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The Marquette City Commission took another bite of the apple when it approved a second trial period for the Dark Sky Park at Presque Isle during its meeting last week.
The key word there is "trial," as it seems the commission is kicking the can down the road, so to speak.
Last year, the commission OK'd a trial period from Sept. 11 to Oct. 31. During that time frame, the city left Presque Isle open a little bit longer on Friday and Saturday nights so that stargazers would have the opportunity to view the night sky without the light pollution you'll normally find around town.
Now, the commission green-lighted a second, longer trial period for the Dark Sky Park, which will be situated in the same location on Presque Isle, at the southwest portion of the island. And similar to last year, the park will have operating hours of 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday to Saturday, and Saturday to Sunday.
While the commission showed unanimous support for the approval of this second run, what is holding the city back from making this a permanent fixture at Presque Isle Park?
If commissioners don't want a Dark Sky Park at the island, then they should tell the public why, and we can all move on. If they believe it to be a viable idea, then approve it in full, so that the idea doesn't have to be proposed year after year after year.
It has already taken years to get to this point, and commissioners and city officials have plenty of other worthy agenda items to spend their time on.
Andrew MacIver, assistant director of community services for the city, said in a recent Journal article that the Dark Sky Park was well received last year. However, the park was limited, he said, with half the nights inappropriate for dark sky viewing because of weather events, possibly less-than-optimal viewing due to a full moon, as well as the summer not being included in the trial period.
Also, things like litter and "donuts" made by vehicles in parking areas were noticed, but "we could not say that was a direct consequence of the Dark Sky Park," MacIver said.
Now, it's fair to note that this year's trial period will run the duration of the summer season, as compared to the relatively short term the park was open last year. Maybe, just maybe, that will change something as far as problems or issues at the park go. But it seems unlikely.
The Dark Sky Park was an idea presented to the city by the Marquette Astronomical Society, which is, by all accounts, viewed as a respectful bunch. Chances are they won't be wreaking havoc or causing mischief at Presque Isle during those late night hours.
Some measures have been taken to reduce park misuse this year and allow for additional police patrol presence, and city officials tell us this won't have any additional impact on the city's coffers.
Some things -- like littering, for example -- can happen in the daylight or night, and it comes down to the individual being responsible.
Offering a Dark Sky Park at a convenient location like Presque Isle long-term only makes Marquette that much more attractive. It provides educational and recreational opportunities for many people, and the apparent benefits outweigh the few negatives.