Riverside Park in Oakmont to Remain Alcohol-Free

Riverside Park in Oakmont currently is an alcohol-free park—and it will remain that way.

On Monday, Oakmont Councilwoman Laurie Saxon presented a recommendation from the borough rec board to council, suggesting that officials consider allowing alcohol to be consumed at the park.

The rec board recommended that alcohol should be allowed by special exception at the pavilions and during special events held at the upper field—such as the Oakmont Lions Club concerts in the park—as long as officials receive notice a month in advance.

However, officials were not sold on the idea and nixed it.

"I don't see any positives," said Councilman Tim Favo.

Some officials were concerned about what it would do to insurance costs.

Borough Manager Lisa Cooper Jensen said liability insurance most likely would increase.

Mayor Robert Fescemyer expressed concern that it would "open a Pandora's box." He mentioned other communities' police departments have had problems with riots and incidents involving alcohol in parks.

Councilwoman Nancy Ride said she's attended concerts where alcohol is allowed at Hartwood Acres in O'Hara Township, and she hasn't noticed a problem.

"I know the logic is that more alcohol means more problems, but I wonder if that's true," she said.

Officials also noted that the park is an area for families, and it is abutted by residences and a school.

"I'd like to keep it that way," Saxon said.

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