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Parks committee turned down beach/beer-garden ordinance; ERC hears concerns about alcohol at family events
Summary
Marathon County Parks staff briefed the ERC on a proposed ordinance change to allow county departments to sell fermented malt beverages (beer gardens) at parks. The Parks Commission voted not to move forward; staff said the city of Wausau is considering a similar city ordinance and the county would coordinate if the city acts.
Marathon County Parks Director Jamie Polley presented the ERC with background April 29 on a proposed ordinance change that would allow county departments to sell fermented malt beverages at parks and open spaces under state statute. Polley said the idea originated with a city council member and was discussed by the Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee as well as the Parks Commission.
Polley described a “beer garden” concept intended as a limited-hours neighborhood gathering — small, short-duration events (for instance, two to three hours, once a month during summer) — with the county or a contracted vendor managing sales and safety protocols. She said similar programs in other Wisconsin communities can generate revenue and serve as neighborhood amenities but require careful planning for fencing, vendor RFP, liquor licensing and public safety oversight.
At a Parks Commission meeting earlier that day the majority of commissioners voted against moving the ordinance forward. Commissioners and several supervisors cited concerns that selling alcohol at family-oriented park events could harm local bar and restaurant businesses, complicate public-health messaging, increase staff workload and pose optics issues for a county that funds substance-abuse treatment programs. The county police chief (at a separate Wausau committee meeting) expressed reservations about creating another outlet for alcohol acquisition, Polley said.
Polley told ERC members the county could pursue the ordinance only if the County Board directed staff to do so and that, practically, Parks staff would not invest major planning resources unless the city and county both showed interest. Several supervisors said they were not in favor at present and that they would watch the Wausau City Council’s action; Polley said if Wausau passes a similar ordinance the question would return to the Parks Commission for further county-level consideration.
Ending The ERC did not vote on an ordinance change. Parks staff will await the City of Wausau’s decision and will not commit significant staff time to implementing a county program unless elected officials direct further work and resources.
