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Council considers loosening Coughlin Park gazebo reservation rules to accommodate wedding bookings
Summary
Council discussed allowing reservations for the Coughlin Park gazebo beyond the current January 1 restriction to improve customer service for weddings and other private rentals; council suggested permitting bookings up to two years out while blocking major community-event dates.
City staff proposed amending the reservation policy for the Coughlin Park gazebo at the Dec. 4 Saugatuck City Council workshop to allow reservations for future years without the current January 1 restriction.
Staff told the council that the gazebo is most frequently rented for weddings and generates modest annual revenue, estimated at $2,500–$4,000. Staff said wedding planning typically begins more than a year ahead, and the existing restriction makes it difficult for prospective renters to secure the venue in a timely way or to coordinate dates with other local venues such as the SCA.
To improve customer service and increase gazebo utilization, staff proposed removing the one-year reservation limitation for dates not reserved for major community events (Venetian Festival, Fourth of July, local races). Councilmembers suggested a compromise to allow reservations up to two years in advance, while maintaining blocks for major community events.
No formal motion was taken at the workshop. Staff will return with any proposed ordinance or formal policy language if council directs drafting a change to the reservation rules.
