Plans & Projects

2020 was a turning-point year for Genoa Township after voters approved a 3-year levy, beginning in 2021. The revenue stream provided funds dedicated solely to parks and trails. Simultaneously, a decrease in the police and fire levies resulted in no increase in millage.

Residents had expressed their desire for the new levy's funds to support the construction of pickleball facilities, renovation and replacement of playgrounds, and park restrooms. 

As of March 2023, Center Green Park is home to four fenced pickleball courts. New playground equipment has been installed at Freeman Park. New young children's equipment is expected to be installed at Hilmar Park by summer. Restrooms were added where there had been none at Hilmar Park and Worthington Gardens. 

Parks and Trails Master Plan (2020)
The Parks and Trails Master Plan was written after extensive research into service gaps, resident preferences, and visitation. The planning process served as a vital step to create a unified, aspirational vision to work toward including action steps to consider as resources become available. 

Current Projects

  • Freeman Farm: Take possession of Freeman Farm in 2025. Deed restrictions required by grant funding require the parcel to remain nature preserve. However, the Parks Advisory Committee will be amending the Parks Master Plan with a vision for the parcel including options for passive recreation, park amentities, and programming that are in keeping with requirements of grant funding. 
  • Drinking Fountain: A new drinking fountain is being installed in April 2023 behind the Fire Station along the Genoa Trail.
  • Park Restrooms: New restrooms were added to Hilmar Park and Worthington Gardens. Both are now operational (Worthington Gardens restroom open seasonally) 
  • Hilmar Park Playground:  Young children's equipment has been installed to supplement the existing playground including a dragonfly teetertotter, bee and honeycomb climber, and two turtle spinners
  • Walking Paths: A walking path was added to Hilmar Park using asphalt recycled from road resurfacing projects. This material served as a base for a final topcoat of asphalt which was installed. Path is now open.
  • Township Hall Playground: A "civic" themed playground was opened at Township Hall in September featuring a police car, Fire station, and tractor. Future plans for the park include a miniature road system for children to use to learn to ride bikes. 
  • 2021-2022 (year 1: Parks and Trails Levy) Accomplishments 
Governance
The development and care of Township parks is controlled by the Township Trustees based upon the recommendations of the members of the Parks Advisory Committee and in partnership with the Maintenance Director.  

Parks Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and minutes are available for review.  The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm at Township Hall unless otherwise noted (or in the event of inclement weather). The group will meet on the following dates in 2023 January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 (McNamara Park), May 31 (Hilmar Park), July 5 (Freeman Park), August 2 (Worthington Garden), September 6 (Center Green Park), October 4, November 1, and December 6.  In 2024 meeting dates include January 3, February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, and December 4.

Parks Advisory Committee Members

Name Term Expiration
Amy Barr March 31, 2025
Tyson Cline March 31, 2026
Richard Kaschak March 31, 2027
Molly McHale March 31, 2025
Phil Johnson March 31, 2026
Mark Wigginton March 31, 2026
Stephanie West March 31, 2027
Erin Francoeur March 31, 2026
Brian Wellman March 31, 2026
Connie Goodman Trustee Liaison