Van Buren State Park requests community input for its next general management plan. The DNR along with park staff, is asking for visitors, community stakeholders, and others to share their opinions including what they enjoy, what they’d like to see, and improvements to areas of the park.

Park manager Matt Metzger tells us public input is very important to them.

“The big idea with this online survey is to gather those insights from those who use our parks; what they enjoy, what they want to see with our parks, what don’t they enjoy,” Metzger says. “So we can look to gain the perspective from our visitors to make it a place they want to return and what we can improve.”

Metzger says general management plans help define the goals the parks have, in addition to addressing recreation and educational needs and opportunities.

“First-hand experiences and boots-on-the-ground observations are what we’re looking for, and certainly ways we can stay relevant. We’re very fortunate to have beautiful access to Lake Michigan and our setting but that’s the easy part to sell. How can we enhance that and make this a special place.”

Anyone can give their input through the online survey through Nov. 24. 

The DNR also plans to have a public meeting next spring to discuss the draft plan for the park, providing an opportunity for people to review and provide comments.