Forney Park Board Jan. 21, 2015 decides against amphitheatre rentals
The Forney Park Board held a 70-minute debate regarding the feasibility of renting out the Spellman Amphitheater. Armed with updated spreadsheets comparing 17 area amphitheaters of similar size that are rentable, and examining the fees and revenue of the eight that provided data, it was noted that 6 of the 8 produced an average of $5,900 per year. Many of the contracts for renting those amphitheaters are over 30 pages long. The difficulty of coordinating amphitheater rental for large groups with the sports activities at the park presented another obstacle.
The board voted to not allow private rental of the amphitheater, and to request a business model from the City Council. Mr. Hobbs was present, and will update the other council members during the strategic retreat this weekend.
Mr. Curry then provided an update on the many items that prevent him from sleeping on the job:
- restriping of the fire lanes, which is being done by staff, which was able to procure a used striping machine, thereby saving the city about $10,000.
- Maintenance building expansion, as approved by the city council.
- efforts to replace the shade structures at Mulberry park; winter inspection of playing fields
- preparing the Parks budget, and adjusting the 5-year CIP list
- Gateway Parks park-land, and Bell & Hamblen park projects
- security camera training; creation of SOP documentation; TPWD Trail Grant efforts
- Cartegraph program training and usage, which will also be used by public works
- Sports - facilities use agreements, the FISD softball tournament in Feb, TAAF and/or NAYS training, and expanded abilities on the City's new website.
- A long list of special events, including the concert series and the ceremonial events.
The board adjourned at 8:40.