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Dearborn Heights council rejects returning Parkland Park to Wayne County after residents plead to keep it local
Summary
After extensive public testimony from coaches, volunteers and residents, the Dearborn Heights City Council voted down a motion to amend the city’s lease with Wayne County that would have terminated the local lease; councilmembers cited maintenance costs, potential revenue and equipment shortages during debate.
Residents and volunteers pressed the Dearborn Heights City Council on Sept. 9 to keep Parkland Park under city control, and the council voted against an amendment that would terminate the current lease and return the property to Wayne County.
A line of speakers described Parkland Park as a neighborhood asset, especially for youth programs. "We provide free programming for the kids — most of them walk to the field," said Harry Slim, a volunteer coach (Parkland Park), stressing that many families rely on low‑cost or free recreation. Several other speakers, including Adam Almaliki, Adam said the park hosts youth soccer and other programs that would be harder to run if the county imposed fees.
The council heard from Park and Recreation Director Levoznik, who said the city maintains roughly 83 acres at Parkland Park and that the department struggles with equipment and staffing. Levoznik said the summer mowing cost the city about $28,000 and acknowledged the lower pavilion needs repairs. "If we could market the shelters and maintain the park properly, there's potential for maybe $15,000 to $20,000 in shelter rental revenue," Levoznik said, but added that competition from nearby county parks could limit revenue.
Council members traded views about cost and community value. Councilman Hassan Saab urged looking for sponsorships and civic volunteers, saying, "I bet you we can even get a sponsor to donate $30,000." Other members flagged DPW capacity and capital repair obligations that would accompany extended city responsibility for an 83‑acre park. The council also discussed the mower and equipment capacity the city currently has and whether the county could operate the park more efficiently.
After more than an hour of public testimony and council discussion, the motion to approve the lease amendment — which would have terminated the existing city lease upon Wayne County Commission approval — failed. The chair announced, "The noes have it. Motion fails." Council members then asked staff to continue studying options, including revenue and equipment needs, and suggested a follow‑up study session to refine alternatives for staffing, maintenance and partnerships.
What’s next: The council did not adopt a final transfer or termination; directors were asked to return with more precise maintenance costs, photos and proposals for community partnerships and possible cost‑sharing or fundraising options.
