City staff proposes fenced family zone, bag checks and contracted security for July Fourth Great American Picnic

City staff presented a draft restructuring plan for Broomfield’s July Fourth Great American Picnic designed to reduce recurring public-safety problems and make the event more family friendly.

Director of Operations Clay Shuck summarized a draft layout that would fence the east side of the Commons to create a managed-entry family zone, enforce a clear‑bag policy and limit alcohol to enclosed beer tents within that fenced area. Staff said fencing would let them concentrate entry points, perform bag checks and deploy contracted security to assist staff; the police department would not be the primary bag‑check force. The west side of the venue would remain open but staff said fencing and reallocation of resources should reduce the concentration of disruptive juvenile groups at the championship field.

Why it matters: City staff described a pattern in recent summers of groups congregating earlier in the day, arriving already inebriated and creating unsafe conditions for families and first responders. The plan is intended to keep the event accessible to families while reducing incidents that have deterred family attendance in recent years.

Enforcement and logistics: Staff said the event would push public messaging early and often, coordinate with schools and transit, and use postcards, variable message boards and online channels to notify residents of changes. Staff told council they are working with North Metro Fire, the police department and recreation staff on staging, bus entry and egress. Fencing would allow additional, controlled egress after the fireworks and a clear-bag policy was under consideration to speed visual screening.

Council and public questions: Council members asked whether bag checks would be performed by police or contractors; staff answered that contracted security would handle checks to avoid overburdening police, while PD would remain responsible for arrests and criminal processing if needed. Council asked whether a resident‑only badge system or ID checks could be used; staff said checking residency would require substantially more staff (estimates cited roughly doubling staffing) and was not considered feasible. Council members asked about enforcement of under‑18 curfews and coordination with schools; staff said they will increase outreach to local schools and ask them not to encourage student attendance on July Fourth.

Next steps: Staff will continue refinements to the footprint and communications plan and return to council with a debrief after the event. No ordinance or contract award was requested at this meeting, and council provided direction to proceed with planning and community outreach.