Lincoln Park City Councilmen Michael Higgins (left) and Larry Kelsey, City Attorney Ed Zelenak, City Manager Matthew Coppler, Mayor Thomas Karnes, Deputy City Clerk Kerry Kehrer, and Councilmen Thomas Murphy and Chris Dardzinski were at the Sept. 5 city council meeting, at which the council voted to enter into a joint recreation agreement with Melvindale, allowing residents of each city to use the other’s recreational facilities for the same fee residents pay. Parks and libraries were included.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – The City Council approved a joint resolution with Melvindale Sept. 5 to share recreational facilities, including pools, parks and libraries, allowing residents to use both cities’ facilities at residential rates.
The agreement will allow residents to participate in the recreational programming offered by each city.
Lincoln Park Mayor Thomas Karnes said the proposal asserts that the agreement will improve the participation level for program facilities offered by the two cities as well as generating more revenue.
Melvindale’s outdoor pool and Kessey Field House would be available to Lincoln Park residents, and Melvindale residents will be able to use the Lincoln Park Community Center, the Kennedy Memorial Building and all other recreational programming at the same fee as city residents.
Under the agreement, city employees of Lincoln Park and Melvindale will work together to see how they can expand recreational offerings for both cities without increasing costs.
Lincoln Park City Manager Matthew Coppler said Melvindale opted to add libraries and parks to the agreement as well.
Lincoln Park City Attorney Ed Zelenak said Melvindale was on the same financial footing as Lincoln Park and sought an earnest agreement to help the residents of both cities.
(Sue Suchyta can be reached at [email protected].)