Benefits of Ark Park Membership

Benefits to the Community and Park Management

Assured Accountability

Ark Park provides a single, trusted body that park authorities and the public can rely on. If an issue arises, the organization can hold the member accountable under the CoP.

Cleaner Public Spaces

The mandatory Area Enhancement Commitment guarantees that every member booking results in the removal of pre-existing litter, actively improving the cleanliness of high-use public areas.

Environmental Stewardship

The Zero-Trace Guarantee and the prohibition of harmful decor (like balloons/plastic confetti) protect the park's wildlife and ecosystems from pollution and damage.

Reduced Administrative Burden

Park managers save time by directing event organizers to use Ark Park members, knowing that these suppliers are already trained, insured, and committed to best practices and permitting compliance.

Reduced Disruption

Members are trained to operate respectfully, minimizing noise, ensuring clear public access, and avoiding conflicts with other park users.

Benefits to Ark Park Members

Premium Supplier Status

Members gain immediate distinction from non-member competitors. The Ark Park logo acts as a badge of quality, trust, and professionalism that clients actively seek out.

Preferred Vendor StatusLocal park authorities are more likely to recommend or prioritize Ark Park members for setups, recognizing the CoP commitment and the reduced risk of damage or public complaint.

Marketing and Trust

Use of the official Ark Park logo provides immediate credibility and builds consumer trust, leading to higher conversion rates and premium pricing opportunities.

Industry Networking

Access to a community of like-minded professionals for sharing best practices, coordinating large events, bulk purchasing discounts, and resolving common operational challenges.

Unified Advocacy

Ark Park acts as a unified voice for the industry, allowing members to collectively advocate for favorable permitting policies and access rights with local government.

Ark Park Code of Practice

This Code of Practice is divided into two core pillars: Respectful Operation and Restoration & Stewardship.

Adherence is mandatory for all members.

Pillar I: Respectful Operation

The aim of this pillar is to ensure the supplier's commercial activity operates with minimal negative impact on the park environment, other users, and park management.

1. Compliance and Permitting:

   • Members must ensure all required permits and permissions from local authorities or park management are secured by the client before the setup begins. A copy of the relevant permit must be kept on site during the entire setup and event duration.

   • Operations must strictly adhere to the designated hours, locations, and size restrictions outlined in the permit.

2. Public Access and Safety:

   • Public rights of way, paths, park amenities, and emergency access routes must never be blocked or obstructed by equipment, vehicles, or event activities.

   • All equipment must be stable, well-maintained, and safely secured. Trip hazards (e.g., guy ropes, cables) must be clearly marked or safely covered.

3. Noise and Nuisance Control:

   • Any use of amplified sound, music, or generators must strictly comply with local noise ordinances. Noise levels must be managed to avoid disturbing other park users or neighboring residences.

   • Member staff must conduct themselves professionally, courteously, and quietly during all phases of setup and pack-down.

Pillar II: Restoration & Stewardship

The aim of this pillar is to ensure every setup leaves the public area in a condition that is equal to, or demonstrably better than, its original state.

1. Zero-Trace Guarantee:

   • Members must remove 100% of all event-related materials brought onto the site. This includes all setup equipment, decorations, client waste, food scraps, and packaging. No waste is to be placed in public bins unless expressly permitted by park management.

   • No physical trace of the setup (such as ruts, indentations, or damage to lawn/foliage) should remain after pack-down.

2. Eco-Conscious Decor:

   • The use of non-biodegradable or environmentally damaging items (such as balloons, plastic confetti, or non-compostable glitter) is strictly prohibited. Only natural and approved materials (e.g., fresh florals, biodegradable petals) may be used.

3. Mandatory Area Enhancement Commitment:

   • For every booking, the supplier commits to spend a minimum of five dedicated minutes post-event (or during pack-down) actively enhancing the immediate setup area. This enhancement includes, but is not limited to, picking up any pre-existing general public rubbish, tidying nearby park benches, or raking smooth any disturbed ground. The objective is to consistently leave the area demonstrably better than when the member arrived.

4. Vehicle Management:

   • Delivery and collection vehicles must only use designated loading areas or public parking spaces. Driving on pedestrian paths or park turf is strictly prohibited unless specific authorization is provided by park management.

Welcome to the official FAQ for Ark Park.

The industry organisation dedicated to premium and responsible event setups in public spaces.

1. General Questions About Ark Park

What is Ark Park?

Ark Park is an industry organisation that sets the gold standard for commercial suppliers providing temporary event setups in public parks and outdoor areas. Our members supply professional setups (chairs, tables, shelters, decorations) for events like weddings, proposals, picnics, and parties. Membership signifies a strict commitment to our Code of Practice (CoP), focusing on professionalism, safety, and environmental stewardship.

What is the core mission of Ark Park?

Our mission is to bridge the gap between commercial service excellence and the respectful, sustainable use of public land. We aim to ensure every event is beautiful and successful while actively contributing to the preservation and cleanliness of the community's public spaces.

How does Ark Park interact with local councils and park custodians?

We serve as a trusted, unified body. Councils know that when they deal with an Ark Park member, they are dealing with a vetted, low-risk vendor who guarantees compliance with local permits and adheres to our strict Zero-Trace and Area Enhancement policies. We aim to be partners in park stewardship, not just temporary renters of the space.

2. Information for Clients and the Public

Why should I hire an Ark Park member instead of a non-member supplier?

Hiring an Ark Park member gives you peace of mind and quality assurance. Members are fully committed to:

Safety: All setups are secure, insured, and adhere to safety standards.

Compliance: They guarantee all permitting requirements are met, protecting you from potential council fines.

Zero-Trace: They guarantee your event will leave absolutely no mess or damage behind, ensuring your legacy is positive.

Ethical Practices: You are supporting a business that actively invests time into keeping the park clean.

What is the mandatory 5-Minute Area Enhancement Commitment?

This is the cornerstone of our stewardship. After every event, in addition to cleaning their own site, every Ark Park member staff must spend a minimum of five dedicated minutes actively cleaning and enhancing the immediate surrounding area. This includes picking up pre-existing rubbish left by the general public, tidying nearby park furniture, or raking smooth disturbed ground.

What does the Zero-Trace Policy mean for my event?

It means the member must remove 100% of everything they bring to the site. This includes all setup equipment, decorations, and, crucially, all client waste. No rubbish is to be left behind for park staff or placed in public bins. When they leave, the public space should look exactly as it did before, or better.

Are Ark Park members allowed to use balloons or confetti?

No. Ark Park has a strict ban on all non-biodegradable décor that can become litter, including plastic confetti, streamers, and balloons. Our members are committed to using eco-conscious materials like fresh florals, reusable elements, or biodegradable petals to protect the park’s environment and wildlife.

3. Information for Suppliers and Membership

What are the key benefits of joining Ark Park?

Membership immediately elevates your business to Premium Supplier Status. Key benefits include:

Marketing Advantage: Use the official Ark Park logo as a badge of trust, attracting high-value, eco-conscious clients.

Council Preference: Gain favour with local park authorities who prioritise low-risk, compliant Ark Park vendors.

Industry Advocacy: Benefit from a unified voice advocating for better permitting conditions and operational access.

Professional Networking: Join a community of professionals dedicated to maintaining the highest industry standards.

How does a commercial supplier apply for Ark Park membership?

The application process requires four key steps:

Submit the official Membership Application Form (available on our website).

Provide evidence of current Public Liability Insurance.

Formally sign the Declaration of Commitment to uphold every clause of the Ark Park Code of Practice.

Undergo a review to ensure your operational protocols align with our standards.

What happens if a member violates the Code of Practice?

The integrity of the CoP is paramount. If a verified violation occurs (e.g., leaving trace evidence, violating the 5-Minute commitment, or failing to comply with permits), the member will face a disciplinary process, which can include temporary suspension or immediate, permanent revocation of their Ark Park membership and the right to use the logo.