At a public hearing Monday, nobody spoke against a measure that would allow alcohol in five city parks for fundraisers.

The proposed ordinance would allow alcohol to be consumed at events in Hazel Abel Park, Stransky Park, Sunken Gardens, Antelope Park Rose Garden and Pioneers Park Nature Center.

Proponents estimated the measure would amount to two to three events per year, and the fundraisers must benefit the Parks and Recreation Department.

Alcohol has been permitted at similar fundraisers at golf tournaments on city courses, at the Lincoln Children’s Museum and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Bob Ripley with the Parks Advisory Board said fundraising is the provision’s key benefit.

“Even when times are good, we’re interested in fundraising for our parks. When economic times are not as good, we’re even more interested in fundraising,” Ripley said during the City Council hearing.

Ripley was among seven proponents who testified in favor of the ordinance.

Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady testified in a neutral capacity, reporting that police haven’t had problems with fundraisers  on city properties that now allow alcohol.

“There hasn’t been a single problem I am aware of,” he said. “These aren’t the kinds of events where we’d expect to have alcohol-related fallout.”

Jolanda Junge-Kuzma, executive director of the Lincoln Parks Foundation, said alcohol would make fundraising events more desirable to attend.

“This will enhance a number of events and would impact us greatly,” she said. “Alcohol adds to the ambiance of the event.”  

For example, the foundation is planning an event in Antelope Park in September to raise money for the proposed Union Plaza.

The council will vote on the measure Aug. 11 at its 1:30 p.m. meeting.

Reach Lisa Munger at lmunger@journalstar.com or 473-7107.