New policy and fees were approved by the Allegan City Council last month for the use of city properties and right of ways.
The need for a set policy reared its head this summer when some nonprofit agencies were paying a half-off rate to rent the Griswold Auditorium, while others requested the city council waive fees altogether, including deposits to reserve parks.
The new policies and fees were aimed to end inconsistencies and streamline the rental process by eliminating council approvals to waive fees. It also includes the elimination of the deposit to reserve a park.
After studying the rates at the Griswold, it was determined the banquet facility needed a rate increase to cover expenses as it was operating at a loss. The previous rate of $650 for six hours was raised to $750.
The policy for free usage of the Griswold, donated as a public building for public use, includes all Allegan area government (city and county), and the Allegan District Library. Additionally, all fees will be waived for Allegan Public Schools educational use.
The Banquet Room offers free use for all Allegan community events during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of those hours, the Banquet Room is available to Allegan community events at a discounted flat rate of $100.
For Allegan groups and organizations who utilize Griswold Auditorium for a minimum of 80 hours annually, a discounted rate of $20 per hour is offered pending city staff approval.
Griswold rental prices
Auditorium
Equipped with theatrical lighting, sound and natural acoustics, the historic auditorium is for upcoming performance events, large meetings or wedding ceremonies. With the use of the balcony it can seat more than 600.
Hourly Rate: $60
Six hours: $200
Additional hourly rate: $50
Hourly rate if rented in conjunction with banquet room: $25
Banquet room
The 3,300 sq. ft. garden-level banquet area with kitchen and bar top is for wedding receptions, open houses, arts, exhibits, classes, etc, and can accommodate 200. It is barrier-free and has adjacent parking.
Hourly rate: $115
Six hours: $750
Six hours with décor: $850
Additional hourly rate: $50
Linens available: Market rate
Marilla and upper lounges
For smaller open houses, showers, rehearsal dinners, business meetings or seminars, the upstairs accommodates up to 75.
Hourly Rate $30
Hourly rate if rented in conjunction with the auditorium or banquet room: $15.
The Regent Theatre
The historic theatre seats 205 on the ground floor and an additional 140 in the balcony and can be rented for private use around the regular showtime schedule of Monday-Friday 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12:30-9:30 p.m. at $50 an hour. It can include a private showing of any BluRay or DVD movie; a private showing of any current feature with the additional ticket cost of $4 per person; purchase of concessions at regular price; access to folding tables and chair; and personalized marquee display.
Riverfront stage
Is at Riverfront Plaza. Request of use includes only the stage, the grass seating area and the brick paved area between the grass and the parking lot, and public access to the riverfront boardwalk. If more space is needed, a special request is required. Cost is $100 for a full day or $50 for a half day.
Sports complex
Is a 63-acre park on 29th Street in Allegan Township. Use includes only the reservation of the pavilion and picnic tables available within. Cost is $100 for a full day or $50 for half a day. Public amenities include four baseball fields, two softball fields, batting cage, four soccer fields, football field, public playground, public restrooms and a 1-mile paved walking loop.
Mahan Park
Is at the east end of Riverfront Plaza off of Brady Street in downtown Allegan. Request for use includes only the reservation of Mahan Gazebo. Cost is $100 for a full day or $50 for a half day. Other public amenities include picnic tables, access to the Riverfront boardwalk and nearby public restrooms at the Welcome Center.
Jaycee Park
Is at 200 Monroe Street on the Kalamazoo River just outside downtown Allegan. Request of use includes only the reservation of the pavilion and picnic tables available within. Cost is $100 for a full day or $50 for half a day. Public amenities include grills, public playground, skate park, dog park, 9-hole disc golf course; basketball court; game field perfect for kickball or wiffleball; fishing access on the Kalamazoo River; public restrooms.
Hanson Park
Is on the west end of the Riverfront Plaza behind the Griswold Auditorium in downtown Allegan. Request of use includes only the reservation of the gazebo on the riverbank. Cost is $100 for a full day or $50 for half a day. Other public amenities include a public playground, picnic tables, handicap accessible canoe and kayak launch and boardwalk access.
*Previously the half-day rate for parks was $75 with a refundable deposit of $25 and the all day rate was $150 with a refundable deposit of $50.
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