Modesto, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Advance notice for priority uses
- 30 days before event date
- Permitting authority
- Community Services & Neighborhood Connections Director
- Appeal path on denial
- City Council
- Evening use cutoff
- 10:00 p.m., lights off
- Fee for priority children's uses
- None charged
- Alcohol at Bowl
- Prohibited unless Director approves
Summary
An organization that wants to hold a special event or meeting at Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park must submit a written request to the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director, who approves or denies it based on availability and compatibility with park purposes. A denial can be appealed to the City Council, and Council approval leads to a formal Department-issued permit.
(a)Uses Authorized. The use of Mancini Bowl may be authorized by the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director for special events or special meetings other than regular meetings by other organizations. All such requests or use of the Bowl for these purposes shall be submitted in writing to the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director and shall be approved or denied by the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director based on the availability of the Bowl for the use requested and the determination of the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director that the use requested is consistent with park purposes and the existing land uses in the surrounding area. In the event the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Director denies such a request, the applicant may appeal such denial to the City Council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
101 gives first priority for Mancini Bowl to children's activities: community musical events by juvenile musicians, grammar school graduations, children's games, outdoor pageants by juveniles, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, band concerts, and school festivals, provided the request reaches the Community Services and Neighborhood Connections Department at least 30 days before the desired date; no fee is charged for these uses. 102 covers all other organizations seeking special events or special meetings: the written request goes to the Director, who weighs Bowl availability and whether the use fits park purposes and the surrounding land uses.
A denial may be appealed to the City Council, and if the Council approves, the Department issues the permit and sets the rental fee by Council resolution. ; amplifiers and loudspeakers must be kept at a volume that does not unreasonably disturb residents around Graceada Park; selling merchandise, services, or products needs the Director's prior consent, appealable to the Council on denial; alcoholic beverages are prohibited unless the Director approves in advance in writing; and permittees must indemnify the City for injuries, property damage, and lost articles, and reimburse the City for any damage to the facility during their use.
Violations & Fines
Section 12-4.103(h) makes the permit holder responsible for ensuring compliance with all Bowl regulations, and Section 12-4.103(g) requires reimbursement for any damage to the facility occurring during the permitted use. Selling merchandise or serving alcohol without the Director's prior written consent breaches the permit conditions and can result in denial of future use or forfeiture of the indemnification bond the permittee has agreed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a park event permit for Mancini Bowl?
What happens if my event request is denied?
Is there a fee to use Mancini Bowl?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
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