Dillon staff propose limited reservation system for courts, pavilions and picnic areas

Town staff opened discussion of a possible townwide reservation policy after receiving requests to reserve facilities beyond the Marina Park Pavilion, including the shared tennis/pickleball courts, town park shade structure, the new town plaza, disc golf and larger fields.

The staff presentation said the Parks, Recreation and Arts (PRA) committee supports developing a user-friendly reservations system that preserves some open-play hours, charges a nominal fee to cover software and staff time and uses QR-code signage at facilities so users can check real-time availability. "Since we're already doing reservations at the Marina Park Pavilion, we can use that same software to execute these other types of reservations," a staff member said.

Council members focused on fairness and preserving first-come access. Staff said two local clubs — a pickleball club and a ladies' tennis group — asked to reserve recurring morning slots this summer; staff will honor those recurring reservations for the season and return with a policy for next year. Councilors asked staff to study what peers do for fee structures, application versus first-come allocation, the portion of time held for open play and signage options. "We want a mix of reservations and open play availability so not all of it is reservable," a council member said.

Staff committed to a comparative analysis of other municipalities’ practices, recommended fee ranges and reservation windows, and to return with a draft policy. No ordinance or motion was proposed at the work session; the topic will return to staff and appear on a future council agenda if review continues.