Dear friends and neighbors,
As 2023 is coming to an end, it is a good time to give you another update of the happenings in the Honor area.
HARP has had a busy year due to that the Platte River Park construction is finally underway and planning for the future is moving along.
We have, so far, mostly focused on the west end of the park (by Indian Hill Rd) and can proudly announce that we now have a paved driveway/parking lot/sidewalk although the finish layer of asphalt will be applied in the spring. We have a picnic area with tables and benches and a magnificent view of the river. A pavilion is planned for this area. We are also planning a boardwalk along the river by the stately white pine.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) has designed and produced an information sign that is now posted.
There is a restroom in place and a rain garden to be planted with native plants to soak up run off water. And we finally have the much sought after kayak/canoe launch installed. Yay! We have a paved non-motorized trail leading to the two fishing ramps upstream from the west entrance.
We also have a partially restored blueberry patch thanks to a number of volunteers that have worked on pulling invasive species out of the area. We should have a great blueberry harvest next year which will be open to anyone for personal pickings. The next focus area will be the creation of a paved non-motorized trail from the village into the park. This will allow for a walkable way to get into the park from the plaza. Following this, we will pursue the constructing of the main entrance off US 31 with similar amenities as at the west entrance as well as a trail system for walking and skiing throughout the 52 acres.
Please note that the park is not yet open for public use but you are welcome to come and check it out.
Look out for a formal Grand Opening in the spring/summer next year. It should be noted that Homestead Township was gifted this pristine lot and is taking over the management of the park although HARP is very much involved in the planning and fundraising. We have a great partnership going. Also, a big thank you goes out to all organizations and individuals that have donated to this development as well as to our great fund-raising team. None of this would be possible without their involvement. At some point we will create a “donor wall” to post names of supporters.
In other areas of Honor, Homestretch completed their eight-unit residential development that is now occupied by residents. True North is currently constructing a new Shell station/convenience store where “Bud’s” used to be. We have also entered into a study to explore the development of a US 31 Corridor Improvement Authority between Homestead Township, Benzonia Township, Village of Honor with HARP as a convener. This is another way for us to improve the economic status of the area. We will address this in future.
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