Council conditionally approves for-profit "True North Baseball" summer camp with fee, insurance and scheduling conditions

Harbor Springs council voted to allow a proposed for-profit summer baseball camp run by Derek Heapner, owner of True North Baseball LLC, to use Kosquat Park under several conditions. Heapner, who identified himself as a Harbor Springs 2021 graduate and a local elementary gym teacher and high school coach, told the council he intends to run multi-week camps and charge roughly $350 per student.

Council members and several public commenters pressed for safeguards before the camp proceeds. Nancy Rondell asked staff to check whether the city's event policy allows for-profit use of parks, and a resident suggested the business should give something back to the community given anticipated revenues. The council required proof of commercial liability insurance, a written contract laying out responsibilities, and an assurance the camp schedule will not conflict with Little League or school activities. Councilors moved to assess 15% of gross receipts to the city from the camp and to include the contract and insurance documentation when the item returns to the consent agenda.

Heapner said he has been in contact with the little-league director and field operators and "I will have insurance by the summer. Absolutely." He added he has two full-time employees now and would bring on additional coaches as needed, all of whom he said would undergo background checks. The council noted existing example contracts used for other park uses (for example, a contract with local pickleball instructors) and directed staff to prepare a written agreement to ensure compliance with the fee and operational stipulations.

The motion passed on a voice vote with council support; the item will return with the insurance certificate and a formal contract for placement on a subsequent consent agenda.