Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a new parks policy that limits what kinds of events can be held at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park.
At a meeting this week, a resolution was approved amending the parks rules to state that “only government related events will be held at City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor,” adding all others may apply for use of Jean Klock Park or another suitable park location. The resolution states the city manager wants to avoid having “events that are large or have the potential to become large and possibly difficult to control at that location.”
Commissioners approved the amendment as part of the consent agenda without comment, although Commissioner Juanita Henry objected during the roll call to the lack of discussion.
“I demand that we have an opportunity to discuss these agenda items,” Henry said.
Also voting no, and with the same objection, was Commissioner Ethel Clark Griffin.
The new park policy comes after The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan complained it was denied permission to use City Center Park for it PrideFest in June. As it sought answers, City Manager Alex Little announced the new policy. The PrideFest was interrupted last summer by demonstrators who harassed attendees.
The policy approved this week also sets rental costs for parts of Hall Park and Yarbrough Park at $150, and costs for parts of Union Park and June Woods Park at $100.
