HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 01.14.26PARK BOARD MEETING MINUTES
FOSTER COMMUNITY CENTER
Wednesday January 14th, 2026
BOARD MEMBERS: Mike Dombrowski, Kimberly Whitfield, Nate Scramlin,
Isaac Francisco, Joan Lenhard, Tirstan Walters, Ravynne Gilmore,
Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M. Foster Community Center
I. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Add B and C Whitfield moved to accept, Walters seconded, passed unanimously
II. BOARD MEETING MINUTES
A. December 10th, 2025 Walters moved to accept with spelling corrections, Scramlin
seconded, passed unanimously.
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Hillsdale Ana Henriques suggested to add a fence, hedges, or other barrier along MLK at
Hillsdale Park. The current fence is older and will have to be removed soon. There discussion about
some grass cutting and maintenance at this park. St Joseph Park Safety- there was a discussion about
the new playground at St Joseph Park and discussed how a neighborhood organization can begin to
do long term planning for park design.
B. DNR Trust Fund Application2026 – BMX Track Passport, Letts Tennis Courts,
Waverly River Trail Extension, For Trust Fund – Walters moved, Francisco seconded,
passed unanimously .
C. Grant application for Michigan Waterways Stewards. Dombrowski will be following up with
Mike Stout
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. 5 – Year Plan – This has been approved by the City Council
B. Board Annual Report Walters moved to accept the report as amended, Scramlin
seconded, passed unanimously.
C. Westside Communal Green Space – For the lot near Scribbles and Giggles. Tirstan met
with the president of the Westside Neighborhood Organization. The President of the Westside
Neighborhood Organization will be meeting to discus if they support the city purchasing this lot
to be used for Communal Green Space.
D. Letters of Graditude - Greene-Szmadzinski, Lenhard, passed unanimously
V. UPDATES
CIP – Parks Paving needs funding, Grants Match, Marshall Park Basketball would need
additional funding. Reuter Park fountain estimate should be submitted.
Moores Park Pool- On time on budget
Holiday Night Lights- This event had the 2nd highest attendance this year since it started.
The Michigan Princess is being demolished.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE
1. Hillsdale Park Security and St. Joseph Park Safety – Ana Henriques
VII. INFORMATION
VIII. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS
Scramlin asked about the winterization of the John Smoltz Strikeout Baseball Stadium. The director
confirmed that the department is looking for a façade improvement during the winter months.
Tirstan Walters asked the director about usage in the Comstock, Stabenow, and Hunter Parks. The director
confirmed that the department does not currently have an accurate way to track the number of users of these
parks beyond being able to look at specific metrics like the number of times the QR code was scanned at the
Fit Lot at Stabenow Park.
Tirstan Walters also asked for about the Reuter Park Fountain. The Director had a pre-bid meeting with a
contractor and is expecting to get a good cost estimate soon.
Isaac Francisco asked about feasibility of providing funding for improvements to the Reo School grounds
which currently offers space to a community group through CIP funding. The director confirmed that this is
currently outside of the scope of current CIP funding.
IX. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS
All meetings of the Park Board shall be open to the public. Those in attendance shall have the opportunity to speak on
any issue related to parks and recreation services not otherwise on the agenda at the end of the meeting and may speak on
any agenda issue during the meeting after park board members have had an opportunity to discuss the issue or prior to
the board voting on the issue. The President may impose a time limit on public comments.
Meeting closed at 8:16