Hampton offsets park-use costs with usage fees

To offset costs to the township, Hampton is charging groups for use of the community park during special events, including 5K races organized by nonprofits as fundraisers.

New this year is a fee primarily aimed at covering the presence of police officers to ensure safety, according to parks and recreation programs administrator Melanie Martino.

“That would be normally two officers at the special events or 5K races. The township would take on the cost for one of the officers, and then the organization, we ask to pay for the other officer,” Martino said at Hampton Council’s June 12 agenda meeting, noting a $400 fee.

She said municipal staff members decided to implement the charge last year, when the township received a higher number of requests for use of the park.

“We’re only doing that to absorb the cost that the township takes on,” she told council. “It’s not that we’re making a profit from that.”

Another $100 is charged for the use of a pavilion.

Council members agreed to uphold the fee policy after receiving a waiver request for the 19th annual Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K, scheduled for Nov. 10 at Hampton Community Park.

“Operation Troop Appreciation is a wonderful cause, for sure. I don’t question that,” township manager Ryan Jeroski said. “But special events, they’re a serious commitment of township resources, and my concern is if we would waive the fees for this, the number of requests you would get to waive fees would be through the roof.”

A completely volunteer-run nonprofit based in West Mifflin, Operation Troop Appreciation was founded in 2004 to fulfill requests by active-duty troops. The group’s efforts have expanded to include a Veterans Welcome Home Program, supporting those who are struggling financially, physically and mentally.

Proceeds from the Veterans Day 5K, organized by Hampton resident Alice McLaughlin, will be used to provide care packages to active duty-troops stationed around the world.

Two other nonprofits with races on their schedules are paying to use Hampton Community Park, according to Jeroski.

On July 4, the 18th annual Hampton Township Rotary Club Firecracker 5K will start at 8:30 a.m. Money raised at the event, which medals for finishers in a variety of age groups, supports various educational and charitable activities sponsored by the club.

Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence will hold the HAEE 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 13 as its main yearly fundraiser. Proceeds go toward grants awarded to local schools for special programs and support for special needs, physical education and the arts.

A volunteer organization established in 1992, HAEE helps provide educational enrichment of students enrolled in Hampton Township School District. According to its website, HAEE is a mix of parents from each school in the district, alumni of Hampton High School, taxpayers without school-aged children, and representatives from local business and industry.