KAGAWONG—Billings Township council is looking for input from members of the public as to how to reinvent the current existing cedar maze in the village.
“The parks, recreation and wellness committee (PRWC) were presented with a report at their meeting June 26 in regards to the state of the cedar maze,” Billings Mayor Bryan Barker told council at a meeting last week. “After an inspection of the cedar maze gate and fencing, it was determined by public works that the wood fencing supports are almost completely rotten and are unsafe. The public works department has nailed two 2x4s across the gate to deter those from entering the maze, therefore the space is currently closed.”
“The PRWC committee agreed to approve a motion that community engagement would be key in determining the next steps for the maze and the following motion was passed,” continued Mayor Barker. “ That the township of Billings PRWC hereby approves the public works report and recommends engaging the public for input on reinventing the cedar maze space by way of a community chalkboard.”
Mayor Barker said the public works department will create and install a large chalkboard at the cedar maze where those who frequent the area can write down their ideas on how they would like the space to be used. This will also be advertised on the township’s social media page.
Staff will take photos of the board and erase the material on a regular basis and tabulate the responses to share with the committee during their monthly committee meetings with a final decision to be made for the 2024 season.
Councillor Michael Hunt said about a year ago the cedar trees were replaced in the maze along with the wood fencing supports. “The affected wood fence would be very expensive to replace. I agree a sign should be put up and to see what people say we should do with the maze.”
“In committee discussions it has been explained deer are eating all the new trees. And volunteers have done everything they can do to revitalize the maze,” said Councillor Dave Hillyard. “The committee wants this to be put out to the public for ideas on what can be done with the area. Some would for instance like it to become a picnic area, an area designed for relaxing and meditation, and other ideas have come forward as well. Some would like the maze to continue. But it always goes back to ongoing maintenance, replenishing the cedar trees and the fencing and the costs involved.”
“It’s community space and the committee does not want to see it go away and instead would like to get an idea of what people think it could be used for,” said Councillor Hillyard.
“My children went through the maze when they were young, so it has a sentimental tie,” said Councillor Vince Grogan. “But the space could be used more efficiently.”
Councillor Jim Cahill and Mayor Barker both agreed it would be a great idea to get public engagement on what to do with the current cedar maze space. “It has been a very expensive thing to keep maintained,” said Mayor Barker, who noted arborists had been at the maze last year. “One of the main problems is the door (to the maze) gets left open and the deer go in and eat all the trees. It will be sad to see it go, but we will see how it goes. It is a good idea to get community input.”
