Corte Madera council adopts updated parks and recreation fee schedule, waives certain fees for community nonprofits

The Corte Madera Town Council on Jan. 21 adopted Resolution No. 01-2025, approving a revised Parks and Recreation master fee schedule that removes tennis-court key charges, creates a staff-hour fee for special-event public-works support and establishes a baseline porta‑potty fee for week‑long events.

The fee changes were introduced by Tim Berry, parks and recreation director, who told the council that an ad hoc committee recommended eliminating the tennis key fee because the revenue barely covered lock and replacement costs and the town is moving to an online reservation system when the new pickleball courts open. Berry also proposed a $141 per hour charge for public‑works staffing tied to events that require set up or on‑site support, and a base portable restroom package priced at about $900 for a week (one standard unit, one ADA unit and a hand‑washing station).

Berry said the Park and Rec Commission aimed to be transparent about event costs so applicants know expected charges up front. He also recommended a pilot to allow the school foundation to use the community center for two free events; the commission proposed a one‑year pilot, with a building‑use agreement mirroring other community organizations that receive free use.

Jamie Heaps, executive director of SPARC (the foundation serving the Larkspur‑Corte Madera School District), told the council the group raises the majority of its budget through community events and asked that SPARC be included among organizations eligible for the fee waiver. "Waiving these fees would allow us to allocate more resources directly to the programs that benefit our students and families," Heaps said.

Council members discussed practical details including whether courts have experienced vandalism (Berry said they are unlocked and there have been no vandalism reports) and whether removing the key fee would shift costs to taxpayers. One council member argued that residents already pay taxes and should not face an additional access fee for public amenities; others said the online reservation system will better manage access than a physical key.

After brief public comment in support from a SPARC representative, the council voted 5–0 to adopt Resolution No. 01‑2025. Council members voting yes were Council member Andrews; Council member Beckman; Council member Cacisa; Vice Mayor Thomas; and Mayor O'Vazio.

The new fee schedule also includes minor updates to previously raised rental fees and reflects prior increases implemented last year; Berry said the department will return next year with a report on the SPARC pilot and with the fee schedule as part of the annual master fee review.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 01‑2025 — Adopted 5–0.