10. PRSR 08.14.2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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L'M, c19rL.: ILO S!S C'O: NTRO:fC .. . Managing Public Events in City Parks By Ed Luc- estivals, picnics, exhibitions, and affect the city. It should also describe any for claims arising from accidents in parks sporting events present potential i fees or deposits, and any special require- or recreational areas, but will probably opportunities for claims against meats based on the nature of the activity. not help where hidden hazards are the cities when they occur on city Special requirements might address source of the claim. Thin ice, under- property. A city can reduce this proof of insurance or adequate parking tows, and shallow diving areas are potential risk by enacting a park : and traffic control. The size and nature examples of hidden hazards. It is good use policy and performing regular of the use will determine the areas for practice to warn of hazards inherent to inspections of city parks. the city to examine. Are alcohol, motor- an activity. Foul balls, flying pucks, Park use policy. A city should ensure ized vehicles, food preparation and sales, and the presence of biting animals are park facilities are in reasonably safe : fireworks or amusement devices part of examples. If a special event creates or condition and adequate for their intended the activity? Who will clean up after presents special hazards, additional uses. For example, a small neighborhood the event? The city should include any warnings may be required. ballfield would not be a good site for a reasonable conditions related to public Provide adequate supervision of parks softball tournament. It is important, l safety necessary for the event. j and park facilities. Regular inspection therefore, to develop a park use policy For the most part, the city should of park facilities is part of regular super- to guide the city in managing this risk. require the group having the event to vision. However, special events may The policy should include: perform any special supervision, such as require additional supervision even • A mission statement from the city's crowd control and security, that may though the city is not part of the event. park/recreation department with l be required for protection of the public Depending on the circumstances, the associated policies and procedures and property. The permit process should city may wish to put staff in the area, addressing the various facilities and evaluate if special supervision is necessary make more frequent police patrols or how they should be used. for a given event and require the group inspect the area following the event. • A permit or written agreement process to provide it as necessary. If the event Summary. Providing recreational addressing special events and facility may have an impact on traffic or emer- facilities is not without risk. A park use rental. gency routes, atfected agencies should policy can inform the public of intended Mission statement/Policies and pro- be notified in advance. uses of city parks and provide infonna- cedures. A mission statement generally : In addition, the permit procedures non about when a permit is required describes the city's purpose in provid- should be content-neutral. They for a special event or activity. Cities ing park and recreation facilities, and shouldn't depend upon the nature of can use a permit to evaluate proposed refers to the procedures and policies that the organization or the message, and uses of city parks when those uses may have been developed for park facility . should be based on objective criteria affect the city. Regular inspections of usage. Policies for general park rules, such as safety and traffic control. park facilities will help identify hazards, hours of operations, prohibitions, and Regular inspection. Develop and maintenance or repair needs, and deter- patron responsibilities should be clearly implement a written plan for regular mine compliance with any applicable stated. Skate parks, sledding hills, ice ' inspection and maintenance of park and standards. Cities should ensure park and arenas, and swimming pools require recreational equipment and facilities. recreational facilities are suitable for unique policies, including requirements Look at play equipment, shelters, camp- intended uses and conduct regular for adult supervision, personal protective sites, bleachers, restrooms, trail and inspections to keep them that way. r equipment use, emergency procedures, ballfield surfaces for defects and compli- and deposits or fees. This information ante with specific requirements such as should be designed to inform the general bleacher certification. Be sure to docu- public of what the city offers in recre- ' meat the findings and initiate corrective ational facilities. measures. Remember: documentation Ed Lutz is loss control consultant with the Permit process. Special events and is essential. The records you keep may League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. facility rentals present more potential be used later to prove your city's regu- For more information on larger events, and for claims against cities and merit a more ' lar efforts to provide safe facilities. for city sponsored events, visit the LMCIT formal agreement to minimize risk. The Provide warnings of inherent risks Library on the LMC web site (www.lmnc. permit application should ask for infor- or hidden hazards. Recreational use org) and search for the "Liability Coverage mation regarding the activity that may immunity may provide some defense for Special Events" memo. Juty 2002 MJnnesoyrA Crries 15