It's their first appearance in Reutter Park since December.
"There's many issues that need to be addressed and that's what we're here to do," said Occupy Lansing Activist Norma Bauer.
Fellow activist Rob Powell has his own reasons: "I'm here primarily to fight economic injustice in our society, as well as to un-due influence that corporations have on our democracy through the unlimited amounts of money they can contribute to our democracy."
Signs were strung around the park Saturday as they were last fall. Some from last year, and many new, to reflect more current issues. Although, it's tough to tell if they will ever be hung in the park again after their "Protest Picnic."
It took days of planning ahead with Lansing Police for occupiers to spend their Saturday there in peace. Police tell us there have been no issues yet, but protesters say that was on the condition of them leaving by 10 p.m.
"If I had it my way, we would continue to be here day in , and day out for as long as it was sustainable, and that we could do it sustainably; not be a burden to anybody, or the environment, or the city," continued Powell.
Although there are no other dates set yet for more protesting, Powell promises to be back: "Will you be seeing us out here a lot more? Yes."
Whether it is with the "Occupy" movement, or another cause.
"The 99% Spring gathers here," began Bauer. "People who have petitions to sign gather here, people who started the "Recall Rick" rally gathered here."
All demonstrating how Reutter Park is becoming a hub for residents to act on their first amendment rights.
Occupiers also say they have been in touch with the Mayor's office about plans to occupy the park in the future. They did say they have been in talks about what it would cost the city to continue to host them.
We have a call into the Mayor now and will let you know as soon as we get more information.
