City Offers El Dorado Locations for Concessions

The City of Long Beach has invited business entities to submit proposals to “develop, operate, and maintain food and beverage concessions, event spaces, retail spaces, or other customer-oriented services” for three locations in El Dorado Park East; two in Area 3 (north of Wardlow Rd.,) and one in Area 2 (between Warrdlow Road and Spring Street.)

The city website page links to a page by a commercial real estate broker that indicates the city seeks a business model that will provide enhanced, novel and creative visitor experiences while also providing park supportive revenue.

It says the city seeks proposals for  customer-oriented services from entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, concessionaires, caterers, event planners, eco-tourism organizations, retail providers, and outdoors enthusiasts for dining options, special event or conference venues or services, equipment rental concessions, programmable spaces, other options, or some combination of approaches.

The resulting concessions agreement would be for a five-year term or as otherwise agreed with up to two five-year extension options and promotional benefits will include optional outdoor dining spaces as extension of facilities, naming opportunities, and special events as permitted.

The Lakefront location in Area 3 is roughly 1,008 RSF [rentable square feet]. The Golden Grove location in Area 3 is rougly 483 RSF.  The Group Campground site in Area 2 is 396 RSF.

Historically, ELB residents have been fiercely protective of El Dorado Park’s 388-acre, open-space oasis that includes a rustic Nature Center, a golf course and restaurant, multiple sports/recreational components and a recently revitalized miniature railroad concession/picnic area (the latter in Area 3.)

In 1995-96, Ann Cantrell and a number of ordinarily apolitical residents fought City Hall plans for a 40-acre commercially-operated sports complex slated for Area 3 (that would have consumed the area in and around “Glider Hill.”)

Although limited to hard copy fliers and faxes (prior to emails and social networks), Cantrell called on residents to “Save the Park by Sharing the Facts” and drew large vocal crowds at community meetings held by city officials. When words didn’t suffice, litigation followed in which Cantrell prevailed and city management ultimately dropped the plan.

City management’s current proposal isn’t about recreation and differs considerably in scale: it offers economic concessions in three areas ranging from 369 sq. ft. to 1,008 sq. ft.

The real estate broker text indicates that the types of concepts in which the city is interested are similar to MonteVerde Park in Lakewood, the Park Bench Café in Huntington Beach and the MayneEvents Center in Bellflower.

Mr. Pearl publishes LBREPORT.com, now in its 20th year online at www.LBReport.com.