Friends of the Parks praises turnout, warns indemnity and code limits for attractions such as goat yoga
Summary
Friends of the Parks told the commission its three signature events had strong turnout this year but flagged rising vendor and insurance costs, a municipal code ban on goats in parks that affects ‘goat yoga,’ and ongoing restroom and parking challenges for family events.
Laura Levinthal of Friends of the Parks briefed the commission Dec. 2 on the group’s 2025 season and raised several operational concerns the city should address.
Levinthal said the organization’s three signature events — Pumpkins in the Park, Pets in the Park and Movies at the Beach — were “overarchingly successful,” noting long‑running volunteer partnerships and positive community response. She said the group enjoyed robust participation at Pumpkins in the Park and Movies at the Beach and praised Public Works staff for site preparation.
At the same time, Levinthal told commissioners the group had been “increasingly asked to indemnify the city,” and that rising insurance riders and related requirements sometimes make small promotional activities impractical. She said the organization declined to do street banners this year after indemnity requirements made banner use cost‑prohibitive and that the group is reconsidering how to stage some elements of Pets in the Park given vehicle access and vet‑truck needs.
On attractions, Levinthal noted goat yoga was popular at Pets in the Park this year but warned the city’s municipal code does not currently allow goats in parks. Public Works staff told the commission that changing that code would require multiple public hearings and could open the door to broader policy questions.
Levinthal also said Movies at the Beach had strong attendance but warned vendor and production costs — including the city’s use of a new audio/production vendor — are increasing and could become a longer‑term budget pressure for the nonprofit-led events.
Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about whether Public Works could help with street banners (staff said the city uses a contractor to hang banners through the street banner program), whether porta‑potties are a feasible option for family events and how to handle future animal‑related attractions if the municipal code remains unchanged.
Levinthal closed by urging the commission to consider restroom upgrades at neighborhood parks and to work with event volunteers and local businesses to maintain successful community programming.
