Rec Board OKs alcohol for special Duncan Plaza events; proposal moves to Massillon council

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read

MASSILLON – The Parks and Recreation Board declined to vote Wednesday on a proposal to permit alcohol use at all city parks but instead updated an ordinance for special event sales at Duncan Plaza.

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The Parks & Rec Board voted 3-2 to amend a longtime city ordinance aimed at formally permitting alcohol at Duncan Plaza for events like the Massillon Museum's annual Island Party. The final call goes to City Council, which could discuss the issue as soon as Monday's work session.

The Massillon Recreation Board amended an longtime city ordinance Wednesday, permitting alcohol at Duncan Plaza for special events.
The Massillon Recreation Board amended an longtime city ordinance Wednesday, permitting alcohol at Duncan Plaza for special events.

The Parks & Rec Board's vote also paves the way for alcohol sales at the city's Sax in the City music event, also held at Duncan Plaza. Approval for alcohol at any plaza events must go through the board.

Traditionally, alcohol sales have been routine for the museum's Island Party, which this year is slated July 15.

"Our ordinance (was) outdated," said Steve Pedro, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department. "We needed to update and clean it up (specifically) for special events."

Massillon Rec Board opinions vary on alcohol issue

Mark Hickey, chairman of the park board, voted against the Duncan Plaza beverage measure.

"It seems like we're trying to get people unhealthy, rather than healthy," he said.

Parks Board member Dave Harding said the proposal was in line and deserved to move ahead.

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"I think the two entities involved (MassMu and the city) have done their due diligence," he said.

The Parks & Rec Board was also mulling a separate option to open up alcohol use or sales at all city parks on the condition of attaining a permit from the Recreation Department.

But no vote was taken on that proposal.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Parks & Recreation Board approves alcohol Duncan Plaza