Lower Burrell considers allowing alcohol in parks for events only

People who attend events at Lower Burrell city parks may be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage under a proposal from city council.

Mayor Chris Fabry said the city will draft a proposal that would allow alcohol in city parks during events only. He intends for the proposed rules to be introduced at an April council meeting.

“We want to be able to create a relaxed atmosphere at community events that is inviting and encourages people to stick around,” he said.

Rules also would require food trucks to get a yearly permit to operate in the city, City Manager Greg Primm said.

The proposal would outline regulations for vendors, establish fees and requirements for vendors to get a permit, and would mandate they operate in accordance with police and state Liquor Control Board Enforcement regulations.

The proposal comes at a time when more city events are returning to Lower Burrell parks. Last year, officials unveiled a Christmas in the Woods event at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Park. It maintains, and has grown, a Harvest Festival there and plans a summer music festival, Kick it at Kotecki, in July.

The summer music festival takes the place of a Community Day officials kicked off last year. Officials say that event still will be family-friendly but will have more of an upbeat, rock vibe that adults can enjoy.

The city’s goal is to have the new rules in place before some of the city’s summer events, Fabry said.

“We want to do this in the most responsible way possible and are limiting it to actual events, not open-ended for anyone who is there,” Fabry said. “I will never support people going down there for a pickup ball game and bringing a six pack of beer while kids are playing soccer and running across the parking lot.”

Similar alcohol rules exist at events like New Kensington’s Fridays on Fifth.

“Safety will always be our top priority, but neighboring communities have shown you can have alcohol at events while maintaining a safe environment,” Fabry said.