City Council approves fee waiver for Concerts in the Park at Riverside Park

The Grants Pass City Council convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss key agenda items, primarily focusing on the upcoming Concerts in the Park series at Riverside Park. The meeting began with a resolution to approve a fee waiver for the event, which has been a staple in the community for 35 years.

The council first addressed the use permit for the concerts, which are scheduled to take place on Tuesday evenings from June 10 to July 15, excluding July 1. The Chamber of Commerce, which has organized the event for decades, is seeking to return to Riverside Park after hosting the concerts at the fairgrounds in recent years. The event is expected to attract around 2,000 attendees and will feature live music, food trucks, and alcohol vendors, all while remaining free to the public.

During the discussion, council members highlighted the importance of the concerts as a community-building event. The Chamber's representatives emphasized that the event is not a revenue-generating activity but rather a gift to the community, aimed at fostering family-friendly entertainment.

The council reviewed the associated fees for the event, which total approximately $1,400, including a refundable deposit of $1,650. Concerns were raised about waiving the deposit, as it serves as a safeguard against potential damages during the event. After deliberation, the council decided to approve the use permit and grant a waiver for the park reservation fee while retaining the damage deposit.

The council unanimously passed both resolutions, allowing the Concerts in the Park to proceed as planned, reinforcing the city's commitment to providing quality events for residents and visitors alike. The meeting concluded with a sense of excitement for the return of this beloved community tradition.