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Highlands board reviews park‑use policies; limits ticketed events and keeps oversight with board
Summary
The board discussed and agreed to revisions to outdoor recreation policies at a Jan. 16 workshop: removing Zachary Park from town policy, changing who may approve admission charges, and keeping limits on ticketed or revenue events and pickleball tournaments.
At a Jan. 16 Highlands workshop the board reviewed a packet of 23 park policies and agreed to several edits that clarify who may approve admission charges, remove Zachary Park from the town policy list, and retain limits on ticketed tournaments such as pickleball.
Lester Norris, Highlands recreation director, told commissioners the policies were developed with the recreation committee beginning in 2012 and updated periodically, including a recent change last year to add pickleball rules. Norris asked the board to revisit policy language (item 11) that read "no admission to the outdoor recreation areas can be charged for any event unless approved by the recreation director." Commissioners agreed to change that to require Town Board approval for charging admission.
Mayor/Chair Hoover and several commissioners emphasized the goal that parks remain public and not become private venues. Commissioners cited recent ticketed fundraisers — including the Shrimp Bowl and the food and wine event — as examples that need measured treatment because those events raise funds that are reinvested in the park. Commissioner remarks noted that during one event temporary fencing limited public access more than intended.
The board approved retaining a restriction that pickleball tournaments be limited (the policy notes a cap of four per year) and that tournaments be organized by nonprofit groups, with a portion of proceeds supporting park maintenance. The board also agreed to remove references to Zachary Park because it is controlled by the county and has separate county policies.
Norris said the recreation director should retain limited emergency authority to revoke a permit if a safety or policy violation arises but that revocations should be coordinated with the town manager or mayor. "If I'm called out because there's an issue at the park ... I should be able to ... shut that up there," Norris said, describing the need for timely action.
The board directed staff to incorporate the agreed edits and place the revised policy on the next regular meeting agenda for formal approval.
Why it matters: The policy changes clarify decision‑making authority for ticketed events and preserve the town’s discretion to approve fee‑based events to protect public access while allowing community fundraisers to operate under clear rules.
