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Commissioner proposes summer leagues, tournaments and movie nights across Benton Harbor parks
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Summary
Commissioner Isom proposed rotating low‑cost tournaments, movie nights and other community events at city parks, estimating volunteer needs of about 10 and startup costs near $1,500; commissioners discussed insurance, permits and expanding coverage to smaller neighborhood parks.
Commissioner Isom presented a plan to activate Benton Harbor parks this summer with tournaments, leagues and other low‑cost community events and asked the commission for logistical support.
Isom said Hall Park, Union Park, Broadway, Jean Clark Park, City Center Park and Charles Yarbrough Park are recently renovated and could host rotating activities ranging from bag‑toss and croquet to dominoes, chess and movie nights. She described sponsor interest, a business league model and plans to rotate events so each neighborhood gets access. "There’s a lot of opportunity to start something," Isom said, and added that many activities would cost little beyond routine maintenance.
Isom estimated volunteers "no more than 10" would be needed to staff activities at launch and suggested the city could buy a limited number of durable boards and equipment to circulate on scheduled days. She offered a rough startup figure of about $1,500 for equipment and folding chairs if the city supplies boards and a handful of basics; sponsoring businesses could provide additional materials for their teams. Isom also said the farmers market will open June 3 and run through the fall, though the end date was not specified in the meeting record.
Commissioners asked about liability and permit fees. Assistant City Manager Tiffany Moore said the city carries general liability insurance and that Parks & Rec sponsorship would keep additional insurance needs and safety concerns "to a minimum." The commission discussed whether smaller neighborhood parks should get programming and asked staff to consider permitting or a seasonal fee to cover multiple events.
Isom said she would work with staff to finalize a schedule and registration process, post schedules on the city website and bring materials to the appropriate staff person for posting. She emphasized a focus on inclusive, low‑cost community building rather than expensive events.
What’s next: Isom will firm up sponsors, produce a schedule for staff review and coordinate with public safety and public works on logistics.
