Brownsburg Town Council Adopts New Policy for Events Held on Town Property

BROWNSBURG – Brownsburg Town Council adopted Resolution #2016-10 at its March 10 meeting approving a new policy and application process for public events held on Town property.

Because the number of requests to use Town of Brownsburg property for special events continues to increase, the administration saw the need for establishing consistent guidelines and a centralized process for handling those requests. At least 55 public events organized by civic and service organizations, non-profits, businesses, internal departments and citizens are scheduled to be held in Town parks, facilities and other properties this year.

The “Events on Town Property” policy provides clear direction to event planners on how to apply for use of Town property and explains the rules and regulations they must abide by including Town Ordinances, insurance and liability requirements. The application allows the Town to collect information about the event’s need for logistics such as permits, public safety, traffic assistance, setting up the mobile stage and waste removal. Applications, with a $100 fee, are needed 120 days in advance of the special event date. The process helps avoid event schedule conflicts and helps the Town understand the scope of services and resources being requested by the organizer.

A special event is defined as a group activity including, but not limited to, a performance, meeting, assembly, contest, exhibit, ceremony, parade, athletic competition, reading, or picnic involving a set amount of people that may require additional Town resources and/or staff as well as a designated facility, space or other amenity of the Town that would be requested to be reserved in order to accommodate such activities. Typically, this would be a large-scale event open to the public. It does not include casual park use by visitors or individual rentals of shelters or Eaton Hall.

The policy and application are available on the Town’s website, www.brownsburg.org, and at both the Town Manager’s office and Brownsburg Parks. The events committee meets once each month to review and approve or deny requests, and determine what additional information is needed to ensure Town staff can effectively plan and provide support for events to ensure they will run smoothly and be successful. Staff are available to answer questions and work with event organizers through the application process and up through the day of event.