Farms council considers limits
on number of nonresidents in parks

The Grosse Pointe Farms City Council held a work session Monday night to discuss and propose revisions to the city’s park policies.

City Manager Shane Reeside proposed to reduce the number of visitors allowed per resident for picnics or when using community buildings in Pier Park.

Most council members said the proposal was headed in the right direction.  “I am very much in favor of it," said Councilman Joe Leonard. "The overall attendance at the park regarding nonresident guests will be fewer, and will be more controlled.” 

Reeside proposed reducing the number of punches for residents bringing guests into the parks from 22 guests to 12. 

Other council members expect to see more details confirmed before they jump on the bandwagon. “I don’t think we’re anywhere near a council vote,” said Councilman Peter Waldmeir during the meeting.

The proposal would also cap the total number of nonresident guests allowed in the park at any one time under a picnic permit or for building rental.

Each picnic pass would allow 60 nonresident guests; a building rental would allow 120.

Farms residents who attended the meeting were also in favor of controlling crowds and nonresident visitors in the park, but agreed the policy is not complete yet.

“I saw a bit of a change in terms of the focus; they are being a little more realistic in terms of the numbers of people that the park can accommodate,” said Catherine Saurbier, a Farms resident. “The proposal that was presented was much improved over the last one. I think they’re on the right track [but] I think they need to tweak it a bit.” 

The plan to simplify park policies began over a year ago, said Richard Huhn, director of parks and recreation.  “Looking at the old policies, there were different policies for different types of situations and it was confusing not only for the people using the park but also for the staff members,” Huhn said. “I think [the new proposal] simplifies it and I think it’s something easier for everybody to deal with.”

Council members Doug Roby and Charles Davis III were not present at the work session.

No votes were held at the work session. Another session will be held Feb. 22 to review a draft of the Pier Park policy and solidify plans for the new rules. 

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