Counties under 100,000 could reduce parks commission seats

The commission includes county road and drain officials or their designated representatives, along with a planning representative chosen under county-specific rules. These rules apply to a county parks and recreation commission. The planning representative depends on whether the county has an executive, its population, and whether it has a county planning commission.

A county with fewer than 100,000 residents may reduce the number of appointed members from seven to four. This option applies to counties with populations below 100,000. At least one and no more than three of the appointed members must be county commissioners. The option begins January 1, 2027.

The county board must appoint a neighborhood representative to the commission. This rule applies to counties with populations greater than 750,000 and less than 1,000,000. The representative must be a willing officer of the homeowners or property owners association covering the largest area within 1,000 feet of the county's most frequently used park. If no such association or willing officer exists, the appointee must be a willing resident within half a mile; if none is available, a willing resident of the city, village, or township containing the park may serve.