HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2023.03.23 - 38081
AGENDA ITEM: Grant Application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the Acquisition
of 71.17 Acres of Land in Troy
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, March 23, 2023 9:30 AM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2023-2672 _ 23-51
Motion to adopt the attached suggested resolution.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Grant Gary McGillivray
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The potential acquisition of 69.5 acres in Troy (commonly know as Turtle Woods) was first brought to the
Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration in 2021. Since then, staff have been working with
the Troy School District and Six Rivers Land Conservancy to develop a proposal to acquire Turtle
Woods and operate it as a county park (nature preserve). Troy Schools acquired the property in the
1950s and has held it as surplus property for future school development. The school district no longer
needs the property for school development, and is looking to sell it and use the profits to further its
educational mission. While the property has never been managed by the school district as a nature
preserve, the local community has utilized it as such for many years. Residents have built trails,
boardwalks, and even put up signage on the property. The school district understands the value of the
property to local residents, as well as its value to the greater community in terms of stormwater
management, wildlife habitat, and green infrastructure connectivity. The school district has offered to
donate 25% of the value of the property, which will serve as the match for the Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application. OCPR recently had an updated appraisal done for
Turtle Woods and its estimated value is approximately $3,750,000.
The property is currently held by Six Rivers Land Conservancy through an assignable purchase
agreement with Troy School District. If and when a MNRTF grant is awarded, Six Rivers will assign the
purchase agreement to Oakland County and we will acquire the property.
Turtle Woods has significant ecological and habitat value, but it also has the opportunity to provide
access to nature to thousands of Oakland County residents. There are approximately 290,000 people
within a 15-minute drive time of Turtle Woods. We anticipate opening Turtle Woods as part of a new
Nature Preserve model, providing quiet enjoyment of nature through trails, boardwalks and
overlooks. This acquisition aligns with our newly established core values of health and wellness and
environmental sustainability and natural resource stewardship, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion
by providing more access to natural areas for a large percentage of county residents.
The Robertson Brothers subdivision development on Square Lake Road just south of Turtle Woods will
have 13 parking spaces that will provide public access to Turtle Woods. However, to operate the
property as a county park, additional parking will be needed. Staff are currently negotiating additional
land for parking with 2 property owners on Square Lake Road. The most straight forward option is to
purchase a residential parcel on square lake and convert it to parking. Other options could include a
combination of parcels or parcel splits to acquire and create parking. For the Trust Fund application
staff are conservatively estimating a $700,000 acquisition cost for land for parking. This additional
acquisition will be combined with the Turtle Woods acquisition as part of the grant application. OCPR
will be required to commit a cash match for this additional acquisition. Staff are recommending a 40%
match, or approximately $290,000. The residential property is 1.67 acres, making the total acquisition
71.17 acres.
The proposed application is supported by Oakland County Parks and Recreation's 5-Year Approved
Parks and Recreation Plan.
Attached is the breakdown of the Turtle Woods and parking estimated costs and the grant application
and match amounts. These numbers will be utilized for the grant application. However, if a grant is
awarded we will be required by the DNR to have additional appraisals completed which will determine
the final acquisition costs.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: No
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Melissa Prowse, Supervisor Parks & Recreation Planning
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Gary McGillivray, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 3/23/2023
David Woodward, Board of Commissioners Approved - 3/23/2023
Hilarie Chambers, Executive's Office Approved - 3/24/2023
Lisa Brown, Clerk/Register of Deeds Final Approval - 3/27/2023
AGENDA DEADLINE: 03/23/2023 9:30 AM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Turtle Woods Acquisition Estimated Acquisition Costs and Match Breakdown
2. MNRTF Turtle Woods App for OCPRC Approval
3. Turtle Woods PowerPoint Presentation
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2023-03-14 Legislative Affairs and Government Operations - Recommend to Board
2023-03-23 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Michael Gingell
Seconded by: Commissioner Janet Jackson
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen Nelson, Christine
Long, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, Janet Jackson,
Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson (14)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: William Miller III, Michael Spisz, Gary McGillivray, Ajay Raman (4)
Passed
March 23, 2023
RESOLUTION #2023-2672 _ 23-51
Sponsored By: Gary McGillivray
Parks & Recreation - Grant Application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the
Acquisition of 71.17 Acres of Land in Troy
Chair and Members of the Board:
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission requests to apply for a grant in the
amount of $3,247,500 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, titled "Acquisition of 71.17
Acres in Troy (Turtle Woods); and
WHEREAS the 71.17 acres includes 69.5 acres of undeveloped land commonly referred to as "Turtle
Woods" as well as an adjacent 1.67 acre residential parcel to be used for access and parking; and
WHEREAS Oakland County is hereby making a financial commitment to the project in the amount of
$290,000 in cash matching funds; and
WHEREAS the sale of the property is being discounted by 25% or a match donated value of
$937,500 by Troy School District in their purchase agreement with Six Rivers Land Conservancy,
which will be assigned to Oakland County if/when a grant is awarded.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners supports
and approves the grant application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for $3,247,500 to
purchase 71.17 acres of land in Troy for the creation of a nature preserve.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff is authorized to submit the electronic application on behalf of
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Chair, the following Commissioners are sponsoring the foregoing Resolution: Gary McGillivray.
Date: March 23, 2023
David Woodward, Commissioner
Date: March 24, 2023
Hilarie Chambers, Deputy County Executive II
Date: March 27, 2023
Lisa Brown, County Clerk / Register of Deeds
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2023-03-14 Legislative Affairs and Government Operations - Recommend to Board
2023-03-23 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by Commissioner Michael Gingell seconded by Commissioner Janet Jackson to adopt the
attached Grant: Grant Application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the Acquisition of
71.17 Acres of Land in Troy.
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen Nelson, Christine
Long, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia Gershenson, Janet Jackson,
Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson (14)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: William Miller III, Michael Spisz, Gary McGillivray, Ajay Raman (4)
Passed
ATTACHMENTS
1. Turtle Woods Acquisition Estimated Acquisition Costs and Match Breakdown
2. MNRTF Turtle Woods App for OCPRC Approval
3. Turtle Woods PowerPoint Presentation
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true
and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on March
23, 2023, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at
Pontiac, Michigan on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk / Register of Deeds
Turtle Woods Acquisition Estimated
Acquisition Costs and Match Breakdown
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
Grant Draft Application
(Application is online through MiGrants)
Draft as of 2/23/2023
Section A: Applicant Site and Project Information
Application Type: Acquisition
Name of Applicant: County of Oakland
SIGMA Vendor Number: CV0048080 SIGMA Address ID: 172
Name of Authorized Representative: Melissa Prowse
Title: Manager of Planning & Development
Contact: prowsem@oakgov.com – 248-249-2801
State House District: 57
State Senate District: 9
U.S. Congressional District: 11
Proposal Title: Acquisition of 69.5 Acres of Undeveloped Acres in Troy (Turtle Woods)
Proposal Description
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking to purchase 69.5 acres of undeveloped
property in Troy to operate as an Oakland County Nature Preserve. The property was owned by the Troy
School District since the 1950s and was never developed. The property is referred to locally as Turtle
Woods, due to past sightings of several native turtle species. It is located north of Square Lake Road
between John R. and Dequindre roads in Troy. The property has been of significant interest to OC and
local land conservancies for many years due to both its size and its abundant natural resources. OCPR’s
most recent Recreation Master Plan identifies a desire to preserve and protect more land in more densely
populated areas of Oakland County, especially southeast Oakland County. This property will provide
quick and easy access to nature (through trails and boardwalks) for hundreds of thousands of nearby
residents within a 15-minute drive time. OCPR plans to operate the property as a Nature Preserve.
Parcel ID: 2001300019
Town: T02N Range: R11E Section: 01 Lat: 42.608485 Long: -83.100551
Section B: Project Funding and Match Sources
Grant Amount Requested: $3,247,500
Match:
TPS Donated Value: $937,500
OCPR Match: $290,000
Total Match: $1,235,500
Total Project Cost: $4,475,000
Section C: Project Details
Acquisition Type: Fee Simple
Current land uses: Undeveloped/Residential
Buildings on the site: Yes
Encroachments?: No
Appraiser estimated value?: Yes
Property Landowner Estimated Value
Turtle Woods Six Rivers Land Conservancy $3,750,000
Residential Private landowner $700,000
Estimated Incidentals $25,000
Section D: Justification of Need
Date of public hearing: March 2, 2023
Additional meetings: April 16, 2023 – Public Open House
Did you gather input from individuals with disabilities? Yes
Are you the primary provider of recreation services to any surrounding communities? No
Explain how you plan to address safety considerations and crime prevention in the project area.
OCPR contracts with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to provide Parks Deputies who regularly patrol
our parks and facilities. Additional measures that increase safety include park signage clearly noting
hours of operation, and who to call during an emergency. Parking areas are lit (with appropriate
fixtures) and any restrooms, trash receptables, trailhead signage, etc. would also be well-lit. OCPR year-
round and seasonal park staff patrol our parks on a regular basis to clean restrooms, empty trash,
answer patron questions, etc., providing a consistent presence. (574)
Explain how you will make the public aware of the project, as well as the efforts you will use to publicize
and promote your project. Include marketing methods that will effectively communicate with persons
with disabilities.
Much of the public in Troy is already aware of the project and we have had many residents express their
gratitude that OCPR is looking to acquire and operate the property as a nature preserve. We hosted a
public Open House on February 16th that was heavily publicized on social media. We also reached out
directly to our many contacts in the disability community to gather feedback from residents with
disabilities on what they’d like to see at the site. Our web site is currently being overhauled to be more
accessible, and we are working to publish information in multiple languages and formats wherever
possible.
Does the applicant have a formal recreation department or committee? Please explain below. For park
committees, describe how members are appointed, their roles and responsibilities. List of members and
meeting schedule.
Yes, Oakland County Parks and Recreation has a formal Commission, which reports up to the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners. The Commission consists of 10 appointed members, 6 elected officials
and 6 members of the public. The Commission meets the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. at
2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford.
Gary McGillivray, Chair
Dave VanderVeen, Vice Chair
Ebony Bagley, Secretary
Christine Long
Amanda Herzog
Andrea LaFontaine
Jim Nash
Nancy Quarles
Yolanda Smith-Charles
Lance Stokes
Section E: History & Stewardship
Will the applicant have adequate funds on hand to complete the acquisition without any third party
assistance (i.e. loans, lines of credit, etc.) until partial reimbursement and a final audit is completed
(approximately 180 days after closing)? YES
Has applicant received DNR recreation grant(s) in the past? YES
Has applicant closed, sold or transferred any parkland or recreation facilities in the last 5 years (if yes,
provide comments below? NO.
Does applicant have a known unresolved conversion of grant-assisted parkland (if yes, provide
comments below)? YES. We did convert property at Independence Oaks in the past 5 years - by selling a
house on Sashabaw Road to a local historic preservation group, and also by allowing the Road
Commission for Oakland County to install a round-about at Sashabaw and Oak Hill which required
approximately 1,000 square feet of the corner of the park at that intersection. Both conversions are
mitigated with the acquisition of 3.4 acres of wetland property adjacent to the park. Conversion
mitigation paperwork was sent to MDNR in December 2022 for review/approval.
Does applicant have a “residents only” policy for this park or other parks or recreation facilities? NO
Do you now or do you in the future intend to charge an entrance fee to the project site? NO
What is the applicant’s current year budget for Parks and Recreation? $36,466,257
What are the estimated operation and maintenance costs associated with the project? $150,000
Section F: Site Conditions
1. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that any portion of the property is or
has been used for industrial purposes, including manufacturing and/or minerals processing or
extraction (sand, gravel, oil, or gas) at this time or in the past? NO
2. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that any portion of the property is
currently being used or has been used in the past for a gas station, motor vehicle service or
repair facility, commercial printing facility, dry cleaners, photo developing lab, junkyard, landfill,
waste treatment, storage, processing or recycling or disposal facility? NO
3. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that any of the following are or have in
the past been stored, discarded or used on the property – automotive or industrial batteries,
pesticides or other chemicals used in agricultural practices, paints, industrial waste, or other
chemicals in drums or other containers? NO
4. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that fill dirt or other fill material of
unknown origin is on this property or has in the past been placed on the property? NO
5. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge of any evidence of leaks, spills, or
stains from a substance other than water at this time or in the past? NO
6. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that there are or have been in the past
been waste disposal pits, lagoons, or ponds on the property? NO
7. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that there are at this time or have in
the past been registered or unregistered storage tanks on the property? NO
8. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that contaminated groundwater lies
below the property? NO
9. If there is a water well on the property does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge
that contaminants have been identified in the well that exceed legal standards or has the well
been identified as contaminated by a government agency? NO
10. Has the landowner been notified about any current violations of environmental laws pertaining
to activities on the property or does applicant, landowner or others have knowledge about past
violations? NO
11. Has the landowner been notified of any environmental assessments of the property that
identified a) the presence of hazardous substances, petroleum products or contamination; or b)
the need for further assessment? NO
12. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge than y hazardous substances,
unidentified waste materials, tires, or automotive or industrial batteries have been dumped
above ground, buried, or burned on the property? NO
13. Is the property listed on any federal or state list of contaminated sites, including the site of a
leaking underground storage tank? NO
14. Does the applicant, landowner or others have knowledge that any of the adjoining properties
are currently being used or have been used in the past for the purposes listed in the previous
questions 1-13? NO
15. Has an environmental assessment been completed for the site? IN PROCESS
16. Are permits required for the development of the site? YES
Section G: Natural Features of the Project Site
Does the project site include:
Great lakes shoreline or Great Lakes connecting water frontage? NO
Inland lake frontage? NO
River and/or tributary frontage? NO
Wetland acreage or frontage? YES
Other water acreage or frontage? NO
Sand dunes? NO
Dedicated state or federal wilderness or Pigeon County land? NO
Rare species or any other significant features (MNFI?) YES
Section H: Wildlife Values of the Project Site
Will the proposed park protect wildlife habitat (for example breeding grounds, winter deeryards, den
sites)? YES
Will the proposed park act as a wildlife corridor between existing protected areas or as a buffer to an
existing protected area? YES
Section I: Natural Resource Recreation Opportunities
Will the proposed park provide new or additional:
Water recreation opportunities? NO
Motorized recreation opportunities? NO
Hunting opportunities? NO
Fishing opportunities? NO
Bird watching or other nature viewing? YES
Nature interpretation/education? YES
How will education/interpretation opportunities be provided?
- Interpretive signage
- Naturalist-led walks/programs
- Citizen Science programs
Have you formed a partnership with another organization to provide interpretive or educational
services? YES, currently discussing future potential partnerships with the Stage Nature Center in Troy
and the Troy School District.
Section J: Public Access
Will the site be open to the general public? YES
List hours open to the public: Dawn to dusk 7 days/week
Section K: Trails
Is the proposed site a trail? NO
Is the proposed project part of the Iron Belle Trail? NO
Application Narrative
i. Project justification and support
a. Why are we proposing this specific project for MNRTF consideration?
b. Describe the need for the project
c. Alignment with SCORP and MNRTF priorities
d. Public input
e. Public support
f. Accessibility Review
Oakland County Parks and Recreation, and our partners, are proposing the acquisition of Turtle Woods
to become an Oakland County Parks and Recreation Nature Preserve located in Troy. While the
community has nicknamed the property Turtle Woods, it is not actually an official park or nature
preserve, but rather surplus property formerly owned by Troy School District. Six Rivers Land
Conservancy has secured the property with a purchase agreement that is assignable to OCPR. The
purchase price is established 25% lower than appraised value, which meets the MNRTF local match
requirement through TSD’s willingness to sell at a bargain sale rate to support the larger goal of
permanent preservation through creation of a public natural area. The property has abundant natural
resources (see NR section further in the application) that OCPR plans to protect, enhance, and steward
through natural resource management.
Our new master plan specifically calls out new core values for OCPR including Health and Wellness and
Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Management. We have also outlined a plan for
creating more parks and partnerships in the more developed/populated areas of Oakland County, which
is a change in direction from past practice of acquiring large pieces of land in the outer, less developed
areas of the county. Both are important, but the pandemic has left a lasting impression on our
commission and staff by instilling the incredible importance of parks and natural spaces for both physical
and mental health. We know not everyone can drive for 30 minutes out to a park to immerse themselves
in nature, so we are working towards providing those experiences closer to where people live. Turtle
Woods is integral to this plan, providing 70 acres of undeveloped natural areas in southeast Oakland
County.
This acquisition aligns with multiple SCORP objectives and the main SCORP GOAL to Protect and Manage
natural assets to provide relevant, quality experiences that meet the fun, relaxation and health needs
of residents and visitors.
SCORP Objectives: Foster Stewardship and Conservation – OCPR has always had an objective to foster
generations of future stewards of our natural areas through education and experiences. Nature Centers
are great, but getting out in nature is even better. Exposure to nature increases people’s appreciation
for these resources and fosters future stewardship.
Improve Collaboration – Since we have begun working on this acquisition multiple partners have reached
out to become more involved, including land conservancies, the Stage Nature Center, Evanswood Church,
and the city of Troy. We anticipate many beneficial partnerships for programming and education.
Raise Awareness – Turtle Woods creates a unique and exciting opportunity for new awareness both of
the importance of natural resources and recreation, but also sustainability. We anticipate a robust
interpretive program at Turtle Woods, including led activities and self-guided interpretation. We also
anticipate multiple sustainable demonstration projects at this site including alternative parking lot
surfacing, demonstration gardens, solar-powered restrooms/lighting and an EV charging station.
Improve Recreational Access – This is our primary goal. OCPR wants to provide the types of recreation
people want close to where they live. With nearly 300,000 people living within a 15-minute drive-time,
Turtle Woods has the opportunity to provide new access nature and trails for significant number of
Michiganders.
ii. Project description (3,000 characters)
a. Describe the intended future uses of the site and a timeframe for completion of any
development necessary to provide those uses
The intended future use of the site is to be maintained as a Nature Preserve, a new designation for
county parks where the main goal is quiet enjoyment of nature and passive recreation such as hiking and
wildlife viewing. Turtle Woods has been utilized for years by neighboring residents who have cut
pathways through the property and even built small bridges and boardwalks at the site. The property
can be utilized now, as is, with some minimal trail clearing. Longer-term, OCPR would like to map out
potential better locations for trails and boardwalks to avoid sensitive natural areas and wetlands. Trails
would be a combination of aggregate, boardwalks and a more rustic (natural surface) hiking trail based
on location. While access to the site would be immediate, we would anticipate rerouting and developing
new trails and boardwalks in phases over the next 5-7 years.
Parking at the site will be the minimum number of spaces needed to properly service the park. While the
park will be used solely for walking/hiking, given its location we anticipate it could be busy on peak-
season days. We are investigating options for more sustainable parking lot surfacing, bioswales, native
plants/gardens, and EV charging. We will place portable restrooms at the site temporarily, with plans to
install solar-powered restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. Our design standards for Nature Preserves
are still under development, but the goal is to be minimal, functional, and beautiful.
While we determine the best option for parking for Turtle Woods, we are evaluating several potential
layouts and locations for parking depending on which property(ies) we can acquire. Parking would
ideally be designed to accommodate a bus turning radius for field trips and programs.
There is currently a sidewalk on Square Lake Road which we would tie into with a pedestrian pathway
into the park adjacent to the parking lot, providing separate, safe pedestrian access.
OCPR is working to incorporate CPTED concepts into all of our park improvement projects. Access control
(careful placement of furnishings/fencing/gates, landscaping and bollards); Territorial Reinforcement
(signs/boundary management, designated parking/hardscape areas, formal plantings as needed);
Natural Surveillance (open sight lines from Square Lake and possibly the church next door depending on
final parking location, regular staff patrols and programming to activate site); and Maintenance
(regular, visible maintenance showing pride/ownership in site, immediate removal of vandalism/graffiti,
staff, sheriff and partners regularly visible.
OCPR is working to integrate universal design principles into all projects. Designed elements at the park
will be minimal, including the parking area and adjacent amenities (trash receptables, restrooms,
trailhead signage) and park trails. We anticipate equitable, simple and intuitive use, perceptible
information, tolerance for error, and low physical effort to be design criteria for the site.
While this application is only for the acquisition of the property, we do anticipate future development to
utilize the most sustainable signs that will function on the site. We are gearing up across our system for
alternative pavements, solar energy, EV charging stations, added stormwater retention and keeping
disturbed areas to a minimum.
While final parking location and layout are still being determined, all options are very visible from Square
Lake Road and easy to access. The City of Troy has committed to working with OCPR to design a
functional, safe entrance/exit to the park including extending an existing deceleration lane and
approving signage being located on Square Lake Road.
Attachments
Under development
Text
D ry de n
B r o o k e V i e w
R o n a l d
R o b a r t
BonitoPattersonN o r m a n d y
PearlTurtle WoodsEdmundsOakwoodMeadowlarkShorelineDiamondSlateCliffsideSo ng bi rd
To p a z
P o n d v i e w
S q u a r e L a k e EvanswoodMayappleTurtle Woods PreserveParcel No. 20-01-300-01969.58 Acres
o
Turtle Woods Preserve Troy, MI 48085
Vacant ResidentialParcel No. 20-01-300-0218.96 Acres
Turtle Woods
69.5 acres
Private
Residence
Evanswood Church
W E
Robertson Development
Public Parking
Turtle Woods
69.5 acres
Evanswood Church
W E
Robertson Development
Public Parking
Option 1 –Trust Fund
Request
•Acquire Residential
property, convert to
parking lot
•Provides the most
parking
•Provides easiest
park access
•Provides space for
bus turn-around
•Space available for
future restroom
facility and/or small
playground
Michigan Natural Resources
Trust Fund ApplicationTurtle Woods Acquisition
Troy, MI
LAGO Committee
March 14, 2023
Turtle Woods
Square Lake Road DequindreRoadJohn R. RoadBeaumont Troy
Sanctuary Lake
Golf Course
Turtle Woods History
•Purchased in 1960s as potential school
expansion site
•No longer needed as school site
•Important to the community + TSD
•Long-time interest of Six Rivers
(Oakland) Land Conservancy and OCPR
•Used by local residents as nature
preserve –not managed
Turtle Woods Overview
•69.5 acres
•Assignable Purchase Agreement
between TSD and Six Rivers
•Partners: Six Rivers Land
Conservancy, Troy School District,
City of Troy, Stage Nature Center,
The Nature Conservancy
Alignment with
Vision + Mission
OCPR Vision
Everyone in Oakland County has access to a
park, public space, or recreational opportunity
to relax, be active, socialize and connect with
nature.
OCPR Mission
We create and operate accessible, welcoming
and sustainable parks and public spaces,
provide recreational and educational
programs, preserve open space, and steward
the environment to help all people be
healthier and build resilient, connected
communities in Oakland County.
Opportunities
•Creates new OC Park within 15-min drive of 290,000 residents
•New OCPR Nature Preserve Model
•Preservation of green space
•Stormwater management
•Green infrastructure connectivity
•Wildlife + pollinator habitat
•Recreation / Wellness
•Quiet enjoyment of nature
•Space to relax/unwind
•Wildlife viewing
•Interpretive/Stewardship opportunities
•Trail development
Parking Challenges &
Solutions
•13 spaces within Robertson Homes
Development
•Required for development to proceed
•Insufficient for County Park
•No parking on subdivision streets
•No bus access
•Insufficient emergency access
•Additional Parking is Needed
Turtle Woods
69.5 acres
Private
Residence
Evanswood Church
W E
Robertson Development
Public Parking
Turtle Woods
69.5 acres
Evanswood Church
W E
Robertson Development
Public Parking
Option 1 –Trust Fund
Request
•Acquire Residential
property, convert to
parking lot
•Provides the most
parking
•Provides easiest
park access
•Provides space for
bus turn-around
•Space available for
future restroom
facility
Estimated Acquisition Costs
Final acquisition costs will be
based on 2 certified appraisals
to be completed (per DNR)
after the grant is awarded
Turtle Woods Acquisition 3,750,000$
MNRTF Application (75%)2,812,500$
TPS Match Value (25%)937,500$
Parking Acquisition + Incidentals
Parking Parcel(s) Estimated Value 700,000$
Due Diligence + Closing Costs (est)25,000$
Subtotal 725,000$
MNRTF Application (60%)435,000$
OCPRC Cash Match (40%)290,000$
Total Project Cost 4,475,000$
MNRTF Request
Application Request Amount 3,247,500$
Match: TPS Donation of 25% value 937,500$
Match: OCPR Cash Match - Parking/Incidentals 290,000$
Total Project Cost 4,475,000$
Development Expenses
(Conceptual Estimates -future phase -
potential grant projects)
•Parking lot construction -$300,000
•Access –boardwalk/trail -$260,000
•Modular restrooms -$100,000
•Future:
•Interior Trail improvements -$250,000+
•More aggressive natural resource
restoration, possible partnership
•Development will follow new Nature
Preserve Model
Annual Operating Budget
(estimated)
•Estimated park operating budget: $115,000
•Park/trail maintenance
•Signage
•Tree work
•Portable restrooms
•Benches
•Trash cans/tools/chainsaws
•Estimated natural resource management: $20,000
•Minimal burning
•Invasive species removal
•Keeping trails clear
Timeline
Public Open House Feb. 16, 2023
OCPRC Public Hearing March 1, 2023
OCBOC Application Approvals March 2023
MNRTF Application Due April 1, 2023
Present @ June MNRTF Board June 14, 2023
Award Announcement Dec. 2023
Project Agreements May 2024
Agreement Executed July 2024
Close on property October 2024
Open to public Nov. 2024