Hood River City Councilors have decided the large lawn area at Waterfront Park should not be rented out for private events. The City is going through the process of establishing boundaries of private uses in the facility. Councilors decided renting out picnic shelters is allowable, and one-time special events that are private in nature but open to the public can be done. City Manager Steve Wheeler says there is a basic philosophy being developed centered around the park having been paid for with public dollars, so it should be open accessible to the public. Wheeler added the policy toward renting out space in Waterfront Park is a work in progress.