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Parks commission grants Curtin Theatre a 100% fee waiver for Old Mill Park performances
Summary
After public testimony from theatre leaders and community supporters, Mill Valley Parks & Recreation commissioners voted to award Curtin Theatre a full fee waiver for Old Mill Park stage use for 2026, reversing staff's 75% recommendation and noting the company's 25-year community role.
Mill Valley's Parks & Recreation Commission voted Oct. 8 to approve a 100% fee waiver for Curtin Theatre's use of the Old Mill Park stage for its free Shakespeare-in-the-park program.
Greg Wilker, speaking for Curtin Theatre, read a board letter describing 25 years of free community performances and argued staff's recommended 75% discount would fundamentally change a decades-long partnership. "This decision by the staff would fundamentally change our decades old relationship with the department," Wilker said, asking the commission to continue waiving fees for the nonprofit's free shows.
Commissioners heard public comment supporting the theatre's cultural and economic contribution to downtown foot traffic and local businesses. Commissioner Henry Smith moved to grant a 100% waiver; the motion was seconded by Chair Christopher Carney and carried with commissioners voting "Aye." The chair described Curtin Theatre as "an incredible resource" and emphasized the group's long-running free access for the community.
Staff explained the waiver-request process and noted the commission is balancing budget pressures and directives that parks and recreation generate more revenue. Commissioners discussed precedent and cautioned that any waiver could be time-limited, with the commission treating the 2026 waiver as a discretionary, one-year action to support a longstanding community arts partner.
Outcome: Motion to grant Curtin Theatre a full (100%) fee waiver for Old Mill Park stage use in 2026 passed by majority vote; commission recorded the intention to revisit fee-waiver policy in future budget cycles.
