LANSING, Mich. — A Saturday night gathering at Hunter Park on Lansing’s east side ended with a police response and a considerable mess left behind by partygoers, raising concerns among local officials and residents alike.
According to Lansing officials, this incident was not the first time an after-hours gathering had been held at the park, a popular community spot. Carrie Holzahei, a volunteer with the Allen Neighborhood Center at the Garden House, was among those surprised by the aggressive cleanup efforts undertaken the following morning.
“It was a more aggressive cleanup than I’ve ever seen in the morning,” Holzahei remarked, noting the visible remnants of the night’s party. “Oftentimes you’ll see there’s been kids’ birthday parties and celebrations, and they’ve used the gazebo over there. Parks will be parks, and people will come, but the city got it cleaned up really quickly.”
City officials were quick to respond to the aftermath of the party, which left behind substantial trash and debris. Lansing City Councilman Ryan Kost indicated that neighbors who live near the park had witnessed the event, which he believes was hosted by a Michigan State University fraternity.
The Lansing Police Department responded to reports of fights at the park, but by the time they arrived, most of the partygoers had already begun leaving. Despite this, the city remained vigilant, with local women taking on the responsibility of cleaning up most of the trash while the city addressed more hazardous materials such as broken glass and repositioned tables.
Mayor Andy Schor condemned the behavior, stating that the city was considering legal action for trespassing and littering, as well as for leaving behind broken bottles, liquor, cups, marijuana, and other debris.
“We’ll take every legal action we can for littering, for any property destruction, and for illegal substances,” Schor said.
Holzahei, who volunteers at the Garden House, believes that the mission of the space is to bring more people out to Hunter Park, including through summer programs and other volunteer efforts. While she acknowledged that the park occasionally experiences issues with littering, she emphasized that the overall atmosphere is generally positive, and it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces.
“Clean it up, take it with you, don’t leave it,” Holzahei urged.
In a similar vein, Mayor Schor called for a greater sense of responsibility among the public, emphasizing the need to respect park hours and follow the law.
“Don’t trash our parks, go when it’s legal time, and be responsible. If not, you will face consequences,” Schor stated.
The incident at Hunter Park serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining public spaces and the importance of community engagement in preserving them. As summer approaches, both the city and local residents hope for greater cooperation to keep parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.
