Agoura Hills sees revenue in city parks

CORPORATE RENTALS?- Eyes on the Agoura parks. In anticipation of ball games and birthday parties competing for space at local parks with carnivals, corporate picnics and weddings, the Agoura Hills City Council examined its parks reservation policies at last month's meeting.

The first come, first served policy for picnic shelters and open grass areas may not be meeting the needs of the community, said Amy Brink, director of community services. Under existing policy only ball fields and equestrian areas can be reserved, but requests to use the parks for more elaborate events- such as school carnivals, large family reunions, walk-athons and church serves- have increased, she said.

The council is considering changing the policy to allow expanded use of the parks by corporations, nonprofits and private parties. Groups would be able to reserve space for large events.

The six parks in Agoura Hills are currently utilized by local sports leagues, but ponies, inflatable moon bounces and other children's rides are prohibited in the parks unless the event is citysponsored.

If private and corporate events were to be allowed , Brink said the city would need to enforce permits and be prepared to handle damage, including harm to landscaping and broken equipment.

"All of these issues could potentially require additional staff resources, which may be partially offset by permit fees," Brink said. "Right now we're spending a quarter of a full-time person's time on the parks, and there's definitely a need for more."

Brink estimates that a parttime employee would need to be hired and additional code enforcement would be necessary if the city agrees to the new plan. She said the additional cost could be almost $30,000 per year but that the rental income would cover the costs. The city now earns about $15,000 per year renting its fields to sports leagues. The council would be able to review a fee schedule before approving the move, she said.

Private parties would also be required to pay a security deposit, ranging from $500 to $2,500 depending on the event.

"Alcohol makes the damage deposit much more," Brink said. Large rides and animals would also require a larger deposit since the potential for damage is higher, she said. Some groups might also be required to pay for sheriff's oversight or traffic control.

Brink said municipalities often generate a "healthy revenue" from renting park space.

Due to the city's tight budget, Councilmember Bill Koehler wants the costs of allowing larger events in the parks to be paid for by the issuance of permits.

"If (people) don't come to the city for a permit, they're going to do it anyway," Brink said. "We're busier, it's better- we need the policy."

Brink said another problem is that the city's parks are situated within neighborhoods and local residents may be annoyed by additional traffic and noise.

Scheduled events may also reduce the space available for use by residents, she said.

"(These are) community parks and should be available for the community to use," Mayor John Edelston said.

Councilmember Denis Weber asked if the city could prohibit outside groups from renting local parks.

"You are capable of doing whatever you want to do," City Attorney Craig Steele said. "Legally we can't impose a residency restriction. . . . the preferred use is for residents."

Large corporate events with thousands of people would not be permitted, Brink said. But a company picnic with several hundred would probably be allowed if a new policy were approved.