Spring Break
Alcohol consumption to be allowed in Phoenix Park
Interested groups need to get permission from the city before hosting an event
Jacob McCormick
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: Campus News
Eau Claire City Councilman Brandon Buchanan called Phoenix Park the "jewel of Eau Claire." And with the recent passing of his co-sponsored city ordinance, students and citizens can have a few drinks under city restrictions while enjoying the gem.
Under the measure, special interest groups or groups of people wishing to host an event in Phoenix Park can apply for a permits from the city allowing them to serve alcohol at the event, Buchanan said, adding that the previous ordinance restricted any alcohol use at the park.
"There have been people and organizations that wanted to rent the park but went elsewhere because of the ban," he said. "I don't think it'll take away from other parks, it just allows more options."
Buchanan said people still can't just walk in and bring alcohol and he believes people should be able to use Phoenix Park like the other major parks in Eau Claire.
"I don't think a complete alcohol ban is the best thing for the city," he said.
However, fellow Councilman David Duax voted against the ordinance for a variety of reasons.
Duax said the Council came up with a compromise that limits events and quantities, but felt the compromise was still going too far. The Parks and Waterways Commission unanimously voted against allowing any alcohol in the park, he added.
"I want to wait another year because the park is in its infancy and we need to see how we're going to use it," Duax said. "We just signed a $1.8 million development contract for the area around Phoenix Park and I think we need to go slow with this and see what the residents around the area think."
Senior Caitlin Hammer said she frequents Phoenix Park for the Farmer's Market, Music in the Park and various other activities. She said the ordinance could be a good thing for students.
"I go to Music in the Park a lot and it would be nice to be able to drink a few beers while watching the bands," Hammer said. "Having a graduation party there wouldn't be a bad idea either."
Under the measure, special interest groups or groups of people wishing to host an event in Phoenix Park can apply for a permits from the city allowing them to serve alcohol at the event, Buchanan said, adding that the previous ordinance restricted any alcohol use at the park.
"There have been people and organizations that wanted to rent the park but went elsewhere because of the ban," he said. "I don't think it'll take away from other parks, it just allows more options."
Buchanan said people still can't just walk in and bring alcohol and he believes people should be able to use Phoenix Park like the other major parks in Eau Claire.
"I don't think a complete alcohol ban is the best thing for the city," he said.
However, fellow Councilman David Duax voted against the ordinance for a variety of reasons.
Duax said the Council came up with a compromise that limits events and quantities, but felt the compromise was still going too far. The Parks and Waterways Commission unanimously voted against allowing any alcohol in the park, he added.
"I want to wait another year because the park is in its infancy and we need to see how we're going to use it," Duax said. "We just signed a $1.8 million development contract for the area around Phoenix Park and I think we need to go slow with this and see what the residents around the area think."
Senior Caitlin Hammer said she frequents Phoenix Park for the Farmer's Market, Music in the Park and various other activities. She said the ordinance could be a good thing for students.
"I go to Music in the Park a lot and it would be nice to be able to drink a few beers while watching the bands," Hammer said. "Having a graduation party there wouldn't be a bad idea either."
Be the first to comment on this story