Council limits consecutive campground stays to 30 days, discusses winter shutdown

Plain City council voted to limit consecutive campground stays at Pastime Park to 30 days as part of a broader effort to curb long-term occupancy and prioritize resident access.

Council member Lopez moved to “limit consecutive days camping to 30 days,” a motion that was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Council members debated several options before voting, including lowering maximum stays from six months to three months, adopting a two-week consecutive-stay model similar to state parks, or allowing a resident variance option. One council member said the goal was to “get people out of there living their long term” and to preserve the park as a recreational campground rather than a semi-permanent residence.

During the same discussion members also considered temporarily suspending reservations in January, February and March and whether to stop accepting new reservations for November and December to avoid displacing current users. Council discussed next steps for implementing changes in phases and directing staff to adjust the reservation system and park rules. The transcript records the motion passing by voice vote; an exact roll-call tally was not recorded in the meeting text.

The action follows public comment earlier in the meeting urging the council to distinguish between residents and nonresidents and to empower park staff with discretion when enforcing rules.