Local groups say fees to use city parks would effectively keep them out of those parks.
By Scott Taylor
Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Plans to regulate which group gets to use city parks still needs more work, city councilors agreed Tuesday.

Councilors tabled a parks use policy that would require groups to register with the city to use Kennedy Park, Courthouse Plaza, the Bates Mill Fountain Park and Railroad Park.

Councilors were considering a policy that would have made certain parks available for certain kinds of events. For example, Courthouse Plaza and the Bates Mill Fountain Park would be used for arts and cultural events while festivals and special events would be directed to Railroad Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

Those requirements had been dropped, according to City Administrator Jim Bennett.

Instead, the latest draft of the policy would require organizers to pay a fee based on the city’s capital debt at the park. Events at newer Courthouse Plaza would cost organizers $250 in capital fees, while events at the Bates Mill Fountain Park would cost $150. Railroad Park events would pay $125 in capital fees and events scheduled for Kennedy Park would be free.

“That park was paid for many years ago,” Bennett said.

Local religious and community groups said those prices would effectively keep them out of those parks.

“I think we’re about halfway there,” said Capt. John Bennett of the Salvation Army. “We’ve gotten away from saying which groups could use which park. But you are essentially doing the same thing with these fees.”

City Councilor Renee Bernier suggested creating a discount for local groups based on the number of years in Lewiston and councilors agreed. They’ll discuss the issue again at their next meeting, Sept. 23.

staylor@sunjournal.com

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