, recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. RARA is consistently looking at current and future recreational needs of residents and visitors.
Over the past several years, there has been a significant decline in organized youth sports nationwide. Cost of equipment, longer distances of travel for competition, appears to be some of the leading causes. The cost of play, for equipment alone, may be over $800 annually for one child’s primary sport.
Sue Jock, RARA Chairperson stated, that “at its peak the local Little League had twenty-six teams,” down to only a handful in current years. The pandemic also has exacerbated the decrease. Local Little League teams need to travel to Mio, Fairview, West Branch, Houghton Lake, and Gaylord for games. For some families, that too is a drawback to having their child on a team.
According to RARA, the community has consistently listed their main priorities as safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities that cross generations and functional abilities. For the past decade, RARA has been considering what improvements might be beneficial to the changing demographic. Recreation Director, Jory Klumpp, noted recent equipment improvements to the CRAF Center at a cost of $3,000-$4,000.
One area in need of improvements and upgrades is the Metro Park. Currently there are three ball diamonds, playground equipment, a picnic area, and a large amount of green space. For the past ten years upgrades have been in planning and consideration for the park, and how to make it an enjoyable and accessible space for all ages and abilities.
RARA thoughtfully redesigned some portions, with ideas from area residents and visitors. Addressing safety first, design consideration was given to a hard surface/ADA accessible walkways and ramps, upgraded lighting, and an open concept landscape design. The parking area will be relocated to separate motorized and pedestrian traffic. Considerable shade covered seating to protect park goers from the elements, and security cameras are also in the plans. Another benefit is the park’s proximity to the Sheriff’s Department.
The current T-Ball space will become a dog park. As more people are bringing their animals to public spaces, this will provide both humans and pets with their own play areas. The addition of a Pump Track will allow anyone on wheels, regardless of age or ability to ride a circuit of roller, banked turns. The rider uses a pump to generate momentum. Bicyclists, skateboarders, and any adventurous mobility, including wheelchairs may find this activity enjoyable. While Pump Tracks may be found worldwide, the nearest to Roscommon is in Stockbridge, MI.
RARA has applied for and received a $410,000, 2023 State of Michigan Land, Water, Conservancy Grant toward the $820,000, Phase I of the project. Phase II will complete the project in the future, with the addition of a basketball court and proposed splashpad. The splashpad has been moved to Phase II due to the estimated high amount of water consumption, the additional research and to assess any possible environmental impact.
RARA cites the project as an investment in the community and local economy as well as enhancing and promoting health benefits to help retain our residential base. RARA is located at the CRAF Center.
