The Fridley City Council voted 4-0 on Nov. 24 to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would raise fees for renting the city’s open-air park shelters.
Mike Maher, the city’s parks and recreation director, told the council the city’s open-air shelters are available from May through October and were rented 96 times in 2025. Reservations for the 2026 season open on Jan. 5.
The fees were last updated in 2023. Maher said the new fees aim to balance affordability and accountability.
Deposits are charged at the time of reservation and refunded if there are no damages or policy violations, Maher said.
Most shelters have a capacity of 50 attendees, except Locke Park Shelter 1, which holds 150.
Policy review and program administration involve Parks and Recreation, Public Safety and Public Works, Maher said.
Maher said Locke Park Shelter 1—previously operated by Anoka County—is the city’s most reserved shelter, with 52 reservations in 2025.
Under the ordinance, the security and conduct deposit for 150-capacity shelters would be $200, matching the deposit required for the Moore Lake Community Building. Maher said Locke Park Shelter 1 has a history of policy disregard, including “park takeover” attempts, alcohol use, exceeding capacity, DJs, noise complaints from residents, many calls for public safety and false information provided to staff at reservation time.
Maher said the new fees reflect small-increment adjustments and align with neighboring communities and agencies. He said the fee structure covers staff time spent administering rentals and cleaning facilities, along with costs associated with public safety responses.
Council Member Patrick Vescio asked whether the fees aligned with surrounding communities. Maher said they did, noting an analysis comparing Fridley’s fees with those in Coon Rapids, Anoka County Parks and Columbia Heights.
Vescio also said the deposit seemed small relative to potential staff time for repairs, while noting it was refundable.
“That’s where I look at it…is that enough to dissuade those activities from happening,” Vescio said. “And I don’t know what amount would be (right) to make sure that we’re still being welcoming, and have the shelter be available.”
Maher said shelter reservations are handled entirely online, and deposits are charged in January. Although refundable, the deposit is held until after the reservation.
“The proposal here was an attempt to kind of balance out not having it being a major barrier to folks where they say, I can’t rent a shelter because the amounts are too high,” Maher said, “versus having that accountability.”
Council Member Luke Cardona asked about staff verification of reservations when events occur on weekends. Maher acknowledged that this is a “soft spot” in policy but said weekend park staff do check on rentals.
Cardona also asked whether public safety receives weekly rental lists and whether this would be part of future discussions on shelter rentals. Maher said Recreation Manager Margo Numedahl prepares a detailed report for about 20 staff members and public safety, which includes times and contact information for each reservation.
Maher said public safety has recently seen social media “chatter” promoting events with DJs. He said staff sometimes reach out to remind organizers of rules, but in other cases organizers provide inaccurate information or cancel.
Cardona suggested creating a tracking system for repeat rule violators, especially for incidents involving public safety.
Mayor David Ostwald asked whether the city had recourse if a renter caused damage. Maher said the city can withhold the deposit and seek additional reimbursement from the rental party.
Cardona said it was important for residents to know the city had invested in its park system and wanted to protect it. He said having checks and balances helps ensure people feel confident in the public’s investment in park facilities.