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1. Can I reserve one of the shelters in Rochester Municipal Park?

Both the Kiwanis and Lion's Shelters are available to reserve on a seasonal basis. Only residents of Rochester can reserve them. Groups cannot use residents as agents to reserve the facility for them unless they are bona fide members of the group and will be present the day the shelter is used.

The reservation form is available at City Hall, along with an information sheet that includes the fee structure. After the form is filled out, it will take about a day to process.

Once the application has been approved, the applicant will pay the associated fees and pick up a copy of the approved form. At that time, the reservation will be entered onto the calendar. Note that whether the shelters are involved or not, any group of one hundred or more people intending to use any Rochester park must obtain City Council approval. Contact the DPW Director at (248) 651-9061 for details and available dates.

2. Who is responsible for the area and tree in front of my house, which is located between the sidewalk and the curb?

Although the green belt area between the sidewalk and the curb is usually called the right of way, and is under the jurisdiction of the City, it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain this area.

Any trees in the green belt are the City's responsibility to maintain. The City has guidelines as to the species of trees that are planted in the green belt and the minimum distances between trees, which includes sight distance requirements at intersections and minimum distances from hydrants and streetlights.

The City does have a tree-planting program. If a homeowner does not want to wait for the next City planting, they can arrange to plant their own tree. However, the City must approve the location and tree species of any planting in the green belt before any work is completed. Contact the DPW Director at (248) 651-9061 for details.

3. During the winter, is there skating allowed on the pond in Municipal Park?

Yes, when it is safe to go onto the ice, skating is allowed. When the ice is not safe to skate on there are signs indicating the unsafe conditions. However, when no signs are posted, you should always use your best judgement before stepping onto the ice.