Commission approves series of event permits, a single-day dog exception for a wedding and a Shorewood High School overnight camp

The commission reviewed and approved several event requests and limited exceptions at the Feb. 27 meeting, including a one-time exception to allow a dog at a wedding at the conservancy, permission for an overnight high-school canoe trip to use the conservancy as a campsite, multiple no-fee community events and a slate of fee events with standard permitting conditions.

Nut graf: The commission granted short-term, event-specific approvals while underscoring that applicants must meet city permitting, insurance and site-specific requirements; staff noted that some event fees were waived and that standard clerk’s-office permits (including any alcohol permits) remain the applicant’s responsibility.

Details: Mike, a Parks, Recreation and Forestry staff member, presented the requests. Friends of the Lydell/Marin Conservancy (referred to as the Friends of Lack Lorraine in the presentation) had approved a prior similar request; the couple requested the bride and groom’s dog be present for the ceremony on Oct. 11 and staff said the dog would be on a leash for the ceremony. The commission approved the temporary exception by motion and vote.

Shorewood High School requested permission to camp overnight at the conservancy on June 18 as part of a multi-day canoe trip down the Milwaukee River; staff said the group has not caused past problems and the commission approved the request. Mike reviewed no-fee events that must still complete city permitting and provide insurance—examples included the Baird Shred event, Regner Park German Night, Regnerfest, Dirty Ninja mud run for kids, Nitro softball tournament at Quas Creek Park (under an existing memorandum of understanding), a Geo Cash Bash hosted by the chamber and Wisconsin Riders (Fraternal Order of Police event). The commission approved the list of no-fee events.

Staff also presented fee events for commission consideration. Examples included a first-time Steps Against Sexual Assault 5K planned for Sept. 26 at Ridge Run Park (staff estimated certain labor-related fees on the memo), a Homegrown concert event in Regner Park (proposed as a two-day event), an annual Moose Lodge fundraiser, the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s chalk-and-art festival, German Fest, Stake in the Park (by Noon Kiwanis), Festa Latina and a Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 27. The commission approved the fee events; staff noted the commission could waive specific fees while city permit fees (through the clerk’s office) are not waived and remain the applicant’s responsibility.

Ending: Staff reiterated applicants must complete the city permitting process, provide required insurance and follow event-specific requirements such as litter control and volunteer management; commissioners encouraged continued coordination between event organizers and department staff.