• WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOLLOWING THE AUGUST 8, 2023 ELECTION?
      Fennville Public Schools asked the community to vote on a proposal to sustain funds for operating a system of public recreation and renovating playgrounds. With a narrow passage of the Recreation Millage, we are committed to listening again to the community about next steps as we are also committed to moving Fennville Forward. 

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    • We have done our best to listen to the community over the last two years through stakeholder forums and surveys, which led to the election that recently took place. The priority then was to continue funding operations, renovating the tennis courts to include basketball (78% of respondents) and pickleball (58% of respondents), and to expand both operational hours and offerings of community activities at the Community Athletic Center.
Community Athletic Center Welcome

    • Other priorities that were identified, in addition to basketball and pickleball, included futsal (soccer on a hard surface), and improvement of fields for elementary T-ball, softball, and baseball. With the narrow passage of the recreational millage of the original proposal, we are asking the community to prioritize our next steps and contribute some new ideas. 

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    Please take a moment to complete the survey coming Aug 18, 2023 (or sooner).

    Questions?
    Contact Dr. Greer, Superintendent (doug.greer@fennville.org) or Mr. Hutchins, School Board President (toby.hutchins@fennville.org) or Mrs. Boeve, Administrative Assistant/Communications (casey.boeve@fennville.org) and Rec Advisory Board.

  • PREVIOUS PROPOSED PARKS IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:

    South Tennis & Basketball Courts Property (estimated cost - $750,000)

    • creation of 4, completely enclosed pickleball courts
    • tension concrete with life estimate of 30 years
    • one full-length basketball court
    • one futsal court with two goals and 4 additional basketball hoops with lines
    • noise/wind blocking tarps
    • green space with enclosed portable restrooms
    • more parking spaces
    • a designated sidewalk outside of the facility for student and pedestrian crossing 

    Additional ideas that have been generated regarding the tennis court renovation include, but not limited to:

    • Considering two phases of implementation
      • Possible Phase 1 - Pickle Ball courts within the first two years of the renewal
      • Possible Phase 2 - Basketball and Futsal Courts created with the flexibility to play other sports on both fields.
    • Consideration of adding a third court instead of green space

    T-Ball Field at the Elementary School

    • addition of benches for teams
    • addition of storage area
    • resurface and level as needed
Tennis Court renovation East

  • WHY DOES THE FENNVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL HOST THE MILLAGE FOR THE COMMUNITY ATHLETIC CENTER?
    The school district continues to run this millage as we are the only entity able to incorporate all of the local Fennville municipalities (Clyde, Ganges, Fennville, Casco, Valley, Saugatuck Township, Manlius, Lee). Similarly, Saugatuck schools also run their millage this way to tap into Saugatuck, Douglas, Saugatuck Township, and Laketown. 
Rendering of Tennis Court renovation West

    • WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL IMPLEMENTATIONS?

    • When we look at the 2022-23 Community Recreation Fund budget, we see the following: Operational Expenses approximately $257,000 and current revenues in three categories: previous millage $230,000 plus membership fees $10,000 plus district contributions of $17,000. This summarizes the previous fiscal year and projects the next fiscal year. 

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    • The new, approved recreational millage will generate closer to $400,000 each year, beginning next school year (2024-2025). Of course, operational expenses are the highest priority at an estimated $260,000, allowing approximately $140,000 remaining to begin facility renovations in 2025 and beyond.  

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    However, we are currently pursuing additional resources to begin renovations even sooner.  Stay tuned for further updates.