- April 17, 2024
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A parks and recreation fee structure could institute charges for lights, painting lines on fields and concession stands. Currently, athletics organizations pay no fees for these services.
Having a family reunion at Holland Park, in Palm Coast, might cost some money in the near future, if the city implements a new park free structure.
Per request of the Palm Coast City Council, city staff has began devising a plan to implement a park-fee structure.
“This is a difficult venture to say the least,” City Manager Jim Landon said at a June 28 workshop, “because you can easily start pricing yourself out of the market.”
In an effort to promote the sports tourism niche, the city recently was approved for a $150,000 grant from the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners to add an additional three or four fields at Indian Trails Sports Complex.
But Landon knows there isn’t an easy way to ask residents or groups to pay to use the parks and recreational facilities offered by the city.
“But I think (the plan) address some of the things that we see day in and day out,” Landon said.
Luanne Santangelo, the city’s parks and recreation director, presented the recommendation June 28 to the City Council.
Some of the highlights of the new structure include fees for use of the athletics fields.
Currently, the city does not charge for tournament fields to be held at the various city parks.
However, under the recommended plans, a $250/day refundable security deposit would be required. Additionally, field reservations would breakdown as follows: one field/park site for $110 per field per day; two fields/park site for $85 per field per day; and three-plus fields/park site for $60 per field per day. Also, concession rentals would cost $100 per day, including utilities. Lighting for the fields would be $10 per field per hour.
One topic of discussion among City Council members was how much it should cost to have white lines painted on athletics fields in preparation for contests.
City Council members agreed that because lining a field is broad and changes based on each sport and each age group, it’s difficult to determine one standard fee.
“We have to find a middle line that we’re not spending a lot of taxpayer money,” said Councilwoman Mary DiStefano. “Everyone has to come to the table — that’s what I’m trying to say. I think some of these fees are very realistic.”
Landon said he understands the organizations who use the city’s parks will speak out at upcoming meetings.
The purpose of the fee structure, according to Landon, are simply to recoup costs for part-time employees and some of the other expenses.
“We’re not trying to cover all of our costs with these fees,” Landon said.
The city’s Leisure Services Advisory Committee will hear the recommendation on July 13. Then, on July 26, the committe’s recommendation will be presented at a City Council workshop. In the Aug. 2 regular meeting, the City Council will have the first hearing, and the new fee structure could be implemented by Sept. 1.
Landon said the dates are fluid, in case things change.
“We’re just now getting that conversation started,” he said.
To view the full recommendation, visit the city’s website at www.palmcoastgov.com and click on “City Council Agendas/Minutes/Media” on the right-hand side and view the June 28 agenda.
