Right call on park fees

It’s the right call.
The president of the Portland Park Board said earlier this week that regulations for Hudson Family Park are being re-written to remove fees for individuals who want to use the amphitheater for non-commercial events such as family gatherings and weddings.
When the current rules were adopted last spring, we thought it unfair to not draw a distinction between a group charging admission to a performance and a local couple looking for a unique venue as they begin their lives together.
We know of one such couple searching for a location for their wedding in September. They were told the cost to “rent” the amphitheater for four hours was $200 — an amount beyond their budget.
Board president Neil Medler, who said during a meeting Tuesday evening that he had no idea individuals were being required to pay to use the Hudson Park facilities, said that city attorney Bill Hinkle is currently working on revising the regulations and fee schedule.
While we agree the rules should be amended, we would make some suggestions as those changes are considered:
•Require any individual wishing to use the stage or other facilities at the amphitheater to reserve it through city officials for a minimum of one-hour increments, and require a refundable security deposit.
•Give first priority to residents of Portland, with Jay County residents next in line for reservations.
Members of the park board, who said last year as the new park prepared to open that the rules and regulations would be a work in progress, deserve credit for making a positive change.
And even though it is unfortunate the board apparently wasn’t aware of how its own rules were being enforced, members deserve our thanks for doing the right thing now. — M.S.[[In-content Ad]]