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PARK TWP. — Members of the community and leadership from Camp Geneva were back in front of the Park Township Board of Trustees Thursday night to discuss future plans for a public access point that runs just north of Camp Geneva’s property.
The 12-foot wide parcel of land in question has a small trail currently used by locals as a public access point to Lake Michigan. This summer, Camp Geneva Executive Director Kevin VanderKlok wrote a letter to the township sharing concerns about the land and its use.
In his letter, VanderKlok said that many neighbors in the area use the land as intended, while others are abusing their rights which has led to liability concerns, evidence of alcohol use, limited parking and possible erosion problems.
Following his letter, residents in the area banded together, creating a Facebook group in support of the access point at the end of Quincy Street and gathering over 300 signatures from area residents.
More:Residents, Camp Geneva split on public access point in Park Township
While the item was not on the agenda for the meeting Thursday, Sept. 14, VanderKlok and more than 25 local residents shared their views on the matter, with overwhelming support of keeping the access point open.
“I would like you to know that this is not the first time a single complaint has resulted in hours of our time and work put in by all of us to prove to you that this is a township resource we value,” resident Morgan Hnatiuk said. “I ask that you commit to keeping this land public permanently so we don’t have to do this process again in 10 years like we have in the past.”
In his statement, VanderKlok said that the main concern for Camp Geneva is child safety while campers and retreat guests are on camp property.
He also said the camp understands and appreciates their neighbor’s rights to use the land and that lake access is a priority in Park Township’s Master Plan. However, VanderKlok said this piece of land is different from other access points.
“This 12-foot access parcel is unique from other lake access points in Park Township, not only because of its size, but also because it borders a children’s camp where we have to be extra vigilant in keeping kids safe,” he said.
More:Lake Michigan public access at Quincy Street to be reopened
On Thursday, VanderKlok said the camp is asking the township to consider improving the parcel of land, rather than closing it. He brought forth three suggestions, which were reiterated in the public’s comments.
He suggested making the access more visible so it is evident where the entrance is located, adding additional sand to the dune as a way to encourage people to use the access rather than the camp’s dune/beach stairs and, on the beach itself, make it clear where property lines are by using signage, fencing or other means.
“Our ultimate goal is to keep kids safe, and together, we hope to be able to do that in cooperation with the Township and the public’s use of the 12-foot access parcel.”
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This is not the first time this parcel of land and other public access points have been a topic of discussion for the township.
Park Township resident Dave Barkel wrote to the township in 1993 regarding a Ransom Street access point, and then in 2013 regarding the land off Quincy Street.
According to Barkel, there was a meeting last week at the access site to discuss options and the township plans to delay further actions until they get quotes on improving the access site. There is also an additional meeting scheduled with Camp Geneva to discuss concerns from both sides.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at [email protected].
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