The Asylum Lake and Colony Farm Orchard parcels were transferred to Western Michigan University through Act No. 158, P.A. of 1977, House Bill No. 4058, introduced by representatives Jack Welborn, Donald Gilmer, Mary Brown and Rep. Kennedy, with Rep. Angel named as co-sponsor. The restrictions to these parcels reads as, "...Western Michigan University may utilize the property solely for public park, recreation, or open space purposes, except that the legislature, by statute, may authorize Western Michigan University to utilize the property for some other public purpose." WMU kept the properties in passive use for years. Dirt paths encircled the lake, breaking off to weave through the forest and into the open fields. The Lee Baker Farm and fields of the Asylum Lake parcel have been rented to a local farmer. Ecology, geology, biology, limnology and ornithology classes used the area for field studies. WMU and the City of Kalamazoo dumped their leaves and yard waste at the site, spotting the area with huge compost piles. In April 1991, the WMU Board of Trustees voted 5-1 to approve the development of a master plan to use the site for a research and business industrial park. They began pursuing a legislative statute from the State of Michigan to change the deed restrictions. Asylum Lake is currently maintained as a preserve by WMU and the City of Kalamazoo. The Lee Baker Farm has been developed as an industrial park. |
Asylum Lake History WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY |
Asylum Lake History Kalamazoo County, MI |
The Asylum Lake and Colony Farm Orchard parcels were transferred to Western Michigan University through Act No. 158, P.A. of 1977, House Bill No. 4058, introduced by representatives Jack Welborn, Donald Gilmer, Mary Brown and Rep. Kennedy, with Rep. Angel named as co-sponsor. The restrictions to these parcels reads as, "...Western Michigan University may utilize the property solely for public park, recreation, or open space purposes, except that the legislature, by statute, may authorize Western Michigan University to utilize the property for some other public purpose." WMU kept the properties in passive use for years. Dirt paths encircled the lake, breaking off to weave through the forest and into the open fields. The Lee Baker Farm and fields of the Asylum Lake parcel have been rented to a local farmer. Ecology, geology, biology, limnology and ornithology classes used the area for field studies. WMU and the City of Kalamazoo dumped their leaves and yard waste at the site, spotting the area with huge compost piles. In April 1991, the WMU Board of Trustees voted 5-1 to approve the development of a master plan to use the site for a research and business industrial park. They began pursuing a legislative statute from the State of Michigan to change the deed restrictions. Asylum Lake is currently maintained as a preserve by WMU and the City of Kalamazoo. The Lee Baker Farm has been developed as an industrial park. |
