Only government-related events will be permitted at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in Benton Harbor under a new policy to be considered soon by city commissioners.
At a Wednesday meeting of the city legislative committee, City Manager Alex Little told commissioners some events simply can’t be kept under control at that particular park.
“Over the last year, the city experienced a number of problems with events taking place at City Center Park,” Little said. “Most of them had to do with the numbers of people that came or showed up at the event, whether they were part of it or not.”
This policy comes a few weeks after The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan questioned why it was denied a permit to hold its annual Pride Fest at City Center Park this coming summer. It was told under a new policy, certain events will no longer be allowed there. This is that policy.
The Pride Fest last year ran into problems when demonstrators showed up to harass attendees, creating an issue for police. Little said the new policy was drafted in consultation with the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety. He told commissioners Wednesday what kinds of events will still be allowed there after being asked if the Juneteenth celebration will qualify.
“Absolutely. Same with Farmers Market every Wednesday, the National Night Out, and those kinds of events.”
Commissioners wondered if big summer concerts will still be allowed at City Center Park, and Little said they likely would need to select another location, like Jean Klock Park. However, some staff judgement will be applied on a case by case basis.
The committee moved the policy forward, sending it to the full city commission.
