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Parks staff report site constraints for large "Rent Fair" event; landfill fields flagged as potential hazard
Summary
Parks staff told the commission that a proposed large Rent Fair event (8,000–10,000 attendees) faces site constraints: the preferred landfill field is listed as hazard level 2 and requires county health review; alternative locations and partnerships are being explored.
Oak Harbor parks staff told the Arts Commission they are working with event organizers to find a suitable site for a planned Rent Fair that could draw 8,000–10,000 people over a weekend, but preliminary site reviews raised safety and logistics concerns.
Staff reported a site visit to the fields above the municipal shops — a location the organizers had suggested — and described the property as designated a hazard level 2 landfill that was closed in the 1980s and has only monitoring in place. City staff said they are in discussions with the county public health department to determine whether public activities can be held there.
Other site possibilities mentioned at the meeting included Fort Nugent, Windjammer Park (though staff noted wind and tent-safety concerns), the airport, school-district property and the seaplane base or other Navy-owned parcels; staff said some alternatives would move the event into county or federal property and require owner agreement and additional liability arrangements. Staff also discussed the event’s need for roughly 15–17 acres and the promoter’s requirement for a ticketed, enclosed site with vendor tents and a beer garden.
Parks staff said the city had met with event organizers and would continue exploring suitable locations and logistical solutions. Commissioners suggested reaching out to private landowners, the airport and naval contacts as possible options. The commission said it wanted staff to continue work with organizers and report back with options and timelines.
Separately, staff reported they will bring Ordinance 1934 to the Jan. 21 City Council meeting to formally accept the Angel of Creativity statue and asked for a commission representative to speak at that meeting if Sculptures Northwest representatives are unavailable.
