Tulare council adopts new Zumwalt Park fees, clarifies operator rights for amphitheater events

The Tulare City Council on March 3 adopted amendments to the city’s master fee schedule for Zumwalt Park to reflect upgraded amenities and event production expectations. Under the resolution, Zumwalt Park private events are set at a $1,000 full‑day rental and nonprofit full‑day rentals at $750; the staff report eliminated half‑day options at Zumwalt due to production complexity.

City staff explained these fees apply primarily during the city’s concert season (roughly May–September) when production setups remain in place. Staff and the contracted operator have negotiated a structure that gives the operator a first right of refusal for concert‑series dates while allowing other promoters to apply for nonconflicting dates. “If it’s part of the city’s concert series, that has a certain standard of production to it,” staff told the council; for non-series private rentals, promoters may either partner with the operator or arrange alternative production but could incur additional equipment or re‑rigging charges.

Council discussed transparency and fairness concerns: several members asked for clearer, published fee schedules so community promoters understand when operator services are required and what fees apply. Staff said the fee schedule will be posted and attached to the rental policy and offered to supply council with a written FAQ outlining common scenarios (small gatherings, live bands, alcohol, bounce houses, etc.).

Council formally received the operator fee schedule and voted to adopt the Zumwalt Park master fee amendment; both actions passed unanimously. Separately, council handled item 7.3 (operator fees) as an informational discussion and directed staff to entrench the fee schedule in policy and return clarifications in a weekly report.