Archer Lodge adopts field‑use policy to curb unauthorized commercial training at town parks

The Town of Archer Lodge on Monday adopted a Recreation Field Use and Rental Policy aimed at clarifying when town fields may be used for free recreation and when organizers must secure a rental agreement and pay fees.

Parks staff said they have observed growing unauthorized commercial use — paid trainers and multi‑day soccer and baseball camps that operate on town fields without notifying staff or paying rental fees. ‘‘If folks are charging to use our facilities and we're not charging them for that, it's on us,’’ a parks official said, describing recent instances in which groups advertised paid training that used town property.

The policy draws a line between informal recreational use — families and individuals using the fields for pickup play — and organized commercial activities that generate revenue for third parties. It requires signage, a rental process for commercial users and directs staff to enforce the existing fee schedule (residents pay a base rate; nonresidents pay 50% more). Council approved the policy by motion and second; the vote was unanimous.

Council discussed related topics including event parking fees used by tournament hosts (some organizers may collect donations or charges for parking). Staff said a separate parking/fee policy would be drafted and presented later. The policy adopted Monday gives parks staff clearer authority to expect and enforce rentals when activities move beyond casual play.