The City of Eau Claire desires to assist in the facilitation of special events in public spaces for enjoyment by citizens of the community as well as visitors to the community. The City of Eau Claire desires to assist with and require well managed, safe and socially redeeming events for the community. The following standards are prepared to give direction to city staff, special event organizers and managers during the planning process.

The following policies are referenced by city staff to determine the most appropriate facilities and structure for special events in public spaces.

Language:
Any Obscene, lewd, indecent or otherwise offensive language will not be tolerated in public spaces by any guest, staff or visitors.

Location of Facilities:
The City of Eau Claire will allow events and activities in appropriate public spaces based on the costs of using those facilities, appropriate sound, lighting, facility size, availability, restroom, electrical, neighborhood noise issues and parking capacities.

Risk Management/Insurance:
Event sponsors, organizers and managers must develop written emergency action plans for issues such as employee safety, participant and facility security, crowd control, first aid, communications, coordination with law enforcement and other government agencies. The event organizers and managers will insure that the citizens of the City of Eau Claire will be protected from damage and losses to City assets. The City Special Events Committee can assist event organizers with event planning checklists.

Event Production:
Event sponsors, organizers and managers must exhibit appropriate decorations, adequate maintenance, display appropriate signage, provide for transportation/access to their event, provide healthy concessions, adequate vehicle parking and possibly child care related services, as determined by city staff.

Community Scheduling:
Events should be coordinated with other community activities. Too many events in one location or too many events occurring on one day, place strain on city services to adequately make events safe for event attendees and others.

Alcohol Use:
Use is allowed by ordinance in four community parks: Mt Simon, Carson, Riverview and Rod and Gun Parks. Limited alcohol use in Phoenix Park is allowed only by permit and is confined to the amphitheatre and pavilion during special events and rentals, between 11 AM and sunset. Alcohol is not allowed in any of the smaller, neighborhood parks. Permits are required for amounts over one gallon per person at an event. This pertains primarily to keg events. Additional restrooms/ porta johns may be required of the event organizers for larger events where alcohol is present as determined by City/County/State Health Department codes.

Alcohol Sales:
Alcohol may be sold in the five parks mentioned above, conditioned by a Temporary Class "B" picnic license and City Council approval.

Amplified Music:
The use of amplified music is primarily allowed in Carson Park as it has the electrical service for large bands. Amplified music in other parks is limited by the availability of adequate electrical supply, and proximity to residential neighborhoods.

Excessive Noise:
The City of Eau Claire has a noise ordinance. Violations are addressed on a complaint basis by the police department. Special events that are in violation of the ordinance may be shut down.

Hours of Operation:
City of Eau Claire parks are open between 4:00 AM and 11:00 PM daily. Exceptions are made with the approval of City Council.

Restrooms/Porta Johns/Hand Washing Stations:
In many park areas, there are insufficient quantities of restrooms for large crowds. In these instances, events may not be allowed or porta johns may be required to be provided by the event organizers.

Traffic Control:
Event organizers will be given the opportunity to provide traffic control plans, however, City staff will determine the safest methods of controlling traffic during special events or may direct special events to parks that can more safely host an event. In some instances remote parking with shuttle service may be necessary.

Street Closures:
Road and/or lane closures will be minimized. Street closures require City Council approval.

Excessive Consumption of City Services:
When events become larger than estimated or the event organizers are unable to fulfill their responsibilities, the City may perform work such as police services or street sweeping and clean up and invoice the group for such work performed. Events may also be shut down or future events prohibited if such concerns continue.

Fundraisers:
Non-Profit and For-Profit groups are allowed to conduct events in public city spaces, with the approval of City Council. Sales of food and merchandise require City Council approval.