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Franklin Parks Commission debates raising reservation fees and requiring permits for large walk-up groups
Summary
Commissioners discussed doubling some park reservation fees, researching comparable rates in nearby communities, and reintroducing permit requirements for large unscheduled groups; staff will bring comparables and signage ideas back to the commission.
The Franklin City Parks Commission on July 13 discussed proposals to raise security deposit and reservation fees and to require permits for large walk-up groups in city parks.
Commissioners debated charging higher rates for out-of-town users and possibly doubling current fees, but several members urged collecting comparable data from nearby communities before making changes. "If we charge twice what it is, you know, then I'm going to Greenfield," one commissioner said, arguing the city should remain competitive with neighboring parks.
Members also raised recurring operational problems with unscheduled large gatherings. One commissioner suggested requiring permits for groups larger than a stated threshold; staff was asked to research comparable policies and signage that would indicate dates of rentals and thresholds that trigger permit requirements.
No fee changes were adopted at the July 13 meeting. Commissioners assigned staff and volunteer members to gather comparables, rental data and permit language for a future meeting, and to draft possible signage to indicate when a park area is reserved.
