I’ve heard that vendors cannot “set up shop” in ATPD parks to sell items to the public.  Is that true and does that apply to groups that rent a facility in a park and wish to invite certain vendors?

The ATPD has had a formal vendor policy since 1992.  Prior to 1992, no vendor was allowed to operate in any ATPD park.  The 1992 vendor policy was revised at the request of Tournament hosts to allow them to offer outside vendors a chance to provide product or services to their participants.  However, because the vendor makes a profit on a tax-assisted facility, a fee was established that would benefit the park system – in essence – all in the community.  The typical team photos have been and continue to be exempt from this policy.  The ATPD does allow organizations to charge a gate for their exclusive benefit and to have other fund raising activities, i.e. split the pot, spirit merchandise sales etc.  Also, if an organization wants to bring in a vendor for league play, we are happy to negotiate a different deal other than a flat fee so that the organization and the community can benefit as well as the business in question.  We are flexible about the specifics, but the bottom line is…the community at-large has to benefit.

In short, the Board of Park Commissioner’s policy is to charge a fee for vendors who are permitted to conduct business on park property.  Each vendor must receive prior approval from the ATPD’s Business Department.

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