The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission voted 4-2 on January 19 to temporarily extend the city’s long-standing lease for the St. Mary’s school playground, postponing a final decision while keeping the neighborhood park open to the public.
The action extends the current lease through June 30, 2026, and sends the issue to the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for further review and a recommendation. The playground, maintained by the city as a public park since 1967, sits on school owned property and was operating under a lease set to expire in March.
The vote followed nearly an hour of public comment from school officials and residents who urged the city to renew the agreement. Community members described the playground as a vital green space in a dense residential neighborhood and emphasized the importance of the long standing public-private partnership. Representatives of St. Mary’s School noted the school has paid for improvements and conducts regular inspections at no cost to the city.
City administration had recommended against renewing the lease, citing staffing constraints, rising maintenance costs, and potential legal concerns with the existing agreement. Acting City Manager Robin Troyer said the parks department has assumed responsibility for additional facilities without an increase in personnel, placing strain on staff and resources.
A motion to approve a new 10-year lease failed, but commissioners later approved a temporary extension of the existing lease while seeking input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Supporters of the extension said it provides time for further evaluation and a more transparent process, and all commissioners expressed support for the park while thanking the public for sharing their perspectives as a new agreement is developed.
The meeting also included approval of several major expenditures. Commissioners unanimously approved $52,291.99 for an information technology server replacement to address outdated systems and compliance requirements, along with $221,800 for a new wheel loader at Sanderson Field Airport to replace aging equipment.
On a 4-3 vote, the commission approved a $20,000 contract for the city’s July 4 fireworks display. Officials said rising costs will result in a smaller show at that price point, noting that maintaining last year’s scale would require $25,000. Commissioners were divided over whether to increase funding for the city’s largest annual community event or limit spending.
Commissioners also raised concerns about delays in hiring a new city manager. A meeting with a consultant from the Michigan Municipal League is scheduled for February 2 to review the recruitment process and gather commissioner input.
