This policy establishes standards for the responsible, lawful, and secure use of recreational parks owned by Mobile County, Alabama (County). The objectives are to allow food trucks and vendors reasonable access to County-owned parks, during regularly scheduled park hours, pursuant to a permitting and reservation policy that is fair and accessible to food trucks and vendors and ensures the safety of park visitors and does not interfere with the day-to-day operations of the specific park.
This policy applies to the County-owned parks listed in the attachment to this Policy. (See Exhibit A). It governs the required reservation process for food trucks and vendors and the process for obtaining special event permits for a limited duration.
All permit applications must be requested via the online service RecDesk and will be pending until the County approves the permit application. A permit fee of $50.00 per each reserved space/time is due within five (5) business days of permit application approval. The permit fee is non-refundable, unless the County closes the Parks for weather or other events affecting the health and safety of the general population, in which case applicants will be offered a credit in RecDesk to be used toward future permit application requests.
If the $50.00 permit fee is not paid within the required five (5) business days, the permit request will be cancelled and a permit will not be issued. Mobile County, through RecDesk, will accept vendor reservations for the parks beginning two (2) weeks prior to the requested permit date, using a rolling calendar process. The number of reservations available per park is limited and depends on the size of the Park, the space available for food trucks and/or vendors and any scheduled, County-sponsored events, which may not include space for food trucks or vendors. Food trucks and vendors who desire to participate in County-sponsored events where food trucks and vendors are allowed shall follow the application and permitting policy outlined in this Policy. Food trucks and vendors will not be allowed to reserve more than one space at a time at any one Park.
Organizations or individuals who are interested in using County-owned Park facilities for mobile food truck operations or as vendors selling retail goods and services must have the following:
For food trucks, operators must provide a certificate of insurance, showing the operator has obtained appropriate commercial general liability insurance effective for any dates of usage in any County-owned Parks, which names the Mobile County Commission as an additional insured. This documentation must be provided with the permit application.
ALL LICENSES AND PERMITS MUST BE PROVIDED TO PARK PERSONNEL PRIOR TO SETTING UP SERVICE IN THE PARK AND MUST BE VISIBLE FOR PARK PERSONNEL INSPECTION AT ALL TIMES.
Alcohol is prohibited at every Mobile County-owned Park. Also, all visitors shall comply with all federal, state and local laws. Please also see Park Rules posted on the County website.
The County Park system shall comply with all federal and state anti-discrimination laws, ADA regulations and all other laws which protect the rights of all citizens.
All information, and any necessary updates regarding County Park policies, reservations and permitting is available on the Mobile County website and the links provided therein.
The County shall ensure that implementations are accessible to individuals with disabilities and do not undermine effective communication or meaningful access to the reservation and permitting system. Human assistance shall be available as an alternative.
Any violations of Park Rules must be reported to Park personnel immediately.
This policy is effective as of May 1, 2026, and shall be reviewed for necessary updates annually.
Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Mobile County Environmental Services Department, (specific department, title and contact information).