As reported previously on this website, the Columbia Township board voted to curtail hours at the Township Park at the west end of Clark Lake. The vote took place in July, and since then the park now closes at 5 pm instead of 10 pm. The change was in reaction to problems. Police and neighbors reported fights, use of alcohol and controlled substances, illegal parking, and bringing pets into the park. Fear for safety was certainly a factor.
Some disagreed with the change and registered their concerns on this website and its Facebook page. Also disagreeing with the 5 pm closing was a man from Michigan Center who spoke during public comment at last night’s Township Board meeting.
Later in the meeting, Police Chief Jay Niles reported to the board. He commented that the modified hours brought to zero the number of incidents. You’ll also hear comments from Supervisor Barry Marsh, Treasurer John Calhoun, and Trustee Rick Deland. Alternative ideas to closing at 5 pm were exchanged. They included the possibility of issuing a sticker for residents, charging a fee to non-residents of Columbia Township, having someone present, bring in a consultant, or some other limiting factor. Before any of those ideas would be implemented, they would be discussed further.
I like the 5 pm closing. Less partying and more children using the park.
This is ridiculous 5pm…we live there and now can’t use the park if we work till 6pm and want to swim. How about make it private and put a gate with a pass card or code so residents of the lake can use the lake.
Make it private or charge regular party fees for non residents, 5pm is too early to close. Most people work until 4 or 5 and can’t use the park at all now. Something else needs to be done other than that.
You can always use the county park.
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been coming to Clark Lake since the 60’s and it has always been my second home. This is very upsetting to me as I live in Virginia now and return with my family every year. That park and the lake hold my greatest memories. It saddens me to think I wouldn’t be able to go there after 5:00 pm. If you would at least consider closing it at dusk that would be completely understandable. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my comment. Richest Blessings, Elaine Morris Neff
I wonder how many of the incidents involved township residents. A question I need to ask the police chief.
This is ridiculous, no issues because many can’t use now. We have had some cooler weekends and rain since so traffic will be slower. The park needs to be available to the local tax paying people. I still believe if there were consequences for the issues there would be less issues. Write tickets for the issues especially the parking tickets.
Why not close the park at sunset daily which would allow people to enjoy the park after normal work hours. I would guess that most of the trouble was taking place after sunset.
I believe 5 pm to be too early. Laws have always been written to protect the innocent. What’s more innocent than a parent who returns home after work and wants to take their kids for a swim on a 90 degree day? 8 pm is a reasonable time. People who break the law will be punished accordingly. Let’s not take from people who use the park this simple pleasure of life. Break the guidelines and receive a stout ticket. Let’s not get too big for our britches when it comes at the expense of the innocent.
I think that police presence could have been increased for a few weeks to root out the troubles makers. Now some poor working stiff can’t go swimming after work because of a very few bad apples. We that own at the lake are privileged to have it every day as the temperatures 🌡 soar over 90 degrees. I feel for the taxpayers that pay for a park that they can’t use.