Vendors Could Do Business in City Parks Under Proposed Change

A proposed amendment to city code would open city parks up to commercial vendors if New Port Richey City Council members give the code change final approval.

City Council members gave initial approval Tuesday to the amendment allowing commercial vendors to do business in parks so long as the vendor has a permit, lease or license issued by the city.

Under the revised code, vendors could do things like rent out kayaks, canoes and bicycles or sell boat rides, food, drinks and other products and services.

The current code only allows vendors during special events.

There would be an application and permit process for vendors to set up in the park.

Former Deputy Mayor Rob Marlowe told the council he encouraged them to give "strong consideration to approving this measure."

"Not that I suggest we steal anything from our sister city down the river, but there's a pontoon boat tour that I really think ought to be docked at Sims Park 12 months out of the year and not just during special events," he said.

Councilman Chopper Davis said he was "100 percent" for the change. 

"It's just another way to make New Port Richey a destination," he said. 

Tuesday’s vote was the first of two needed to adopt the proposed ordinance change. The second vote is scheduled for June 18. 

What do you think, would this help or hurt the city's parks?