City Increases Rental Rates For Crown Point, Simpson Barn

If you're planning to use Simpson Barn or Crown Point Community Center for an event next year, you might want to adjust your budget.

The Johnston City Council approved an increase to rental rates for both buildings at Monday's meeting.

The fee for Simpson Barn increased to $65 per hour, from the current rate of $45 per hour.

Johnston Parks Director John Schmitz said several improvements have been made to both buildings since the last time rental rates were increased.

The rental rate for Simpson Barn has not increased in seven years.

The rental fee for Crown Point Community Center will be increased to $65 per hour, an increase of only $5. The rental rate for Crown Point hasn't been increased for three year.

When determining the new rental rates, city staff looked at surrounding facilities and fee structures.

• The Johnston Lion's Club rents their building for $300 to $750 per day.
• Stonehaven Barn in DeSoto rents their building for $3,000 per day.
• The Raccoon River Nature Lodge rents for $90 per hour.
• Jester Park Lodge is rented for $575 to $1,300 per day.

Schmitz said the city's parks board discussed the idea of charging more for non-residents.

However the board felt different rental rates for non-residents would be more work for staff with only a minimal price difference.

Schmitz said that staff figured about three-fourths of the people utilizing Simpson Barn are Johnston residents.