North loop trail and emergency call boxes on Ojibway Island
Saginaw
Summary
Resident Jose Barajas pressed the council on why taxpayers can't use Ojibway Island for concerts, reunions and picnics. Multiple council members said they want it reopened — safely — but stopped short of committing to a date, which is exactly what speakers and Council Member Hammond say is needed.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents are paying out-of-pocket fees to use township parks while their own island sits closed.
Residents and families if the island reopens for events and gatherings.
Residents who pay taxes for a park they cannot use and pay township fees to gather elsewhere.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City Council - Jul 13, 2026
Council members and residents praised the reopening of Ojibway Island, and one resident pitched beautification ideas — flowers, lighting, benches, and affirmation-painted rocks — to make the entrance more welcoming. The city manager also promised bike racks and plans to reopen restrooms on Sundays.
City Council - Jun 22, 2026
Speaker after speaker demanded the island open fully to vehicles, citing community surveys, while some council members favor the hybrid model with gates and boulders and a Sunday full drive-around. The council says the park will open within weeks; the hybrid-versus-full-open question remains the flashpoint.
City Council - Jun 8, 2026
After millions in upgrades, the park reopens after the July 4 fireworks — but the council rejected the recommended access plan 5-4, so how cars, bikes and pedestrians will share the island drive remains undecided. Extra safety items like call boxes, patrols and a north loop trail will come back June 22 for funding votes.
City Council - Apr 13, 2026
Nearly 1,300 residents responded to the city's survey about the closed island park; 56.5% want regular vehicle access back and most discomfort happens after dark. Staff expects daily vehicle access around an early-July reopening with lighting, restrooms, parking and safety upgrades — final options come back to Council by May.
City Council - Mar 9, 2026
Resident Jose Barajas pressed the council on why taxpayers can't use Ojibway Island for concerts, reunions and picnics. Multiple council members said they want it reopened — safely — but stopped short of committing to a date, which is exactly what speakers and Council Member Hammond say is needed.
City Council - Feb 23, 2026
Council Member Hammond wanted the park fully reopened to cars by July 2026, but the rest of council said no — for now. A resident survey showed 85% strong support for reopening, but members want security cameras, lighting, hours of operation, and community input settled first.
City Council - Feb 9, 2026
Councilmembers Hammond and Ostash pressed for reopening Ojibway Island, closed since barriers went up. City staff are compiling a project list and plan a work-group meeting before reporting back.
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