Park & Recreation Commission Item

Each year, the Park and Recreation Commission reviews various aspects of group picnic reservations including total revenue, reservation methods, event types and other related factors.

In previous years, a large group fee was introduced for gatherings of 100 or more to help cover the additional costs associated with hosting larger groups. This fee has been well-received, and staff recommends maintaining it. A comparison of reservation fees with nearby communities, including Eden Prairie, Chaska, Shakopee, and Bloomington, shows that Chanhassen's rates remain competitive, particularly when considering shelter capacity, amenities and access to recreational facilities.

While some customers have expressed interest in hourly or half-day rentals, current staffing and operational capacity do not support the turnaround needed to accommodate multiple reservations in a single day. Therefore, staff recommends continuing with the existing full-day rental rates.

The City of Chanhassen's picnic reservation fees were last increased in 2020. Based on a review of surrounding communities and current reservation practices, staff recommends maintaining the existing group picnic reservation fees for 2027.

The Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council approve the 2027 picnic reservation fees for group picnics.