Politics & Government

Avon Will Allow Alcohol at Avon Isle Park, Community Center

Other city-owned parks will remain dry.

The city of Avon is now permitting alcohol for events at Avon Isle Park and the Avon Community Center.

Previously, alcohol was not permitted in any city-owned park. Both locations are available for rent for private events.

City Council approved an ordinance at its Nov. 12 council meeting, and Mayor Jim Smith approved it the following day.

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“We just redid Avon Isle,” Smith said of the landmark. “We’ve had a lot of requests.”

Alcohol would be permitted for events such as banquets, weddings, reunions, etc. at both locations. Other park properties will remain alcohol free.

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Avon Law Director John Gasior said the change in ordinance would mean alcohol can be distributed, but not sold, at private functions. 

“We were getting people asking if they could bring alcohol beverages to their events,” Gasior said. “We had to change the park rule that prohibited it. For example, at a family reunion, you would not have been previously been able (to have alcohol). “

Both Avon Isle and the Community Center have become popular spots for parties.

“We had to make a provision, before (alcohol) would have broken open container law and park rules and regulations,” Gasior said.

Gasior noted it was different from Veterans Park, where a temporary Class F permit was needed for the annual Duct Tape Heritage Festival, where a beer tent is set up.

Gasior said that while security is not required for those who have alcohol at their gatherings, the city will recommend hosts hire either police or security.

“You don’t have to have security but we’re strongly recommending it depending on the size of the crowd and age of party-goers,” Gasior said. “It’s up to the discretion to the people hosting the event.”

Avon Isle is located at 37080 Detroit Road. The building, a former dance hall, was built in the 1920s and designated a historic landmark in 2010. The city of Avon purchased the building in 1997 and began restoration work in 2010.

The Avon Community Center is located across from Northgate Park on Eaton Drive in central Avon.


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