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Commission approves 10-day Butler Amusements carnival at Newpark Mall with enhanced security conditions
Summary
The Planning Commission granted a conditional use permit for a Butler Amusements carnival at Newpark Mall for Oct. 16— through Oct. 25, 2026, with staff and police specifying security measures including metal detectors, trained security personnel and extra patrols; the vote was unanimous (5-0).
The Newark Planning Commission on March 24 approved a conditional use permit (U-2026-001) to allow a temporary Butler Amusements carnival in the southwest parking lot of Newpark Mall (1100 Newpark Mall) for 10 days Oct. 16—— through Oct. 25, 2026.
Staff said the event would include 12 rides, eight games, two food trucks, an on-site carnival office, and six bunkhouses to accommodate employees. Staff estimated daily attendance at about 200 to 400 people and that the mall has ample parking in its lot of more than 5,000 spaces. The planning report concluded the event would comply with the zoning code and that the conditional use permit findings could be made in the affirmative.
Captain Jolie Macias of the police department told the commission the department reviewed the request and sought stronger, carnival-specific security measures: metal detectors, additional security personnel with crowd-management, dispersal and evacuation training, and enhanced staffing expectations compared with smaller events. "The expectations are much higher and more in line with carnival conditions to include metal detectors...and a heightened level of security personnel," Captain Macias said.
Applicant representative Mark Whitney, participating remotely, said the carnival footprint would not conflict with other mall activities, including the farmers market, and that the applicant had secured tenant approvals for the planned location. "There will be no impact on that," Whitney said when asked about scheduling and existing mall events, and he confirmed Butler Amusements agreed to the conditions of approval.
Commissioners asked about prior events and public-safety experience at the mall; staff noted similar events have occurred at the location without known police problems, and the police department said it will provide extra patrols and that event expectations will be posted for officers. After closing the public hearing, Commissioner Bokavich moved to adopt the draft resolution and Commissioner Aguilar seconded; the motion passed 5-0.
The conditional use permit includes the staff-recommended conditions and additional public-safety expectations requested by the police department. The applicant will coordinate final security plans and staffing with the police department and mall management prior to event operations.
