$44 Fee For Use Of Parks
Newcastle Herald
Saturday March 2, 2002
WEDDING parties and private groups will be charged a $44 booking fee to use seven of the city's parks under moves announced by Newcastle City Council yesterday.
Council staff are considering the introduction of charges for private catered functions in public places and a scale of rental fees for people who want to exclusively use parts of parks for several hours.
The moves have been sparked by disputes, mainly involving wedding groups, over the use of parks.
Council spokesman Graeme Matthews said the standard fee was the first step in a review of the council's parks booking policy.
A draft of the new policy will be exhibited for public comment before the end of June.
The King Edward Park rotunda and Customs House plaza have been available for private bookings and subject to fees for several years, Mr Matthews said.
He said charging people to use picturesque public parts of the city was the same as sporting groups booking particular fields for games.
Council city services manager Janice Walsh said private ceremony fees would help offset the cost of maintaining the parks.
She said the booking system was not working.
The demand for beautiful backdrops had increased and groups intending to use the same areas for photographs or ceremonies had clashed.
`We need a better organised system for a more efficient use of the parks,' Ms Walsh said.
From July 1, the $44 fee will apply to King Edward Park, Customs House plaza, Christie Place and Civic Park near City Hall, Hamilton's Gregson Park and Jesmond Park.
The charge will apply to Lambton Park from January 1, when restoration of its rotunda is expected to be completed.
Mr Matthews said the fees would apply to weddings, wedding photographs, christenings and other private functions.
Bookings had tended to be self-regulating and tied parts of the parks up for about an hour.
`With a formal booking, people can be assured they will not be sharing their special day with three or four other parties,' Mr Matthews said.
For bookings, call the parks and recreation department on 4974-2807.
© 2002 Newcastle Herald
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