Neighbors object to exclusive rental, prompting review of Montcalm County parks ordinance

Several residents told the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners at its May 27 meeting that a planned June 28 event at McCarthy Park conflicts with the county’s parks ordinance and the longstanding intent of the park as an open public space.

"I would now like to draw your attention to the Montcalm County Parks Ordinance, which is currently not being enforced," said JL, a Greenville resident who identified himself during public comment. He said the group renting McCarthy Park had advertised vendors, amplified sound and performances and asked that the county rescind the exclusive rental for June 28.

Bob Goodenough, who said he lives near McCarthy Park, said the park was intended for families and passersby to use and that exclusive large events would disrupt neighbors. "Limit the number of people who can rent it, limit the number sizes of the groups, keep it small because that's what it was intended for," he said.

Colleen Smith, a nearby resident at 744 South Greenville, told commissioners that a recently installed disc-golf course already sends frisbees onto private property and said she worries the proposed event will increase traffic, trespass and vendor activity near residences.

Vice Chairman Peterson introduced an agenda item noting the county's parks commission had been dissolved years earlier and that a written parks ordinance remains on the books but had not been enforced since about 2017. County staff said the ordinance originated as a condition for applying for certain state grants and that the county has generally used site-specific park rules instead of the ordinance.

Commissioners discussed enforcement questions and competing priorities. Commissioner Maher (surname spelled in transcript) said the ordinance includes useful provisions and recommended revising rather than repealing it outright. "I don't think getting rid of an ordinance that has a lot of very relevant and good things in it just because there's a few bad things," Maher said.

Other commissioners raised concerns about enforceability and safety: who would enforce the ordinance, whether the sheriff's office would respond, and whether the park's restroom capacity and parking would support a large event. Several commissioners said they wanted to seek a middle path: work with event organizers to reduce impacts on neighbors while ensuring county rules are followed.

Commissioner Alexander moved that a committee of Commissioner Peterson, Commissioner Maher and the county controller meet with the event organizers before the next board meeting to discuss options and document any agreed changes. The motion passed on a roll-call vote (Alexander: yes; Johnston: yes; Maher: yes; Painter: yes; Peterson: yes; Carr: no). Commissioner Carr voted no; the motion carried.

Separately, county staff presented the posted McCarthy Park rules: prohibitions on "loud, disturbing and annoying noise or music," hours (sunrise to sundown), leash rules for pets, speed limits for motor vehicles and other routine restrictions. Commissioners and residents discussed whether the posted park rules are sufficient to address the concerns raised by neighbors and whether the county should retain, revise or repeal the older parks ordinance.

The board later placed the proposed ordinance to repeal the Montcalm County Parks Ordinance on file for further consideration rather than acting to repeal it immediately. Commissioners said the timing and optics of repeal were sensitive given the specific, pending rental.

The board asked county staff and the committee to contact the organizers, seek specific commitments on parking, noise and vendors, and return with any recommended changes to county policy or the ordinance at a future meeting.