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Does anyone have a policy for youth groups putting sponsor signs on fences, or marketing groups contracting with you to put up advertising on a park facility? I have to write a policy/procedure.

Check out this link for our info: http://www.andersonparks.com/uploads/OutfieldBannerRates.pdf

Signs are permitted during the Season

For youth and charitable groups we will allow something on our bulletin board if it is for a community function. We do not allow private advertising on an "ad hoc" basis as a general rule. We do have one small board for private announcements that are subject to approval through the recreation office. If we are running an event such as a major baseball or hockey tournament, then the sponsors of that event are allowed temporary advertising in pre-approved locations. We do have an agreement with our senior hockey club for the boards advertising in the rink. This allows them to seek out local sponsors as opposed to the "city" asking businesses for sponsorship money when we are already collecting business taxes.

We do not allow advertising on city facilities. We have sponsors for city events that are typically recognized with modest signage during the event, but no permanent or long-term signs are allowed.

We work with a variety of agencies trying to come to consensus on this issue and in helping them to create a plan that works for them. The answer is different depending on the mission of your organization and your goals. I'm happy to send you a complimentary Sample Sponsorship Policy format that helps you decide what to do, and how to get your decision makers to approve it, if you'd like. Just email me at teresap@greenplayllc.com.

If the organization is a public school district, some Boards, especially in urban areas, appear to be reluctant to have any advertising signs posted. Other issues could arise with state athletic associations. The type of advertising posted could be crucial in view of maintaining amateur status for athletes if advertisers want pictures of athletes on the advertising. Second,the state association may have rules regarding the content of advertising such as the prohibition of alcohol or tobacco signs. Third, if the advertising involves the sponsorship of a high school team, state association rules must be checked regarding whether sponsorship of a SPECIFIC TEAM is allowed.

Most municipalities or districts that allow fence-posted advertising typically have restrictions regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco or gambling advertisers.

If you are planning on posting signs on a municipally-owned park facility, you may want to check if there are any local ordinances prohibiting or restricing such advertising, including whether the signs can be posted at all without prior clearance or if there is a strict prohibition.

Last, if a soda manufacturer like COKE or PEPSI want to sponsor a scoreboard under an exclusive contract, again, check if an exclusive or sole-source provider is acceptable under park rules or municipal ordinance.

The best places to check for possible policies are major urban park/recreational districts. Try GOOGLE to locate the park districts, then send them a ne-mail or call them.

Good luck! The type of advertising you are considering is a great way to fundraise additional revenue.

The City of Worcester Parks and Recreation Commission has an approved policy that allows signs on the fencing of playing fields. This policy strictly prohibits alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sexual content. All signs are limited to 4 feet by 8 feet or smaller and shall not exceed the height and width of the fence it is attached to. Furthermore, the sign placement shall not interfere with the line of site for the safety and security of the park or field. The City would be happy to share this document with any intrested party by contacting us via email at parks@ci.worcester.ma.us.

We allow sponsor banners and marketing banners (for the event)to be put up during the event but they must be taken down afterwards. Nothing may be left up overnight without approval.