The Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer quality of life experiences, parks, trails, and programs the promote health and wellness, but we are also proud of our role in the economic development of our community. 

Not only do our parks and amenities and those of the hospitality stakeholders (zoo, museums, entertainment, historic district, etc.) make it more likely to attract highly skilled, educated, and entrepreneurial workers, but their presence in turns also attracts companies which ultimately is what Brownsville needs to grow and prosper and allow for the future investment in parks, trails, and other quality of life hospitality. 

In addition, we want to support our community members grow economically as well. Micro entrepreneurs, such as small businesses or vendors can grow with us. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW WITH US

• Become a vendor at Lunada or our Special Events throughout the year. 
• Rent our commercial kitchen as you build your business. 
• Be a concessionaire in parks. 

BECOME A VENDOR AT LUNADA OR OUR SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. 

Lunada is a seasonal evening artisan market May – Sept the third (3^rd) Saturday evening of the month from 6pm-10pm with movie in the park, music, live food, and vendors.  The public comment is they hope for a nice mix of artisan crafts unique quality items to purchase, as well as good food and drink.  For a nominal fee, you can participate each month setting up your booth to grow your business with us. 

Vending Permit Application

RENT OUR COMMERCIAL KITCHEN AS YOU BUILD YOUR BUSINESS. 

Coming soon on 6^th and Madison at the old Mother of Perpetual Help cafeteria, the City is opening a senior center with a teaching kitchen that can be used to host classes, teach cooking classes, rent to make food from your garden to sell at local markets or events, etc. 

We are the brick and mortar you don’t have to start your business and grow your business expertise and revenue to help you slowly grow your business from vending, to catering, to food truck, to a building. 

If you have a specialty soap, candle, salsa, or food that your friends and family say you should package and sell this may be the place for you to get your start. Little investment and hopefully great reward! 

BE A CONCESSIONAIRE IN PARKS. 

Food trucks and other vendors with a permit can operate in parks depending on the volume and current use. We support our youth partners, mostly the athletic leagues who use concessions to be able to run their programs; and we support Holiday Village who has vendors to support that Thanksgiving to New Years. 

Independent Contracts are available to instructors for any recreation activity – dance, gymnastics, martial arts, computers, ceramics, personal trainers, etc. IF you have a niche talent that you are wanting to grow into a small business our facilities are available for you upon availability and a contract with a portion of your fees to go toward the facility space (electrical, maintenance, restrooms, water, etc.) 

We also are amenable to Capital Concession investments in parks to from Non-motorized craft rentals to small New York City style coffee shop outdoor bistros. 

[LINK TO RENTAL PERMIT and INDEPENDENT CONTRACT] 

We are proud to be able to support the innovators and small business leaders and future entrepreneurs contact our Special Events Coordinator to help you get started on your journey! 

Special Events Coordinator Shannon Contreras phone: (956) 275- 2624   email:  [email protected]

 Special Events Planning Guide

To find more information about parks and recreation and economic impact nationally read: nrpa-economic-development-report.pdf