Both the mayor's office and the city of Lansing remain committed to the Frances Park project despite the city council's refusal to support amendments to the five-year park's plan.

 

The denial to proceed with the Department of Natural Resources application will revoke $467,000 in grant money; however, $150,000 will be allocated to the park out of Lansing's Park Millage for repairs within park grounds. 

 

Judy Filice, member of a community group, Friends of Frances Park, says that their next step will be to apply for as many grants as they can. Filice also says that the group hopes to take the issue to the national level to be considered a historic landmark. 

 

"Frances Park will celebrate its centennial this year and should be recognized," said Filice. 

 

Despite the obvious aesthetic reasons for want of park renovations, Murdock Jemerson, director of Lansing’s Park’s and Recreation department, has stated it is a safety issue that must be dealt with.

 

Jemerson says that the city’s main concern facing the Frances Park project is the lack of pathway along Moores River Drive.

 

“Not having a recreational pathway poses a liability and is a threat to our citizens,” Jemerson said.

 

The mayor’s office will apply for the Department of Natural Resources grant again next year, but in the meantime, local community efforts, along with the parks millage fund, will attempt to maintain the park.