A new use is being considered for the building that was formerly the Clark Lake Community Church on Hyde Road. Diane Smith would like to convert it to a Montessori preschool for ages 2 thru 6. Diane is the founder and director of Countryside Montessori School in Hillsdale. She outlined her hopes for the new school before the Columbia Township board.
The Country Montessori website points to Diane’s 32 years experience teaching preschool age children. Diane and her husband own and operate a crop farm in Addison Michigan, where they raised their 7 children. Diane’s husband is Brad Smith, a patent attorney in Jackson. He recently knocked on doors in the area surrounding the church and discussed the possibilities with neighbors.
Brad and Diane Smith
Police Chief Jay Niles spoke to the board yesterday evening and proposed changing the hours at the Township Park on Hyde Road. Because of problems at the Park last summer, the evening hours had been curtailed to 5 pm instead of 10 pm. Since that change, he told the board that there have been very few problems. He suggested that the Park hours be 6 am – 7 pm Monday through Friday, and 6 am – 8 pm on weekends and holidays. After a discussion with trustees, the board voted to extend the hours to 9 pm for all days.
This video picks up the discussion after Chief Nile’s presentation, starting with a comment from Trustee Robin Tackett. Within the limits of the video frame, each speaker is identified. The video concludes before the actual vote was taken , which was unanimous.
Below are two photos of the Township Park the morning after the ice storm.
Like many areas around Clark Lake, the ice storm left its mark on the Township Park. The board has accepted a bid to cleanup the Park.
The cleanup activity will extend to the Township cemeteries, where some damaged also occurred.
Good decision on the part of the township trustees. Thanks to Robin Tackett for promoting a reasonable decision benefiting the vast majority of park users and taxpayers. Keep our park safe and open. Report illegal or bad behavior to the authorities.
I agree with the new hours at the park. It just wasn’t fair to off-lake area residents to not have evening hours so families can relax and enjoy our beautiful lake.
A preschool would be a good addition to the area as well.
I agree with everything Tom Johnson said. Not speaking from the position of village council president, but personally as a Nana who takes her grandchildren there. One of my childhood memories at that park is of my dad coming home from work all grubby and greasy – and taking us for a swim along with his bar of LAVA soap. LOL. I commend the Board for keeping it open into the evening daylight hours for our bedroom community.
A hearty ‘well done’ by all involved on the expanded hours for the park. Additionally, the school concept was well presented and deserves further evaluation.