Residents press Mount Clemens leaders for clearer operations and access at K Community Center

Dozens of Mount Clemens residents used the city commission public-comment periods to press for clearer operations, scheduling and access at the K Community Center, asking the commission to publish an action plan and to restore regular programming for youth and seniors.

Several speakers described ongoing confusion about how to schedule programs and how the facility will be managed now that the school district's previous arrangements have ended. An organizer for the Breaking Barriers to Play program said the group serves children aged 4 to 18 from Detroit to New Baltimore and asked specifically whether a for‑profit operator could lease part of the building, what the public hours will be, whether a community committee will oversee operations and where rental policies are posted. She also said a registration navigation issue can be resolved by instructing residents to click Sports > Youth Sports on the city website.

The comments underscored both demand for programming and frustration with access. "We don't have access to the community center anymore," said Shayana Kirk, a volunteer, who said she has tried to start a Head Start–style preschool program and has received no follow-up on protocols. Ruthie Stevenson, who said she helped build similar facilities years ago, asked why the city appears to have withdrawn from active management and urged integrating the center into recreation programming.

Several speakers pressed for a timeline. "When can the community expect an action plan from this commission detailing how it would make the community center a valuable asset to the community?" asked Jesus Nelson Jackson, who suggested a 90‑day reporting timeline and recommended forming a committee to lead the effort.

Commissioners and the mayor acknowledged the concerns and said they intend to follow up. Mayor (role: Mayor) said she would provide a more measured, fact‑based response and noted she had collaborated on past grants; she said the commission would not "give an emotional response" but would pursue concrete steps. Commissioner Kelly and others said several commissioners have recently visited the center and that staff and coaches who deliver programming were involved in preparing grant applications.

Speakers also urged specific investments: Sheila Bean asked for a playground with swings and slides; Marilyn Donson sought clarification about why a previous lease for the site ended and whether the city plans to retain or sell the property; Aaron Sheridan and others asked that the city improve public communications so residents can learn how to propose and run programs.

City staff acknowledged some follow‑up items but did not provide immediate, detailed policy answers during the meeting. The city manager noted routine administrative responses had been handled for prior items but did not announce a formal timeline at the dais.

The commission did not vote on any policy change at this meeting; after asking residents to keep engaging, members closed with a pledge to return clearer answers and to consider forming the committees or timelines residents requested.