Title
Garden of the Gods Commercial Use Permit
Presenter:
Matt Mayberry, Cultural Services Manager
Jan Martin, President, Garden of the Gods Foundation
Body
Summary:
At the beginning of this year, commercial vendors that provide fee-based services in Garden of the Gods Park are required to apply for commercial use permits. This permit process is modelled on the Private Outdoor Fee-Based Activities permits used in other Colorado Springs Parks, as well on similar policies in other local and national parks in the region. This allows for the collection of information from vendors regarding insurance and certification, helps ensure that commercial activities are in accordance with the master plan, and facilitates communications regarding construction and special events. The Garden of the Gods permitting process is administered by the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center per the terms of the City's 26-year partnership agreement. Permits are available for one-time use or on an annual basis and costs vary based on whether the vendor is for-profit, non-profit, or Military MWR. Permit holders are provided with documentation and hang tags. Vendors that are not permitted will be provided with information about the process. Commercial film, photography, and drone use are excluded from this process.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
In 2019, the City of Colorado Springs renewed its 25-year partnership agreement with the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center (GOGVNC). At that time, city staff and the staff from the GOGVNC reviewed current agreements and requirements to ensure compliance, and identified commercial use as an area for improvement. In May, Parks Department staff installed signage in GOG to notify vendors of planned change and sample documents were made available through the GOGVNC website. Through the summer and fall, GOGVNC staff began addressing questions about the proposal. Parks and GOGVNC staff also met with VisitC...
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