Grand Rapids City Parks

[Prober]

I received an e mail from the Grand Rapids Parks Superintendent, Tom Zelinski and I'll attach it here:

Recently I was forwarded your inquiry about the requirement of a permit for use of a metal detector in City parks. There is a rule that states a permit is necessary. This was implemented because we experienced some individuals that were indiscriminately digging in areas that resulted in damage to athletic fields or high maintenance turf. Others were not filling in holes and some were even venturing into cemeteries and construction sites.

In the past five years or so we experienced a considerable drop in the request for permits – and in the evidenced use of metal detectors in parks. As a result we determined that the expense of issuing a permit was no longer worth the time and paper spent on it. Similarly the drop in requests meant very few were impacted. At this time the rule is still on the books and when we next revise rules we will likely prohibit the activity altogether. In the interim I have handled requests on a case by case basis. I generally ask the specifics of what park and what area in the park someone is interested in doing the search.

If you have such a request please fell free to contact me at one of the options listed below.



Tom Zelinski

Parks Superintendent

Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department

201 Market St. S.W.

616-456-4233

tzelinsk@grcity.us

I replied to Tom outlining my feelings on the matter and stressed the Code of Ethics that "real" detectorists live by. So, if any of you out there are planning to detect in the city parks you'd better call Mr. Zelinski first.

 

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[fatsmahoney]

I think this guy was my neighbor growing up I know a tom zelinski

 

[starwarsblazer]

I live in Grand Rapids and search the city parks during the summer months and always call before my first outing of the season to see if the rules have changed (if we now need permits) and for the last two years I have been told that no permit is necessary and to make sure I clean up after myself and no one would have a problem with it. I have never been asked to speak with a Tom Zelinski regarding a case by case decision. I'm not sure if that helps, but I just call the Parks Dept. and speak to the person on staff regarding the matter and have always been given the go ahead just mind my manners and I have never encountered a problem with park staff or the police. Perhaps the rules have changed?

 

[Prober]

There may be a little miscommunication in their office, but after seeing the signs at several parks that metal detecting was not allowed and getting the email from Tom saying you need permission I'm going to stay away. You can do what you like but if the cops come & get you and you don't have HIS permission I'm afraid you might have a problem if some clerk in the office said OK.

 

[diggindeep]

think nike and "just do it" its public property

 

[Prober]

think nike and "just do it" its public property

It may be public property but the Parks & Recreation department has a responsibility to the public to protect the parks that the taxpayers pay for. I think that detecting those parks without proper permission can only result in problems for yourself and for all metal detecting people. You are only giving the Parks department more ammunition that will be used against us when they change the rules and outlaw it completely.

 

[diggindeep]

think nike and "just do it" its public property

It may be public property but the Parks & Recreation department has a responsibility to the public to protect the parks that the taxpayers pay for. I think that detecting those parks without proper permission can only result in problems for yourself and for all metal detecting people. You are only giving the Parks department more ammunition that will be used against us when they change the rules and outlaw it completely.

if you are practicing proper retrieval there should be zero evidence of any digging...........plus it is a public park!!! people in a position of authority have waay too much authority for their own good.

 

[Prober]

You and I know about proper retrieval procedures, but evidentially everyone doesn't. They are the ones ruining it for the rest of us. We will all be blamed for their ineptitude.

 

[fistfulladirt]

It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone. (detecting ban)

 

[MichiganRob]

Ya know I know how the parks people feel, I have been to parks where holes have not been filled and I always fill them because I don't want them to think it is my hole. I have even been known to fill the holes that sqirrels dig for the same reason. It seems to me that there should be some mechanism by which people who are engaged in a legitimate passtime like metal detecting can co-exist with park maintenance. Metal detectorists are the public too and as such have a right to enjoy public property just like any other citizen.

I also know that most of us are good citizens that do not seek to harm the environment. When I finish digging my coin I try to be meticulous about replanting the plug and erasing any evidence that a hole was dug, but I also know that a few people do not and those few are hurting us all. I don't know what the answer is but I've heard that more and more jurisdictions are considering outlawing metal detecting in the parks altogether. In Norton Shores you can detect the parks but not in the grassy areas, thats fine but you and I all know that there are coins in the grass too!

HH
MichiganRob

 

[kept1979]

A few years ago the City of Grand Rapids would issue a "permit" and supply you with an ID card (approval to MD). The only restriction that I recall is that the city did not want/allow any detecting in downtown Grand Rapids parks such as Ah-Nab-Awen Park.

Here is a link to the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/index.pl?page_id=463

Once you select the link above, there is another link on the web page called "Click here for Parks Rules & Ordinances". This link will launch a pdf version of the city parks rules and regulations.

Hope this helps.

 

[lonewolfe]

That's why you go to the park you want to detect - look at the "Rules Sign" and if there's NOTHING posted about detecting - you just do it and fill your holes and make it look as though you were never there

the one thing you DON"T do is - ASK ANY bureaucratic xoxo IF it's ok to detect the/a certain park IF it doesn't have a posted rule stating no detecting

you NEVER want to bring it to their attention --- all that does is make them aware that people are detecting the park/s AND gives them something to work on banning during their socalled "meetings" and/or make us pay to do

use your HEADS people

 

[rjsupersonic]

I agree with Lonewolfe, if it's not posted I don't ask. I have hunted parks all over the western US. I only was booted out once in Casa Grande AZ by the PD. I contacted the parks director/mayor who are now writing guidelines for detector users. As a retired officer I feel that it is unlikely you will get arrested, usually someone has to complain. I also try to be low profile, go early in the mornings and keep away from other folks in the park just to avoid issues and leave no trace.

 

[L0STANDF0UND]

I called and talked with the Kent County Parks and Recreation Supervisor two days ago, I believe her name was Kim (something or other). She informed me that there used to be very strict laws in Kent County regarding metal detecting, which used to include a required permit in order to dig. AS OF NOW= THERE IS NO PERMIT REQUIRED TO METAL DETECT IN ANY GRAND RAPIDS PARKS. She also informed me that the laws have changed, allowing us to metal detect in any Kent County city park, unless specified otherwise on individual park basis. Although the law books have changed to our benefit, the internet information has not yet been updated. If you check the dates on the laws stating that we cannot detect, you will see that they were written in the early 2000s (and are obsolete). WE ARE ALLOWED TO DETECT IN KENT COUNTY CITY PARKS

NOTE: she also said to me "Be sure that you fill in your holes, and stay away from the baseball diamonds". (I love that lady hahahahah! I was amazed at how quickly her responses were, and her knowledge about detecting laws. Very cool)

 

[L0STANDF0UND]

I know you guys say "If it's not posted, don't call and ask"....but the fact is that I am a felon. I am not willing to run the risk of going back to court for any reason (especially my metal detecting hobby). The problem regarding laws and regulations is that people want to state their personal opinions about what people should do when left guessing....but really that doesn't make a lick of difference when the DNR or park ranger drives up and confiscates your gear. Either way, she told me what I wanted to hear and I am very satisfied. I guess calling and asking isn't always a bad thing eh?

 

[L0STANDF0UND]

Its funny, because even the signs at the entrances of most of the parks still state that metal detecting must be done by permit, but that is simply not true anymore (the signs are just old and outdated)

 

[lonewolfe]

Its funny, because even the signs at the entrances of most of the parks still state that metal detecting must be done by permit, but that is simply not true anymore (the signs are just old and outdated)

I wouldn't be so sure about that and I wouldn't just take some low level "secretaries" word as gold on the laws either...

The best thing to do is to go to the Parks and Rec. office and ask to see the "updated" laws in hard copy to be absolutely sure and to purchase a/the permit if required

I hope what you say the woman told you is true as it would be nice to stroll the park/s now and then to test out new detectors and for a quick hunt once in a while when no really good sites are available to hunt but I am weary about people with no real knowledge on the laws telling people things like she did (especially) when every single GR park that I know of has a sign posted "By Permit Only" and some of them were just put up this yr/were never there before...

We should meet up for some hunting Lostandfound - I don't have any detecting buddies rgt here in the local area and it's always fun to meet new fellow detectorist to hunt with

 

[uncubano13]

Hey I am new to this forum and i have 2 metal detectors and live in the Wyoming Area, there is a Metal detecting club in the area that meets once a month in Hudsonville/Jamestown area and the organizer is a part of the Grand Rapids Coin club. My street/sidewalk is being torn up by the city and is a good spot for anyone looking to dettect with me

 

[ShaunB]

Disclaimer: I'm not giving advice, but rather stating my opinion. And this is theoretical since I have yet to swing a coil over the ground (just researching and getting ready to go out hunting with a friend once things thaw out). My plan is to research what I can online about detecting in public places and to keep a file of those findings with me while I'm out. So, if I find myself at a park where there are no postings and info was unavailable online, I can show some level of due diligence for other locations to anybody who would question us.

 

[SgtSki in MI]

I have an orange reflective vest. Stencilied on the back of it is "T. K. LOCATOR SERVICES, L.L.C" and my mobile phone number. I also have a two-way (Talkabout) radio clipped to the front of my vest. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, including law enforcement, has ever paid the slightest attention to me when I'm using my "disguise". I generally use it when detecting the grass strips between the sidewalk and street (also public property) but I've used it a few times in public parks with the same results. I also want to point out that I have NEVER used it to trespass nor have I used it to gain access to public areas that are posted against detecting.