Council Approves $25 Fee for Park Water

The Olney City Council voted Monday night to begin charging a $25 fee for water access at Tom Griffin Park and Tommy Perkins Park for private parties using large inflatable water slides and similar attractions.

Mayor Rue Rogers, City Secretary Tammy Hourigan and Public Works Director Michael Jacoba discussed the issue during a lengthy conversation about growing recreational use of city parks during the summer months.

Mayor Rogers said residents have increasingly requested permission to use city water hookups for large slip-and-slide inflatables and water attractions during birthday parties and school gatherings.

“We’re not trying to break the bank. We’re not trying to get rich,” Mayor Rogers said. “But we’re just trying to account for some of that money because that is water that we’re essentially just giving away for free.”

Ms. Hourigan said a local business has begun renting the large inflatable attractions, increasing demand for park water access.

“It will come up probably more often in three weeks than it has in three years,” Ms. Hourigan told the council.

Councilmembers discussed whether the city should charge residents at all, with some initially suggesting the city simply allow free access for local families using public parks. Others argued that without some sort of regulation or fee structure, water usage could become excessive.

Councilmember Thea Sullivan said she worried that unrestricted access could eventually lead to major water use.

“One party sees the water slide, you’re going to start having tons of [them],” Ms. Sullivan said. “I’m afraid if we don’t at least do the minimal fee, it might end up being quite a bit of water usage.”

Ms. Hourigan said the city currently has no practical way to monitor how long people use the water hookups during weekend events. Jacoba also noted that the water lines are already metered as part of the city’s state-required water audit process.

The council ultimately settled on a flat $25 fee for private use of park water hookups, with city, county and school-related events likely to remain exempt.

Mayor Rogers said the policy would also help city departments better coordinate cleanup, police patrols and park oversight during larger gatherings.

The measure passed unanimously.