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Park Board endorses staff study of fee structure, subsidies and differential pricing
Summary
Board members supported a staff-led review of the park fee schedule to base rental and event fees on data, consider scholarships and maintenance funds, and evaluate differential pricing and event costs.
Park staff presented a proposal Jan. 28 for a data-driven review of the city’s park and facility fee schedule, telling the Park Board that the goal is to replace ad-hoc pricing with rates tied to actual costs, subsidy principles and revenue objectives. Staff noted examples such as setting aside a small percentage of fees for scholarships and a maintenance fund; differential pricing for prime-time rentals; and charging events for city labor such as road closures.
Board members generally supported the approach. Members asked staff to compile usage and revenue data — for example, rental hours and revenue by amenity — so the board can evaluate whether fees reflect true costs. One board member said existing fee levels sometimes “seem really high” but added that a clear accounting of labor and materials would help justify any change. Staff said the initial review will be done internally without hiring a consultant and will include recommendations on fee-setting principles, potential scholarship funds and maintenance reserves.
