Metropark officials report busy season, parking upgrades and new concert bookings

Metropark staff told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 9 that recent facility upgrades and a busy events calendar have increased use and revenue at the county venue.

Cody, a Metropark representative, said Chase Hawks ‘‘did have 1 of the highest grossing revenue years’’ for the venue and that the event drew ‘‘a little over 5,000 people.’’ He listed upcoming bookings including a Bridal Adams event with just over 2,000 tickets sold, a Parker McCollum show with about 3,200 tickets out and a rescheduled John Pardi date now set for Feb. 13. Cody also announced an April concert featuring Breaking Benjamin with Chris Daughtry.

Stoney, another Metropark speaker, described completion of a parking-lot project and traffic-flow changes intended to move vehicles out of the lower lot more quickly. He said crews have installed bollards and a ‘‘multitude of signs’’ and that staff are discussing portable lit signs to help direct traffic at large events, while noting concerns about safely placing temporary signs and snow removal.

Commissioners asked which buildings would host fairs and expos; Cody confirmed the wedding fair would be in the expo building while wine-and-food events remain scheduled for the pavilion. Cody identified a recurring vendor, Cheryl Wing of Party Solutions, as the decorator for several large events.

No formal votes or fiscal actions were taken on Metropark items during the Jan. 9 meeting; staff said they are continuing calendar coordination and sponsorship work to reduce overtime and maximize event capacity.