Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Park Rules topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses limiting balloon releases and confetti in park rentals to protect wildlife
Summary
LaPorte County Parks and Recreation Board discussed adding contract language and handouts to discourage balloon releases, confetti and improper fasteners at park shelters, citing litter and risks to wildlife; no ban was adopted and staff will draft guidance and signage.
The LaPorte County Parks and Recreation Board on June 2 considered updates to rental rules to reduce litter and wildlife hazards from released balloons, confetti and fasteners left attached to shelter posts.
During rules-committee discussion, members said balloon releases and confetti present a hazard to birds and other wildlife and suggested several approaches: adding a reminder in rental handouts, requiring renters to remove fasteners (staples, nails) and clarifying deposit forfeiture for excessive cleanup, and placing contract language discouraging releases. A board member noted the shelter contract already restricts fastening to tape or command strips, and staff said they document cleanup issues with photographs and apply deposit charges when warranted.
Committee members emphasized outreach and contract reminders rather than an outright ban, noting enforcement limits and the value of providing renters with clear instructions. The board asked staff to work with the rules committee to draft a short handout or contract language for future meetings and possible publication in the parks newsletter.
No formal vote to ban balloons or change contract language was taken; the discussion closed with direction for staff to prepare proposed language and materials for board review.
