City to pursue new riverfront concessionaire and a food trailer at Veterans Park; council hears operational plans

The council reviewed a proposal to place a new concessionaire at RiverLink Park and to site a seasonal food trailer at Veterans Park. Staff recommended moving forward with Megabytes (Megan Pedrasek) as a concession operator to provide extended hours, event support and deliveries tied to Anthony’s Deli; councilors and staff praised her operational capacity and local experience.

Recreation staff described how the previous concessionaire under contract sought to exit, the city conducted an RFP and two candidates were interviewed; one withdrew for scheduling reasons and Megabytes proposed a plan that would provide food seven days a week, coordinate deliveries via a nearby deli and offer event programming. Supporters noted possibilities for expanded operating hours, QR‑code ordering and integration with waterfront events, and said Megabytes could bring staffing and catering capacity.

Separately, staff discussed a plan for a seasonal food trailer at Veterans Park to serve pool users, sport leagues and events. The city reported it has contacted the Department of Health and engineering about water, electrical service and wastewater disposal options; options include moving the trailer every three days to comply with wastewater regulations or installing a sewer connection. Staff said they aim for a July start when the pool opens but must finish engineering and permit work first.

Council members endorsed moving the proposals forward and asked staff to return with formal contract terms and site plans. Staff also said they will reapply for a pool‑house grant once an older grant closeout is completed.