A food truck serving slo-pitch players at Mosquito Park in Canoe is a test case to see how the arrangement goes.
Back in April, Salmon Arm council received a letter from Michael Manahan with his “Wraps Chilli” food truck, requesting permission to operate at the park during the slo-pitch season. He said he had obtained the support of the president of the slo-pitch association.
Council agreed after discussions.
Coun. Louise Wallace Richmond asked about city zoning and policies, and noted the request was one the slo-pitch association supported.
Kevin Pearson, the city’s director of development services, told her “we don’t really have a policy except for saying no to these types of requests,” explaining the city gets all kinds of requests for things in city parks.
“It’s easy to say no, except for a proposal like this that makes sense… in a lot of ways,” he added.
“I think it’s worth a try,” said Coun. Ken Jamieson, stating he hopes other mobile food concessions will apply.
Coun. Alan Harrison also wanted to ensure other vendors can apply to operate in the park and was told by city staff they can.
Coun. Kevin Flynn said that if any park needs a permanent hook-up for a concession stand, it’s Mosquito Park. Other councillors had pointed out there’s no sidewalk to walk to Canoe and most people tend to stay on site.
“I have a little concern not putting it out to tender with a lease rate, but this is the best way to test it,” Flynn said.
Permission to operate the mobile concession will extend to mid-October to accommodate the fall ball season.
