Special Events, Park Rules to Change

Members of the Columbia City Council have completed exhaustive review of ordinances which will make changes to parks & recreation rules, procedures and fees--capping more than a year of work by members of the Play Commission.

If adopted next Monday evening as anticipated, the proposed ordinances will enact the following changes:

• Reservation of park facilities will now be available for facilities in A.C. Metter Memorial Park, adjacent to the Columbia Public Library;
• Pavilion reservation applications will be revised to add new facilities and expand periods of use, creating opportunities to double availability to residents;
• Application for athletic areas will be expanded to include more facilities;
• A system will be created to help organize special events; and
• Posted park rules will be revised.

One of the proposed changes will allow rental of park pavilions for two periods each day--from opening until 2:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until closing. Play Commission members argue that this change will provide more turnover at pavilions and, hence, allow more use of the facilities. Local residents may still use the pavilions, free of charge, if no one has reserved them during any given period. A placard system will be used to help manage reservations over the weekends.

The new regulations will establish a system for permitting special events. A special event is defined as any "outdoor or seasonal event including, but not limited to a picnic, parade, carnival, craft fair, art fair, bicycle/motorcycle/vehicle ride, run/walk, car show, wedding or other reception, or any other event held on public property which is open to attendance by the general public and/or may require special consideration from [the] City…” A one-time $125 processing fee will be charged for each event application, and additional fees may apply depending upon the services required.

For more information about the proposed new rules, procedures and fees, please contact Paul Ellis at (618) 281-7144 x. 118 or via email at pellis@columbiaillinois.com.