Dix Park Win-win

The master plan is being finalized and it is time to take an even closer look.  You can find the master plan and its detailed components here.

I find the direction very compelling and the process the Dix Conservancy has gone through very thorough.  Having for-profit components make sense and serve the purpose of efficiently and effectively offering amenities while at the same time activating the park. The revenue generated will help offset the maintenance cost of a park of this size and ensure that Dix Park does not consume the resources of our parks department.

I have direct experience with this as I was a co-founder of Pullen Place at Pullen Park.  The city was moving towards a city run concession stand which based on previous experience and their plan at the time included mostly pre-packaged/cooked food.  They were not focused on local sourcing, made from scratch meals and healthier options.  Recognizing the opportunity to transform the concession experience, the city put a RFP out and I formed a team to develop a bid, which we won.

This resulted in the much beloved Pullen Place.  And while I am no longer personally involved, my co-founders continue to bring fresh, local and much acclaimed food to this historic park.  Scratch made soups, sandwiches and other goodies.  All delivered at competitive price points and a diverse menu that still offers chips, hot dogs and other park staples.  

The bottom-line is that successful public/private partnerships are possible.  The city wins with a consistent revenue stream and having a professional operator whose passion is their business.  At the same time it provides entrepreneurs the ability to develop a strong business that supports the community.  Win-win.