The Parks and Recreation Commission on May 15 reviewed carnival ride options for Deutschenfest after staff said the vendor quote exceeded $50,000 and therefore requires council approval.

Staff presented the vendor’s catalog of available rides (including a 42‑foot Ferris wheel, a Sizzler, a Zoomer swing, a Mindwinder and family/children’s attractions) and recommended a package that includes the Ferris wheel, a 30‑foot carousel, a family “berry go round” ride (a smaller spinner aimed at younger children), the Sizzler and the Zoomer, plus carnival games. Staff said space constraints — in part because of new playgrounds installed at Gillen Creek — could affect ride placement and that the vendor will confirm fit on site before deployment.

The vendor’s quote exceeded the city’s informal threshold for administrative approval; staff told the commission the contract must go to council for formal approval and that council will be asked to approve a three‑year contract so the city does not have to reprocure each year. Staff said the vendor would measure the footprint in person and recommend alternatives if two recommended rides cannot fit together.

Youth input shaped recommendations: staff reported they consulted the City’s youth advisory council, which prioritized carnival games and certain teen rides; staff added carnival games (basketball, duck pond, balloon pop/darts, a shooting-range game) to the suggested package based on that feedback.

Timeframe: staff said the contract will move to council either at the second May meeting or the first June meeting depending on the finance office’s schedule. No formal commission vote was required; commissioners gave informal head nods and made placement suggestions.

Speakers who presented or were quoted included Jeff and Jonathan from the parks department; the commission’s endorsement was procedural and will be finalized if and when council approves the vendor contract.