The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Showmobile is used for Department programs and events. However, it is made available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, for non-department use according to the following conditions. TO APPLY The Showmobile Application/Agreement can be requested by contacting 645-3337. Payment for rental must be made at the time of the reservation.  The application must be completed in full, signed and returned. Any additional police charges must be paid no later than two weeks prior to the set-up date. After the application has been processed, the permit will be mailed to you.

A site map showing exact placement and direction of Showmobile must be enclosed with the application.

Permits to block sidewalks or streets, to overhang curbs or to use the property if not owned by the applicant/organization, must be enclosed with application.

The Application and Memorandum-of-Understanding must be signed. If the information is inadequate, enclosures missing, or the Agreement unsigned, your application will be returned.

The Showmobile may not be used for commercial or advertising purposes.

No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products are permitted on the Showmobile.

Banners may be attached to the canopy if such banner is provided to the set-up crew in advance. Banners must be compatible with designated space and attached with string, rope or cord. Tape, staples, etc., may not be affixed to the Showmobile.

The Showmobile will not be permitted outside of Franklin County (except Columbus Zoo or other City reservoir property).

The Showmobile must be placed at a site before booths or other obstructions are in place. In choosing a site, check for posts, hydrants, parking meters, power lines, signs or height considerations or other obstacles that may hinder its placement.

The Showmobile must be placed on a hard surface such as asphalt, not on grass. The State will not permit its placement on the grass of the Statehouse lawn. It cannot be placed where tree branches will scrape it.

A representative from your organization MUST be present for questions and instructions during placement of the Showmobile. Unless instructed on how to operate it, the handicap lift unit may not be used.

The Recreation and Parks Department does NOT provide chairs for audiences.

The Applicant must furnish adequate electrical power (extension cords to a power source, etc.) to meet the needs of unit. In order to power the unit, you must provide an 110v, 3-prong outlet in close proximity. The electric and related apparatus on the Showmobile may not be altered. The unit is equipped to provide 110v standard household outlets only. This power supply may not be sufficient for some performers. Water and electricity do not mix! Do not use electricity during rain or snow.

Activities involving group dancing or group movement may not be conducted on the stage.

A $100 cleaning fee will be invoiced to the applicant if additional cleaning is required upon return.

There is a single set of stage stairs. You must indicate where you wish these to be placed (front or either side of stage).

Stage skirting will not be attached in windy conditions, or if winds are expected to be moderate to
high for the event.

Hours of Set-up, Delivery and Pick-Up

The earliest set-up time available is 8:00 A.M.; seven days per week except for all City recognized holidays. The latest set-up or take down time available is 9:30 P.M.; seven days per week except for all City recognized holidays. At the time of pick up, the stage and Showmobile unit must be clear and clean from any event materials or trash. The contracted tow truck must be able to safely get to the Showmobile for pick-up at the time of take down, so all obstacles must be cleared prior to the appointed pick up time.

Fees and Charges

(Payment must accompany application: payment is refunded if request is not approved)

Delivery, set-up, use and pick-up within one day                       $1,200

Each additional day of use (up to four days)                               $ 200

Overnight police charges                                                $ 46.56 / hour*

(From the time event ends or set-up completed until event opens or pick up made)

*The department reserves the right to change this rate if the actual going rate for Columbus special duty officers changes and match it.

The Showmobile is an asset that requires a Columbus Special Duty Police Officer to attend it while at your site when the event is inactive. The average overnight police costs are about $500 per night (more or less depending on the actual event hours and desired set-up, pick-up times. A Franklin County Special duty Deputy may be used if the Showmobile site is outside of the City of Columbus limits. A special agreement is required for this and these costs will vary. You may not use your own security to protect the Showmobile as a substitute for a special duty officer. Police officers already hired by the applicant may not substitute the requirement to assign a special duty officer to exclusively protect the Showmobile. The Columbus Police Officer must be commissioned, in uniform, not on any other duty and may not be called off by the applicant for any reason.

The applicant must make a separate payment for special duty Police to the Recreation and Parks Department no later than two weeks prior to the set-up date. Your department agent will work with you to determine the amount based on how many hours the unit will need an officer on site.

With proof of non-profit status, the applicant may qualify for a special non-profit or government agency rate of $1,000 for one day, and $160 per additional day (max. of four days). Special Duty Police are still required at standard rate.

Size

Gross weight of the Showmobile is 18,000 lbs. Swaying, dancing, or any activity involving group movement is prohibited. No more than 200 lbs. per square foot may be placed on the Showmobile stage.  The stage area is 36' x 14'.

RETURN APPLICATION WITH FULL PAYMENT IN PERSON TO:

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
Permit and Rental Services Section
1111 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205