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Council reviews tighter security, fenced entrances and new programming for South Ogden Days
Summary
City staff proposed screening gates, magnetometers and bag checks at two fenced entrances for South Ogden Days after safety incidents last year; staff also outlined a monthlong program of events and said budgets are being shifted to cover fencing and staffing pending final quotes.
After reviewing safety incidents at large public gatherings elsewhere and a theft-and-resistance incident at last year’s South Ogden Days, the police chief proposed a new security plan for this year’s festival that would use fenced perimeters with two staffed screening checkpoints and magnetometers. "What we're planning on doing is having open gates, basically magnetometers...and wanting with bag checks at 2 entry points leading into the park," Chief Park said, and staff said private security vendors would operate the equipment alongside police officers.
Special events coordinator Danielle outlined the programming and logistics: a smaller VIP tent, a car show relocated in the lot, a monthlong slate that includes an art show, a memorial run, a two-day pickleball tournament, a parade and an America 250 fireworks finale with headline music acts. Danielle said about 600 feet of fencing is likely needed; staff are obtaining quotes and will attempt to reallocate existing event funds and apply for grants rather than request a budget amendment. "So in lieu of the gated entrances, everything else will pretty much be the same," Danielle said. Council members asked whether buying fencing outright would be cost-effective vs. renting and requested staff return with final quotes, storage implications and staffing estimates.
