On 2/12/26, the WMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow negotiations with the County toward a formal transfer agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal but non-binding agreement between parties that outlines their shared intentions, roles, and objectives as a framework for working together, often in advance of a binding contract. It is expected that the County Board of Commissioners will also vote to enter the MOU during their 2/17/26 meeting.
The Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council also met on 2/12/26, where the County Parks Director and WMU vice president for Government Relations addressed ALPA's questions. ALPA has now engaged with Kalamazoo County Parks, WMU, and the Asylum Lake Policy & Management Council (ALPMC) regarding this proposed transfer. The following summary reflects ALPA’s current understanding of the terms outlined in the MOU, including details from public conversations, between Kalamazoo County and WMU.