Biking, hiking trails part of proposed development at Greenly and 152nd

PARK TWP. — A partnership between a private citizen, the Outdoor Discovery Center Network and Park Township could bring a new preserve and bike park to Greenly Street and 152nd Avenue.

The proposed development, Redlum Farm Preserve and Bike Park, appeared before the Park Township Planning Commission on Thursday, June 27, for a possible rezoning from AG Agricultural Lands and Open Space to Public Lands and Open Space.

According to the proposal, the park would include two bike skills courses, a potential greenhouse, a blueberry patch, an outer bike loop and reforestation, with a hiking trail, on 20 acres of land donated by property owner Larry Mulder.

Community Development Director Meika Weiss said, although commissioners were in support of the project as a whole, they recommended Park Township Board of Trustees not approve rezoning.

“It's in an agricultural zone and agricultural preservation has been (important), so they were a little bit leery,” Weiss said.

But that's not necessarily the end of the project. Most of the township's residential zoning districts allow for private and public parks, just not agricultural districts. The commission recommended a change to those rules.

“This would be a permitted use within the zoning district,” Weiss said.

Weiss said the proposal will come before trustees in the next month or two. Should they approve the rules change, ODC would move forward with a site plan.

“That sense of community, that sense of connection and that sense of enjoyment is something that I think the township wants to continue to encourage," Weiss said.

The Park Township Board of Trustees meets again Thursday, July 11.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.