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After crowded July 4, Highlands board asks staff and attorney to review Founders Park alcohol rules
Summary
Chief Holland described enforcement challenges during a heavily attended July 4 event; the board directed staff and legal counsel to reconcile the town code with its outdoor recreation policy and return with options later this year.
Highlands town officials on July 17 heard from Police Chief Holland about enforcement difficulties during the July 4 celebration at Founders Park and asked legal and operational staff to review the town’s alcohol permitting and enforcement policies.
Holland told the board the park hosted an estimated 2,000 people for July 4, and that with two officers on duty it became impractical to prevent attendees from consuming alcohol in violation of the existing park rule that normally forbids alcohol on that date. “It was the fullest I’ve ever seen it,” he said, adding that officers could not safely move through the crowd to enforce the no‑alcohol restriction.
Why it matters: The board identified a conflict between the town code and the town’s outdoor recreation policy. Staff said the town code (cited in meeting as “section 9.2”) states a permit for alcohol in town parks is issued by the town board, while the outdoor recreation policy delegates a permit/waiver process to the recreation director. Town legal staff suggested a permit that incorporates a waiver and release and explicit security requirements could reduce the town’s liability for permitted events.
Discussion and options: Legal advisor Nick (staff member) recommended a permit form that includes waiver and release language and sets security and operational conditions — and that staff and the board decide whether the board or the recreation director should retain final permit authority. Chief Holland said the scale of the July 4 crowd and the fact the town could not meaningfully maneuver through the gathering justified reexamining the policy. Board members discussed whether allowing alcohol at certain events (as currently allowed for Saturday concerts) but not at others creates public confusion.
Board direction: The board did not change the rule at the meeting. Instead it asked the town attorney, the police chief and town manager to review the code and the outdoor recreation policy, reconcile inconsistencies (for example who issues permits) and return to the board with specific options and recommended language — staff and legal counsel were asked to report back in the coming months for formal consideration.
Ending: Commissioners emphasized public safety and clarity for both residents and event sponsors; staff will draft permit language and procedural options for the board’s future review.
