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Advancing Macomb pitches 'Breaking Barriers to Play' to Mount Clemens commission
Summary
Advancing Macomb proposed a $145,000 regional recreation program for Mount Clemens and partner communities, asking the city for $22,007.50 (15% share) to support 40 weeks of low-cost youth programming beginning June 1.
Diane Banks, executive director of Advancing Macomb, told the Mount Clemens City Commission that her nonprofit is proposing a regional initiative called Breaking Barriers to Play to expand low-cost recreation and sport access in small communities.
Banks said the coalition would act as an administrative backbone while existing local partners would run programming. She presented a program budget of $145,000 for three communities covering 40 weeks of programming and said Advancing Macomb is seeking $22,007.50 from Mount Clemens — roughly 15 percent of the total. After accounting for a previously allocated CDBG contribution, Banks said the net additional cost to the city would be $15,008.60, or about $0.98 per resident for the 40-week program.
The proposal would reuse the Sportport lending-library model for equipment and rely on partners such as MSU Extension 4-H, the YMCA, Lake St. Clair Metropark, First Tee of Greater Detroit and local soccer groups. Banks said initial programming could begin June 1 with sports sampling and open-play opportunities and that some philanthropic grant applications are already moving through review.
Commissioners asked detailed implementation questions about facility scheduling, who would serve as an anchor partner for Karnes and other community sites, liability insurance, waivers, and whether coaches and referees would have CPR and first-aid training. Banks said the coalition would perform a facility inventory and coordinate schedules but that local partners would operate programs; she characterized Advancing Macomb’s role as coordinator and grant administrator.
Members of the public voiced support. Jean Dixon, a Mount Clemens resident, praised past Sportport activities and encouraged participation in a community meeting about a splash pad at Shadyside. Carl, who identified himself with TCB, said volunteers and training plans (CPR/first aid and AED) are part of the Breaking Barriers design and that the program teams are discussing waivers and emergency-contact procedures.
The commission did not vote on a funding commitment at this meeting. Mayor (speaker 1) thanked Banks and indicated the commission would bring the item forward for a decision and for consideration of an anchor partner and related agreements.
The next procedural step is for the commission to place the proposal on a future agenda for formal consideration of the city contribution and any required memoranda of understanding or contracts.
