Bucyrus Commons Outdoor Space
This new outdoor event space is located in the City's Downtown at 1028 Madison Avenue, off of Milwaukee Ave & 11th Ave and is available for rentals beginning May 2023. Contact the city to confirm availability.
Hours. The space is open to general public use Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. All events shall have the premises cleaned and back to original standing by 9:00 p.m. during the week and 10:00 p.m. on the weekends. Hours may change based on a proposed event.
Reservation Procedure. The City of South Milwaukee manages reservations for the outdoor space. Use of the space for events without a reservation is not allowed and reservations are on a first come, first served basis in the current calendar year. Reservations may not be made for events scheduled greater than 18 months out and not later than April 30th of the following year.
Permits & Reservations. It shall be unlawful for any residents/groups, organizations or businesses to use Bucyrus Commons unless permits are obtained from the City and all required fees are paid. A Special Event Permit and Use Agreement is required for all events at Bucyrus Commons as well as all events on public property.
Permits may be issued to residents/groups, organizations, or local businesses. Non-resident, non-local organizations, or company events shall be permitted only if the events are open to the public or the majority in attendance are community members or employees.
Reservation fees are due with permit submission and are confirmed only after payment is made in full and the City has reviewed and signed the application. Permit approvals are issued by office staff. Large groups, special programmed events or events with amplified music may require approval by the Common Council. Payments may be made at city hall, cash or check accepted, or online with a credit card. Credit card payments are not available in person at city hall.
Bucyrus Commons Space Application
Parade Addendum Application
Street/Alley Closure Addendum Application
Release & Waiver of Liability Form
Link to City Online Map/GIS
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Ericka Lang
Economic Development ManagerPhone: 414-762-2222 x135
FEES
Fees apply to all events at Bucyrus Commons as listed in the Administrative Fee Schedule. Additional costs not listed may apply depending on required City services or resources identified during the application review process. Additional fees may apply for events requiring considerable electrical access. There are no fee exemptions.
Space Facilities
| Open Air Pavilion | Nearly 6,000 square feet L-shaped covered pavilion with a gas fireplace and ample power. 20 square picnic tables on site |
| Concession Building | 200 square foot concession with 2 service windows with power |
| Amphitheater | 797 square foot above-grade stage and canopy with ample power |
| Open Green Space | The green space is over 17,000 square feet of unobstructed lawn. |
| Restrooms | 4 individual ADA restrooms opened for events |
| Other | Bike racks and sandbox with shovel equipment, including ADA accessibility |
Security Deposit. An additional $100 refundable damage deposit is required for all events and withheld for any of the following reasons: damage to a facility, misuse of facility, inadequate cleanup, misrepresentation of the type of event being held, or misrepresentation of the group/individual using the space. Damage fees that exceed $100 will be billed to the permittee.
Cancellations and Refunds. Notify the economic development office in writing of cancellation 30 days or more prior to the rental and receive 50% refund of permit fees. There are no refunds of permit fees if notified less than 30-days prior to rental. Refunds or rescheduling will not be available for any rentals cancelled without proper notification by the permittee. Refunds will not be given for cancellations due to severe inclement weather unless cancelled by the City of South Milwaukee. In that situation, events may be rescheduled at no additional fee.
Revocation. All permits issued shall be revocable by the city administrator or chief of police or a member of the police department for unbecoming conduct and for failure to observe any of the City’s ordinances and policies regulating the usage thereof.
Insurance and Hold Harmless. A certificate evidencing general liability insurance coverage is required for most events, depending upon the nature of the activity. All public events require a Certificate of Liability insurance naming the City of South Milwaukee as additional insured. The permittee shall indemnify the City and its employees against all claims, damages, costs, and expenses arising from the event.
RULES & REGULATIONS
It is the City’s intention to have the site prepared, but cannot guarantee full site readiness due to possible unforeseen circumstances. Permittees may inspect the site leading up to scheduled event date. City staff is not available to monitor the site during the event.
Alcohol . The consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed with the appropriate permits when no sales are involved. Events with sales require an approved license available through the Clerk’s office. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days in advance of the event. All individuals requesting an alcohol permit must be 21 years or older.
Access to Buildings. The restrooms and rented facilities are unlocked immediately prior to approved event start time.
Chairs and Tables. The City does not supply chairs or other equipment and chairs must not push into the ground to avoid turf damage. Existing tables may be relocated for the event and must be returned to original location. The City cannot guarantee the cleanliness of the tables. Any noticeable damage to tables following events may be charged to the permittee.
Clean Up. Groups are expected to maintain the general cleanliness of the space and are responsible for removing all decorations and placing all refuse in appropriate trash receptacles. Clean-up must begin immediately following the event.
Concession Building Use. The facility must be cleaned in a manner in which it was found. Basic cleaning supplies are provided. Do not pour cooking grease down the sink or floor drains.
Decorations. Decorations must be put up the day of an event. No glitter, silly string, confetti or lighted candles is allowed. Balloons must be weighted down. Releasing of balloons or other items that are meant to rise in the sky and float away are prohibited.
Electricity. The event space is equipped with over 20 GFI 120 Volt outlets on the poles in the open-air pavilion, at the base of light poles on site and along the street curb. The amphitheater has eight 20 Amp, 120 Volts receptacles. The concession building has six GFI 120 Volt receptacles.
Event Organizer. The event organizer or designee must remain on site until all the breakdown and cleanup is complete.
Fireplace. The open-air pavilion contains a gas fireplace. The fireplace may be timed for use during approved events.
Food and Food Trucks. Food distribution, trucks, or catering is allowed and must meet local health department requirements for public events and activities. Food prepared with hot oil is not allowed under the pavilion without proper underlayment. Food trucks or any type of vehicle is not allowed on the grass. For safety reasons, glass bottles and cups are prohibited.
Grilling. Gas grills are allowed on hard surfaces, except under the pavilion. Charcoal grills are prohibited within the event space.
Garbage and Recycling. For small events, waste may be discarded in the City’s garbage bins located on site. Garbage outside of the bins is prohibited. Public events may require additional garbage or dumpsters to accommodate waste, provided by the permittee. All waste material must be properly disposed of at the end of the event. Recycling receptacles are required for all public events with a quantity to adequately support attendance.
Parking. Twelve surface parking spaces including two ADA spaces are available on site along the public alley. Spaces are not reserved. Additional parking is available in a public parking lot at 1101 Milwaukee Avenue and on-street parking.
Pets. Pets must be leashed at all times. Pet waste must be disposed of in a proper manner.
Public Notification. Some public and private events may require notice to neighbors.
Restrooms and Portable Toilets. Permittees are responsible for cleaning the concession building restrooms, emptying garbage and for any additional toilet facilities needed. Portable toilet locations must be marked on the event site plan and require approval.
Security. Security may be required pending review of the application by the South Milwaukee Police Department.
Signage. Signage for private events is only allowed to be put up the day of the event and must be removed the same day.
Sound. Amplified sound is allowed and may require approval by the Common Council.
Tents, Canopies and Inflatables. Tents, canopies and inflatables are allowed and may not be staked down. The specific location must be clearly identified on a map submitted with the application along with the size and dimension of each. Items may only be set up on the day of the reservation.