Swisher board considers raising pavilion rental fees and tightening reservation rules

Council and park board members debated changing pavilion reservation practices, including requiring payment at the time of reservation and raising the standard $20 fee. Chair framed the issue as both fairness to other renters and a way to avoid last-minute cancellations that block use by others. Members suggested tiered pricing for large pavilion + kitchen versus small pavilion, and at least one council member proposed raising fees substantially (one motion suggested a $75 fee), though no final rate was adopted at the meeting.

Members also discussed refund policy for late cancellations and the logistics of key management when renters fail to return keys. The park board agreed to place reservation fee options on the board’s future agenda and to return with a concrete proposal for council consideration.