Updated alcohol ordinance approved by Aberdeen Park and Recreation Board
An updated alcohol policy was approved this week by the Aberdeen Park and Recreation Board.
It will next be reviewed by the Aberdeen City Council on May 16.
The ordinance, which was presented by City Attorney Ron Wager, establishes rules regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in all Aberdeen Park and Recreation facilities. Some rules include specifying when someone will need a permit to sell alcohol and places where alcohol is entirely prohibited.
Alcohol will be prohibited at all organized youth activities, children's playgrounds and at Nicollet Park, among other places. Nicollet Park is a small park in front of Burger King along Sixth Avenue Southeast.
There are also some instances during which people would be able to take their own alcohol to park and rec facilities without a permit. A common example would be at a park picnic.
More: Council adopts ordinance changes for chronic nuisance regulations, alcohol use in city parks
Any large group activities or public events involving alcohol would require a facility permit, according to the ordinance. Those instances could include reunions, weddings, fundraisers and entertainment events.
If someone wants to sell alcohol, they would have to obtain a special event license. Those would be applied for at the city finance office and approved by the city council.
While facility permits and special event licenses are both part of the ordinance, they cover different situations. The licenses involve the sale of alcohol. Facility permits are just for the use of space.
The sale of alcohol would have to end an hour before a park closes, unless an exception is approved. The curfew for Aberdeen parks is 11 p.m.
During the summer season, which is defined as Memorial Day through Labor Day, alcoholic beverages would not be allowed to be sold or consumed at Storybook Land, the Land of Oz or the zoo at Wylie Park. Those attractions are closed during the winter months.
Board authorizes Riverside Cemetery bids
One bid was submitted do sitework in preparation for a cremation garden at Riverside Memorial Cemetery, said Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Mark Hoven. The board approved the bid of $57,600. The city has not received a bid for construction of the columbarium, which will hold the cremains.
More: Cremation garden approved for Riverside Memorial Cemetery
Cemetery manager Ryan Smith recommended that the board give approval to a 144-niche columbarium, which is the larger of the two options that have been discussed. Each niche would hold two cremains. The ossuary in the center of the structure would hold about 270 cremains with the 144-niche columbarium.
Smith said a $5,000 donation was made for the project by someone who wants a bench in the area. He said that three benches will be added. The complete project is estimated to cost about $150,000, Hoven said.
Playground equipment coming to Kuhnert Arboretum
The board also gave approval for the park department to bid for playground equipment for Kuhnert Arboretum south of Melgaard Park.
Hoven said said the necessary documents have been signed with the National Park Service. The project is estimated to cost $150,000, with $68,000 coming through grants.
This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Park Board approves updated alcohol ordinance for Aberdeen
