To the Editor of the Flint Journal:

While Mott Children’s Farm is often cited as the only opportunity suburban and urban children may have to experience farm life, other realities about the farm are entirely ignored. Regardless of the good intentions of Mott Farm supporters and volunteers, a site littered with junk vehicles and equipment as well as environmental waste does not teach children the lessons we as a community should encourage them to learn about farm life. A site that does not post signs to warn children to take care when touching or feeding animals because they can bite, not out of anger or meanness, but as a natural behavior, does little to ensure positive interactions between children and farm animals. Any organization that continues to breed animals when shelters are over flowing and rescue organizations are bursting at the seams is not modeling responsible animal care.

Most importantly, any organization that continues to contribute to environmental damage at its own site and surrounding public properties, is not providing a service to our community when the very same children that organization is “dedicated” to serving are unable to utilize a public swimming beach and lake for the majority of the summer. If such a problem were to occur at Linden County Park or at Wolverine Campground, it would not be tolerated. Why do the people who utilize Bluebell Beach deserve less?

The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission has worked conscientiously to address its concerns regarding Mott Farm over the course of many years. Most recently, the Commission has met with Flint Community Schools’ Administration for well over a year to resolve this issue, with no success. The Commission has twice notified the Schools’ Administration that it is in breach of its lease. Commission leadership has attempted to meet directly with the President of the Flint Community Schools Board, also with no success.

The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission takes its responsibilities to ensure the public’s access to clean, safe facilities seriously. Mott Children’s Farm is a public facility. The public has a right to expect it will be operated in its best interests. 

Amy M. McMillan, Director
Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission
5045 Stanley Road
Flint, Michigan 48506
(810) 736-7100, ext. 812