Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Larkspur parks commission OKs single vendor for Piper Park bounce houses, expands spots to four
Summary
The Larkspur Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow one contracted vendor access to Piper Park electrical outlets and to expand designated bounce-house clusters from two to four, approving staff to pursue contracting and a fee schedule for electric use.
The Larkspur Parks and Recreation Commission voted Thursday to authorize staff to contract with a single bounce-house vendor to manage installations at Piper Park and to expand the park’s designated bounce-house clusters to four.
Director of Recreation Nick Stone told commissioners the current practice — two designated bounce-house spots near the playground and volleyball courts — has led to inconsistent placement, generator noise and limited enforcement on busy weekends. “We don’t have any enforcement out there,” Stone said, arguing that allowing vendors to plug blowers into the park’s electrical system would eliminate generators and reduce noise. He proposed an administrative fee to cover electricity; his rough estimate was $50 per use.
Commissioners questioned whether selecting a single vendor would require a competitive bidding process and whether a sole contractor could exercise monopoly pricing. “Is there any guarantee that they will — as a monopoly — keep their prices competitive?” one commissioner asked. Stone said he had discussed the plan with the city manager and city attorney and recommended AstroJumps as a local provider that already serves many parties at Piper Park.
The commission debated fee structure and logistics, including whether half-day and full-day rentals should be charged differently and whether to charge by area or square footage. One commissioner suggested a higher fee and that revenue be earmarked for parks projects; Stone said revenue from fees would go to the city’s general fund under current practice and that his $50 figure was a starting estimate based on internal calculations.
After discussion, a commissioner moved — and another seconded — to approve staff using one vendor with access to the park electrical system, to change the recommended number of bounce-house clusters to four, and to review the electrical-fee structure for half- and full-day reservations. The motion passed on a voice vote. The commission’s action was a recommendation to city council; Stone said any fee would go through the city’s formal fee process.
What’s next: Staff will pursue contracting and insurance requirements with the chosen vendor, refine the fee schedule and coordinate key access to the park’s electrical boxes. Any new fee or contract will be finalized through the city’s established administrative and council review processes.
