Comstock Township - Parks and Recreation

Comstock Township - Parks and Recreation - August 10, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 2 hours ago

In the Charter Township Parks and Recreation Meeting held on August 10, 2026, the board addresses several key issues. The agenda includes a detailed discussion on the enforcement of park rules following incidents involving a disc golf league at Robert Morris Park. The board considers measures for improving communication and enforcement of park ordinances, including potential policy changes to ensure safety and compliance. Additionally, the meeting covers the proposal for acquiring land from the Hickory Ridge Golf Course for potential park expansion, weighing the benefits and challenges of such an acquisition. The board also reviews maintenance and security concerns, such as the use of private security at Robert Morris Park and updates on park hours. Throughout the meeting, there is a focus on enhancing park safety, rule enforcement, and exploring opportunities for park development.

Chapters

Welcome and Opening Remarks (00:00:00)
The meeting was called to order, and the agenda was presented for approval.

The chair welcomed everyone to the regular meeting of the charter township. The agenda was presented, and a motion to approve the agenda as presented was made and passed without objection.
Public Comments (00:00:36)
A citizen spoke about issues with a disc golf league at Robert Morris Park.

A citizen, representing a disc golf league, addressed the board regarding issues that occurred back in June. He discussed the history of the league at Robert Morris Park, contributions made by the league, and the surprise enforcement actions taken by a code enforcement officer without prior communication. Concerns about surveillance, lack of communication, and perceived threats from a township employee were expressed. The citizen sought clarification on the league's ban and expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation.
Consent Agenda (00:07:20)
The consent agenda, including meeting minutes and financial reports, was reviewed and approved.

The board reviewed the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, a GE distribution report, and mercantile bills. Questions were raised about refunds for pavilion rentals, security services, and fire extinguisher inspections. Clarifications were provided regarding the nature of charges and services included in the agenda items. Following the discussion, the consent agenda was approved as read by the chair without objections.
Park Issues Discussion (00:11:31)
The board discussed issues related to park rules enforcement and a problematic disc golf league.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion about park issues, focusing on the enforcement of park rules and the recent incidents involving a disc golf league. The need for organized sports groups to have documented training on rules was emphasized. Various violations and the responsibilities of league directors were discussed. The board proposed remedies, such as requiring league directors to provide signed documentation of rule training and placing leagues on probationary status if necessary. The discussion also covered strengthening written agreements for permits and reviewing ordinances for clarity. The chair suggested forming committees to address specific issues like SOPs and ordinance reviews.
Planning Commission Meeting Notes (00:30:51)
The board discussed the potential purchase of Hickory Ridge Golf Course for battery storage.

The board was informed about a proposal being reviewed by the planning commission, which involves the purchase of Hickory Ridge Golf Course by a company for battery storage purposes. The proposal includes the possibility of leaving 100 acres of the land as open space or transferring it to the township for parks use. The public hearing for this proposal was also mentioned.
Discussion on Park Development (00:32:05)
Discussion on developing a new park, evaluating 100 acres of land, and potential partnerships.

There was a discussion about the possibility of developing a new park using 100 acres of land. Concerns were expressed about the size of the space, staffing, and whether the parks board should decide on this. The township board would need to approve any agreement. There was also a discussion on whether the land could accommodate the relocation of Winky softball diamonds, and if funding for the project could be provided. Some parties were interested in meeting to discuss further, but others were hesitant. The community's input was also considered important.
Neil Street Park Boulders (00:37:08)
Approval of quote for three-foot boulders at Neil Street Park by CD Lawn.

A quote was received for installing three-foot boulders at Neil Street Park from CD Lawn. The quote did not change the recommendation. It was recommended to proceed with this quote due to its lower cost and understanding of the timing issue with seeding the grass.
Winky Softball Field Discussion (00:39:09)
Discussion on obtaining quotes for replacing fields at Winky Softball Complex.

The parks manager is in the process of obtaining quotes to either replace field three or field one or both at the Winky Softball Complex. There is a possibility of needing to replace four poles that are splitting. The contract with the county ends at the end of the year, and there are concerns about maintaining the commitment to the complex and addressing issues like amplified music.
Park Hours Discussion (00:41:00)
Proposal to change park closing times to 9 PM in the ordinance.

Due to consistent early closures, it was recommended to update the ordinance to reflect a 9 PM closing time. There was a discussion on how to update park signs with seasonal changes and the challenges with Google Maps displaying incorrect closing times.
Revenue and Expenditure Report and Director's Report (00:50:03)
Presentation of the financial and director's report, including park security and staffing.

The director provided a report on revenue and expenditures. Discussion included the use of private security at Robert Morris Park and staffing challenges towards the end of the season. The Kalamazoo Nature Center project was also mentioned.
Member Comments and Announcements (00:56:58)
Open floor for member comments and upcoming tasks.

Members were invited to provide comments and announcements. Tasks for commissioners were outlined, with plans to contact them for revisions and upcoming projects.
Adjournment (00:58:05)
Meeting was adjourned with no objections.

The meeting was adjourned after confirming there were no further objections or discussions.