Title
Centennial Park West Events and Walks
History
The Village processes approximately 10 special event permits for walks each year. In order to avoid roadway shutdowns and the need for police to direct traffic, these events are traditionally staged out of Centennial Park. This is starting to create conflicts with sports tournaments and CPAC pool usage, particularly as it relates to parking shortages and damage to athletic field grass on staging areas. Staff would like to shift the staging areas for these walks to Centennial West in 2020 in order to utilize the surplus parking available at that location and stage on the grass where tournament level field grass is not required. Park’s staff also believes that with longer rebound times and without field play, the Centennial West grass will not be as affected. Events would be scheduled so as to not conflict with concert dates (and setup/takedown). Walks could still proceed through Centennial Park via the underpass access.
The Village Board previously approved a policy for Centennial West rental fee of $1000, but that language seems to be for concerts. In addition to requesting the relocation of these events staff would recommend that the current fee structure for nonprofit 501 (c)(3) events remain unchanged.
On December 16, 2019, this item was reviewed by the Committee of the Whole, recommended for approval, and referred to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Financial Impact
None
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the venue change to Centennial West for nonprofit 501 (c)(3) events and the current fee structure for said events remain at the current levels.