Policy on Special Events in City Parks Parks and Recreation Commission July 18, 2013
Current Policy WMC 12.50.430 – “no other City of Woodinville parks may be reserved except for City-sponsored events.” “No other City of Woodinville parks may be reserved for ‘special commercial events’ as that term is defined in WMC 8.12.20 (2).”
Current Policy WMC 8.12.20 (2) – “’Special commercial event’ means a special event that is not a special civic event and is organized for commercial purpose, including but not limited to sales, advertising, fund raising, and marketing. Any special event that is not a special civic event and sells tickets, or charges any fee for admission, entry or participation shall be considered a special commercial event.”
Current Policy “Special civic events” are City-sponsored or City-wide (an event in which the community as a whole is involved in organizing). Includes: Celebrate Woodinville concerts and festival, YMCA Skateboard Competition at Rotary Park
Potential Benefits/Drawbacks Economic development Community-building & civic pride Ties up park for other users Parking & traffic impacts Business and resident disruption More administrative burden
Policy Issues For-profit vs. non-profit Limits – dates and locations Cost recovery