Residents urge review of Pastime Park rules; council to discuss reservation and stay-limit options

Two Plain City residents used the public-comment period on Sept. 22 to press council on Pastime Park campground policies.

Resident Barry Thomas said he was concerned about how new rules would be administered and urged council to give more discretion to Parks staff. He told council he had not seen many councilmembers visit the park and encouraged additional authority for the Parks Assistant to manage campground rules. Resident Craig Noce outlined a proposed resolution to allow residents to extend the existing 180-day stay limit at Pastime Park, saying the limit creates a barrier to full use and enjoyment of the campground and that he would distribute more information to council by email.

Councilmembers acknowledged both perspectives. Councilmember T. Harriman — who asked that the item be added to the agenda — noted industry practice that some sites are designated as walk-in, and suggested the village jointly review reservation policy with the Parks & Recreation Committee. Councilmembers agreed that a joint review in November or December would be appropriate; Mr. Terry said that related camping policies (winter camping, stay limits and resident-only early reservation windows) should be considered together and that changes could take effect beginning in 2026.

The transcript notes Parks Assistant Denton Kitts told Mr. Harriman that walk-in sites are common in the campground industry, but council did not take a formal vote on changing reservation rules at the meeting. The council did, however, add the topic to future committee discussions.