Emmaus council adopts new parks, recreation facilities use and rental policy

Emmaus Borough Council on Monday adopted an updated Parks, Recreation and Facilities Use and Rental policy that adds refundable security deposits, clarifies cleanup requirements for pavilion rentals and spells out fines for violations.

Councilors said the policy responds to recurring problems with rented pavilions being left in poor condition and to new event types such as gender-reveal celebrations that have created cleanup challenges. The policy adds language on what types of damage or refuse forfeits the deposit and formalizes requirements for vendor and food-truck operations at large events.

"These are things that we can address," a councilor said during discussion, noting staff time has been consumed responding to post-event cleanups.

The policy includes standard park rules, procedures for refunds and a list of prohibited activities. Council members discussed whether the refund windows (60-day notice for a 100% refund and 30 days for 50%) are appropriate for pavilion rentals; the council noted the policy can be amended later by vote. The motion to adopt the updated policy passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Parking, event rentals and park maintenance are recurring operational items for borough staff and affect residents who use public spaces and community groups that hold events. The policy sets clearer expectations for event organizers and creates a mechanism to recover cleanup costs.

The borough said the policy can be revised later, and councilors asked parks staff to consider weather-related exceptions to refund rules for pavilion rentals.