PF to consider request to sell alcohol at Corbin Park

POST FALLS - The Post Falls City Council tonight will consider a request to sell alcohol at Corbin Park during the Fourth of July week.

Bob Wilhelm, owner of Bob's 21 Club in Post Falls, is seeking permission to sell alcohol for a fundraiser for three days during the week.

"We have not permitted this in the past, but this is the first time we have had a licensed business make the request," said Dave Fair, Post Falls' parks and recreation director.

Wilhelm first approached Kootenai County with the request and agreed to comply with the county's requirements.

Corbin Park is in the county, but is owned by the city.

City staff have concerns about the request since the Spokane River at the park has been the site of several drownings over the years. It is recommending that the council deny the request.

"As a staff member, I do not see this as a good fit for that park, but it really is a bigger issue and that is why it is going up to the council so that I have clear direction," said Fair, referring to the precedent that would be set possibly leading to similar requests at other parks.

The city has not allowed alcohol sales at parks unless it is a city-sanctioned nonprofit event such as Post Falls Days and the Community Picnic.

"We have not allowed for the sale of alcohol in our parks at any other time," Fair said in a memo to the council.

The city allows for the consumption of alcohol in its parks by those of legal age, and Corbin is popular with disc golf enthusiasts.

In addition to considering the request specifically, the council will review the policy of alcohol sales in parks in general.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 408 N. Spokane St.