The Ottawa City Council wants to make sure they’re complying with their alcohol ordinance. Mayor Robb Hasty says when festivals like the Welcome Burger picnic or Two Rivers Wine Fest happened, people were not allowed to serve alcohol because it’s not allowed at any of the parks under the city’s current ordinance. He want to create an ordinance to change the language so it can be served during festivals at Washington Square Park, the Jordan Block, and riverfront area that’s being devloped. But he also wants to open up but restrict alcohol allowed if a family gathers for an event in one of the parks that has a shelter if it’s allowed. Three of the city’s parks ban having alcohol completely.
Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut says he’s against the ordinance if it’s for all parks that allow it.
Commissioner Marla Pearson says she would be okay with it at Washington Square Park, the Jordan Block, and the riverfront area but not at Fox River Park or Allen Park. The city council could vote on the ordinance by their next meeting in June. Hasty says he wants to get it done soon because of the upcoming wine festival and future summer events.