Exit133

April 8, 2014 · Exit133

Concessions Carts Wanted for Some Tacoma Parks

Metro Parks Tacoma is looking for vendors to operate concessions carts in some of its parks this summer. The goal of the program is to bring a variety of concessions to the parks, including food, beverages, and/or rental recreation equipment.

The Carts in Parks – Mobile Concessions Program begins in June, and runs through the end of September.

The Metro Parks vendor application includes program guidelines that place a value on healthier food options, and on variety of items. The application states that menus should include healthy alternatives, emphasize items with "maximum nutritional value," and limit foods on the other end of the spectrum.

Sadly for us, ice cream-only vendors will not be considered. Sadly for anyone with fond childhood memories of "Turkey in the Straw" ringing through their neighborhood, concessionaires won't be allowed sound amplification.

Sales permits will be issued on a first-come, first served basis. No more than two concessionaires will be approved per park, and the vendors won't be allowed to offer "competing food or sundry items" within the same park. Metro Parks will collect a $300 one-time concessions operations fee per park from approved concessionaires. 10 parks are included in the program this summer.

Dash Point Park
Dickman Mill
Jack Hyde Park
Jefferson Park
Portland Avenue Park
Norpoint Park
South Park
Titlow Park
Wapato Park
Wright Park

It doesn't sound like these are going to be actual food carts; for one thing, the concessions operations have to be self-contained and self-supported - no access to utilities. Nevertheless, it does sound like we'll be seeing new options in some of our parks this summer. What options would you like to see?

Filed under: Tacoma Business, Parks, Eating Local, Food Carts

11 comments

  • Xeno April 8, 2014

    They just need to support the food cart initiatives the City is supporting. Which so far is TACOS! It also makes no sense to limit their menus to healthy options or competiting items. I mean come on, the food at Owen Beach isn't exactly healthy; nachos, ice cream, hotdogs, and all. Why would you force a private vendor do operate differently?

    • Jenny J April 8, 2014

      I would buy a taco on the waterfront. From a good taco truck.

  • thackerspeed April 8, 2014

    Once upon a time, a kid could look forward to travelling to Pt. Defiance Park. The concession stands sold peanuts, popcorn, soda pop--and maybe it a just a faint yet twisted memory, the menu also included hot dogs and cotton candy. Whatever, that was then, and this is now. Cosmopolitan Tacoma get ready for tacos and teriyaki skewers and sticky rice. Metro Parks, I raise my cup of bubble tea to you, along with a one finger salute.

  • WTF April 8, 2014

    the vendor application link doesn't work?

    • Exit133 staff April 8, 2014

      Sorry about that. It should work now. Also : http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/file_viewer.php?id=13613

  • Weyland Duir April 8, 2014

    Sooner or later we were going to go there so let's just go there and get it over with. I predict the entire experiment will be an abysmal failure unless healthy options are one component of a concession. Take away the popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, and such I predict that people will stay away in droves! I'm all for giving people healthier options when they want them, but we are not the Food Police and a popular treat once in a while is not unhealthy.

  • thackerspeed April 8, 2014

    NO SOMBRERO, NO KIMONO, NO SERVICE

  • fred davie April 9, 2014

    Wow, the park wants healthy alternatives. I can hardly wait. Just imagine the joy of going to the park and enjoying some savory asparagus and rutabagas. Makes my mouth water. Those liberal bureaucrats sure know how to make for a pleasant experience.

    • Jesse April 9, 2014

      Why did this come into my head when I read your comment? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAk5CA53Bc

  • talus April 9, 2014

    Since when were taco trucks considered A) exotic and B) healthy? Did I wake up today in North Dakota in the 1950s or something?

  • Jennifer Boutell April 14, 2014

    Trust me, there is no shortage of ice cream or amplified ice cream truck sounds at any of the more popular parks with easy street access. Jefferson Park has a visit from an ice cream truck about every 8-10 minutes all summer long. (They just don't park inside the actual park.) It would be very nice to have access to caffeinated beverages and some type of actual food type food.