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Forest Park pauses Groovin' in the Grove while staff re-evaluates community center finances
Summary
Councilors discussed community-center program finances and the decision to pause Groovin' in the Grove for FY2027 to review costs, consider sponsorships, and explore modest user fees or alternative locations to sustain the event.
Commissioners and staff discussed community-center programming revenue and the decision to pause Groovin' in the Grove for the coming year while staff review costs and revenue options.
Commissioner Melinda Rogovin (S10) said she reviewed clubhouse finances and noted programs bring in revenue that helps cover part-time staff and program costs. Staff described the recent pause on Groovin' in the Grove as an opportunity to fully account for expenses that were split across funds — band and stage costs were in the public affairs budget while concessions and staffing were charged elsewhere — and to consider sponsor support or modest user fees if the community wants the event returned.
"Pausing it this year gives us an opportunity to assess exactly what our expenses are," staff said. Councilors suggested options including charging a small fee for nonresidents, finding a new location, or seeking sponsors; staff committed to returning with a full cost-revenue analysis.
