City Commission Policy 1999-01 was established on April 26, 1999, to regulate the use of City parks for large public events. This policy does not regulate or allow private events such as weddings, family reunions, graduation parties and the like.  These private events are encouraged to rent any of the City's rentable facilities at Presque Isle, Lakeview Arena or the picnic sites at Tourist Park.  The policy was last revised in 2015. 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted at their April 15, 2024 meeting to recommend the City Commission amend the policy as attached.  The recommended changes are in red on the attached draft policy and add Founders Piers as a possible special event location and change the threshold for Commission approval to $2,500 from $1,000.

Founders Piers are appropriately designed for events open to the public.  Staff discretion would be used to make sure the types of events there are appropriate for the structure and the limited parking available near the site. 

The change to the financial threshold requiring City Commission approval is consistent with the increases in fees throughout the 21st century.  The new threshold would make the process for the public simpler for smaller events and most events held at Lakeview Arena.  Community Services staff have been seeking ways to make events at Lakeview simpler for the public in order to increase use and maximize off-season revenue.