Board waives Kirby Park pavilion fee for nonprofit picnic in 4–1 vote

The San Angelo Parks & Recreation Board voted 4–1 to waive the Kirby Park pavilion rental fee for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, approving a staff-requested exception for a private picnic of about 40 people scheduled for May 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Parks staff told the board the city charges pavilion rental fees for private groups to help cover wear-and-tear and maintenance costs, but said the nonprofit asked for a waiver to maximize its limited budget. “I’m personally okay with it, but I don’t want to set a precedent,” a parks staff presenter told the board.

Several board members said they supported a one-time waiver while urging staff to write a formal policy for nonprofit requests going forward. One member suggested options such as requiring a refundable deposit to cover cleanup or offering a discounted rate or designated lower-cost parks for nonprofits, rather than routinely waiving fees.

Board discussion focused on balancing limited park-maintenance revenues with community support for nonprofits. Staff noted the city has charged pavilion fees for several years and receives only occasional private requests. The board debated whether to recommend a deposit, a reduced fee, or a formal eligibility policy that would be returned for consideration at a future meeting.

The motion to waive the fee passed with four members voting in favor and one opposed. Board members asked staff to return with a proposed nonprofit-fee policy and a list of parks and rates that could be designated for nonprofit use.

The waiver covers a single private event and does not change existing fee schedules; staff said a future agenda item will present a draft policy for nonprofit rentals.