A long-awaited plan to quadruple the size of Peninsula Township’s popular Bowers Harbor Park has taken a step forward with the establishment of an ad hoc committee that will guide the process.

The 20-acre Bowers Harbor Park currently features tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; softball, baseball and soccer fields; two playground areas; three picnic pavilions with grills and tables; restrooms; on-site parking and a paved walking path.

After landing a state grant, Peninsula Township was able to purchase an additional 60 acres adjacent to the park. Over the years, the property, a former cherry orchard, was the target for several development plans, though none came to fruition.

The township’s board of trustees and its park commission met in a joint session this past week to set up the seven-member committee, consisting of one trustee, one park commissioner, one staff member, a representative of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and three members of the public. The committee was directed to develop a timeline and cost for the park expansion.

How to use the additional property is a key question to be answered. “This is a huge project and requires a lot of input from the public,” says Maura Sanders, chair of the park commission.

Some officials voiced support for more “active” park improvements, such as larger playgrounds or a splash pad, geared toward families with energetic young children. The two current playground areas have been there for many years and need to be replaced with updated equipment. Others called for “passive” improvements, such as an expanded walking path or other more adult-oriented features.

“We need to have a really nice playground, that is safe and attractive,” said park commissioner Anne Griffiths. “Maybe we need a splash pad. That’s not gonna scare away old people. Whatever we do, it needs to be inviting for everybody.”

Two factors could complicate the plan to develop the parkland. The additional 60 acres includes wetlands which occasionally flow north, sometimes flooding the property of neighboring homes. Any improvements will have to take the wetlands issue into consideration. It was noted that the wetlands might be federally-regulated because they are within 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan.

And testing conducted on the property showed excessive levels of arsenic at 17 of 20 locations tested, according to David Foote, director of stewardship at the land conservancy. That doesn’t necessarily mean the property cannot be used, he explained. But passive uses, which would not disturb the soil, would be better in those areas.

Anyone who would like to aid in the park planning process can contact the township at (231) 223-7322 or email Sanders here.