Waynesboro staff propose rental fees, limits for Sunset Park shelter; council delays decision

Duane Jones, director of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation, presented a proposed fee schedule and use rules for the Sunset Park shelter and asked the council to consider approving the fees or take time to deliberate.

Jones said the shelter is operating differently from other city pavilions because Sunset Park stays open after dark and draws large crowds. He proposed three reservation time slots (8 a.m.–2 p.m., 2 p.m.–6 p.m., and 6 p.m.–10 p.m.), a $100 day rental if a user wants all day, a $250 fee when alcohol is served, and a $500 damage‑waiver deposit for events with more than 100 guests. "We believe that small fee [for alcohol] helps cover some of that communication that is gonna be extra," Jones said, explaining that alcohol requires more staff coordination with his special‑events manager.

Jones said staff would limit large private events (more than 100 people) to 12 in 2025 and proposed starting the new schedule March 1, 2025. He gave a sample cost: for a 150‑person wedding the proposed fees (day rental + alcohol + damage waiver) would total about $600. Jones noted the shelter reservation is for the shelter structure only and the park remains open to the public during rentals.

Council members and staff discussed liability and enforcement. Jones said some civic events that invite the public already require event liability insurance; private rentals historically have not. He said the damage waiver and camera monitoring would be used to address damage claims, and staff would inspect the site the morning after large events. A council member representing Ward 8 asked for a reflection period to solicit constituent feedback; the council agreed to schedule the item for a later meeting rather than vote immediately.

No final fee motion was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with the item at a future meeting after the requested reflection period.