Parks Director Asks For Study On Commercial Use
Parks and Recreation Director J.R. Fourqurean asked City Council on Tuesday to consider whether new rules are needed for businesses operating in city parks without authorization.
Fourqurean said people have used park facilities for paid activities, such as personal training and fitness classes, without following city permitting or partnership processes. Officials are unsure how widespread this issue is, but Fourqurean noted concerns about public access, safety, and liability.
“We’re not entirely sure how pervasive this is throughout our system,” Fourqurean told the council. “But in working with the law department, we thought this was something important enough to bring back to council and talk about possible next steps.”
The issue centers on what the city considers unauthorized commercial use of public facilities — activities conducted in parks for financial gain without the city’s approval. Fourqurean noted commercial activities are permitted when done through established channels, including contractors, vendors, and formal partnerships.
Youth sports leagues such as WYBSL, for example, operate through agreements that allow park use and require contributions to field maintenance and program operations. The concern is when individuals or businesses conduct private, for-profit activities in public spaces without following the required city processes.
One issue is the potential privatization, in which fee-charging groups occupy park areas and exclude other residents. Another concern involves groups appearing to reserve park facilities through unofficial arrangements.
Fourqurean cited other communities where teams arrived to use fields after being told by a private individual they could “rent” the space, though the city had not approved it. Unpermitted activities raise safety and legal concerns if facilities aren’t prepared or if participants are injured during unsanctioned events, Fourqurean said. Authorized instructors and vendors carry liability insurance and follow city policies.
Fourqurean said he was not proposing specific legislation at this time but asked the council to clearly consider whether developing ordinances and enforcement mechanisms should be a priority for addressing unauthorized commercial activities in city parks.
City staff and the law department will review the matter to identify potential solutions and may return to the council with clear recommendations for possible ordinances or policies.
Mayor David Grimes asked if this was an initial discussion and if the council would later consider ordinances and enforcement. Fourqurean said the discussion is a preview, with detailed policy talks to follow if the council moves forward.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Reader funding, including subscribers, protects editorial independence, so coverage is guided by journalists rather than owners or corporate profit goals. It also reduces pressure to chase clicks, letting the newsroom focus on stories worth readers’ time. And it helps keep the site accessible to everyone, including people who can’t pay or live in places where a free press is under threat.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
