By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — City officials say they’re not planning on allowing alcohol at Lake Front Park anytime soon, but users of the Woods Community Center might soon be able to serve beer or wine at gatherings.

City Council member Vicki Granger said the council decided at a July 12 meeting not to pursue a policy allowing alcohol at Lake Front Park, given concerns from some residents about the family-friendly nature of the park and the challenges of policing the expansive property.

“The people I’ve talked to have said, ‘We like (the park) the way it is,’” Granger said.

However, the more contained nature of the community center would better lend itself to the serving and consumption of adult beverages, she said.

At present, Woods residents can rent rooms in the community center for family gatherings, showers and the like, but they can’t serve alcohol.

“A lot of people would like (this option),” Granger said. “I think people can be responsible.”

City administrators agree. Before his retirement June 30, City Administrator Mark Wollenweber and Public Works Director Joe Ahee researched alcohol policies at neighboring city facilities. In a June 10 memo to the council, they said Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park and Harper Woods had community facilities similar to the Woods’. These cities allow alcohol service, but some require that it can only be served by an approved caterer and not brought in independently. Wollenweber and Ahee also spoke with representatives at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Assumption Greek Cultural Center and Blossom Heath, all of which have staff bartenders, although they don’t hold liquor licenses.

Among Ahee and Wollenweber’s recommendations based on their research were that kegs would not be allowed; alcohol would have to be provided by the person renting the facility; and renters would need to hire a professional bartender from a city-approved caterer for alcohol service.

At press time, acting City Administrator Alfred Fincham said city staffers were working on a draft policy for council review. Any such policy would need council approval to take effect, he said.

Granger said administrators will likely have a proposed policy for the council’s consideration in the next 30-45 days. That means the city could have a policy in place by Oct. 1 — just in time for the holiday party season.