The City of Mentor has various facilities available for rent to private parties for permitted uses, consistent with a facility’s purpose, capacity, and location. The list of available facilities is published on our website at https://cityofmentor.com/departments/parks-recreation/facility-rental/.
Mentor has never permitted private parties to rent an entire park.
Many fun, family-friendly activities occur regularly on public property that are provided by cities and other public entities as part of their recreation programming. As custodians of public facilities, cities and other public entities conduct activities that are consistent with public interest and ensure public safety and the protection of those facilities. These events require considerable advance planning and staffing to ensure they are conducted in an orderly and safe manner. Community events often require coordination among Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation and Public Works departments, as well as volunteers, to provide a safe and successful event. With these assurances in mind, and consistent with longstanding goodwill with our neighbor, the City of Mentor has historically made Mentor Beach Park available to the City of Mentor-on-the-Lake for city-sponsored events, including the Roar-by-the-Shore car show.
When it was learned that the City of Mentor-on-the-Lake is no longer sponsoring this event as part of its recreation programming, the August 8, 2023 request for exclusive use of the park for this private activity was not granted. No request to hold the event was made to the City prior to August 8, 2023. The City of Mentor will continue to accommodate future public recreation programs offered by the City of Mentor-on-the-Lake at Mentor Beach Park, just as we continue to maintain and invest in that park for the daily enjoyment of residents in both Mentor-on-the-Lake and Mentor.
The City of Mentor provides equal access to its rental facilities for all interested persons and organizations conducting legal activities. However, not all facilities available for rent can accommodate all uses. Parking at Mentor Beach Park is very limited. The only way to accommodate an event such as Roar-by-the Shore, which expects 600-700 cars, would be to permit parking on recreational fields and other green spaces neither designed nor intended for parking. While an occasional city-sponsored event may accommodate such overflow parking without lasting damage, allowing private rentals to do so would fundamentally alter the use of our parks. No matter the nature of the private event, even one with an honorable purpose, local governments cannot favor one group over another, one message over another, or one cause over another as all are constitutionally afforded equal treatment. Making an exception means giving special treatment. Mentor therefore maintains the integrity of its parks for recreation and green spaces by not permitting private parties free reign to use those areas for parking, setting up tents, or other such activities. This practice safeguards the ongoing enjoyment of our park system for all users. Unfortunately, it also precludes exclusive private activities on public property that many persons may deem desirable, such as a car show.
The City of Mentor wholeheartedly supports veteran organizations throughout Lake County and the region and annually sponsors events honoring these heroes. Whether through events such as Roar-by-the-Shore or other means, we encourage residents everywhere to donate to organizations helping veteran causes.