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Dearborn Heights council rejects terminating Parkland Park lease after residents and coaches push back
Summary
Council debated a proposed lease amendment to return Parkland Park to Wayne County, heard extended public comment from volunteers and coaches who said local programs would be harmed, and the motion to terminate the lease failed after council members said maintenance costs and community value needed closer study.
Council members voted down a motion to terminate the city’s lease of Parkland Park, 6500 Parkland Street, after a lengthy public comment period and council debate about maintenance costs and community value.
Councilman Hassan Saab moved to approve an amendment that would end the existing lease and allow Wayne County to take control; he said the city faces large upkeep costs for the 83‑acre property. “I don’t see why we would eliminate such a property that we have where you can have events and everything,” Saab said while outlining budget pressures and alternatives including subcontracting maintenance.
Residents and community volunteers urged the council to retain the park. “Parkland Park is integral to our community,” said Adam Almaliki, a neighborhood resident and youth participant, who warned that handing the park to the county could lead to rental fees for programs that are now free. Long‑time volunteers and coaches said youth soccer and football programs rely on nearby fields and walking access for families; Harry Slim, a volunteer coach, said the teams “provide programs free of charge for all kids” and that a county takeover could end that accessibility.
Parks staff and some council members acknowledged the maintenance burden. Parks Director described a summer mowing cost estimate of roughly $28,000 and noted the department’s limited equipment and staff time to maintain the site. Supporters of the measure said $28,000 annually was a material line item that could be shifted; opponents said $28,000 was modest relative to the park’s community value and raised options such as sponsorships, volunteer mowing, improving marketing and modest user fees.
After public speakers offered to help mow and volunteer, and after discussion about equipment shortfalls in DPW, the council took a vote on the lease amendment. The motion to terminate the lease failed; the council did not adopt the administration’s proposed amendment at this meeting. The item may be revisited in future sessions or a study session to identify funding or operational alternatives.
Council members said they want follow‑up data on maintenance costs, potential revenue from rentals, and options for better promotion of the park before considering a permanent change in control.
