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Special‑events permits spike; Parks staff outline plans for returning‑event streamlining and event highlights
Summary
The commission heard that special‑event permit applications rose sharply in 2025 (about 94 applications, 82 permits issued) and staff described 2026 plans including a returning‑event application process, continued outreach, and constraints that preclude broadcasting copyrighted World Cup games or planning a drone show this year.
Carmen Viegas, Recreation Services Manager for Special Events, presented a year‑in‑review and preview of 2026 special events and permitting.
Carmen said 2025 was a busy year: roughly 94 permit applications were submitted and 82 permits were issued (64 external organizations, 17 internal events, and about a dozen cancellations). "From 24 to 25, we had about a 40% increase in applications," she said, and staff are tracking roughly 28 applications already for 2026.
Highlights Carmen cited included a Corn Palace grand opening (~100 attendees), a Fourth of July celebration that drew about 5,000 people, and Hands on…
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