Plain City council limits consecutive campground stays to 30 days, directs resident-only reservation system

Plain City Council on Sept. 8 voted to limit consecutive stays at Pastime Park campground to 30 days and directed Parks and Recreation staff to implement a resident-only early reservation window for campsites.

Councilmembers discussed options ranging from reducing the current six-month stay policy to a two-week limit. Council member A. Lewis advocated for a resident-only early reservation window, removing winter camping in January through March 2026, and a two-week limit in summer to increase weekend availability for residents. Council member M. Terry moved to prohibit camping during January, February and March 2026; that motion passed unanimously among members present. A separate motion to prohibit additional reservations for November and December 2025 failed for lack of a second. Later, M. Terry moved to limit permitted consecutive days of camping to 30 days (with no aggregate cap); the motion passed unanimously among members present.

Parks Director Linda Granger and Parks Assistant Denton Kitts confirmed they will begin work on the resident-only early reservation system and related policy changes following Council direction. Council also agreed by unanimous consent that the Parks and Recreation Committee and staff can proceed with implementation planning rather than returning to Council for immediate additional action.

The changes arise after public comment from resident Craig Noce, who urged a resident-variance process, a resident-only reservation window and stronger enforcement by Parks staff. Council members noted differing committee recommendations—one recommending a three-month stay limit—before settling on the 30-day consecutive limit and the winter camping prohibition as nearer-term measures. The new rules will take effect as staff completes the reservation system and implements necessary policy updates.