KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County board gave swift and unanimous approval to an interlocal agreement to assume maintenance and operation of the Asylum Lake Preserve.
It had been owned and operated by Western Michigan University since the property, once part of the Michigan State Asylum, was granted to WMU in 1975.
Board vice chair John Taylor says it was mutually agreed that Kalamazoo County and its Parks Department was better suited to the job of maintaining the preserve than the university.
“I think it’s a true testament of what intergovernmental cooperation needs to be. I think it’s a win win win situation.”
Local environmentalist Iris Potter says she has been assured that it will continue to be the natural refuge and green space it has always been, but they will be watching and monitoring to make sure.
She says at this point, they have to trust that it will remain a preserve and not turn into a park.
The county and the university have agreed to seek to have the state Legislature transfer the deed to Kalamazoo County as well.
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