Events in Parks Must Follow New Rules

Those wanting to rent space at city parks will have new rules and hours of operation to consider.

The City Council this week approved a request by the recreation commission to require groups of 50 or more to make a refundable security deposit before hosting an event.

Fees currently charged depend on whether a group wants to rent a baseball field or just a barbecue pit. Groups with fewer than 75 people previously did not have to pay a city fee. However, events with 50 or more people will now be required to pay a $75 deposit.

The change was made after some community events exceeded estimated head counts, resulting in unanticipated damage to facilities, from things such as excess trash.

“When you bring in a party, it’s not a regular use, it’s a large event and expensive to the city. There’s wear and tear, and trash, and things that go along with that,” said June Dubreuil, chairwoman of the park’s commission.

The council also agreed to limit events at city parks to two hours each.

And because nearby residents have complained about loud noises, the council has imposed new restrictions on when parties can occur.

City parks will continue to be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the new rules won’t allow events to start until after 8 a.m., and amplified music will not be permitted before 10 a.m. Music had been allowed during normal park hours.

The changes, however, do not apply to some local sports teams that have contracts with the city for park use. Sports teams without a contract must abide by the new rules.

The changes are minor and only affect a few people, because there are not a lot of big events, said Mary Lindley, Moorpark’s director of community services. The biggest problem was the amplified sound at night, she said.

“If you lived by a park, you’d appreciate these changes. It’s a way of being respectful,” Dubreuil added.