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Aurora hires event planning firm for RiverEdge Park

In anticipation of RiverEdge Park’s completion, Aurora is hiring an event planning company to prepare for the facility’s first year as an entertainment destination.

The city council on Tuesday approved a $35,000 contract with Open Road Events of Milwaukee that includes the development of an operating budget, events calendar and event staffing plan for the park as well as assistance with securing food and beverage vendors and corporate sponsors.

The company will help city employees plan opening events for the park, make lists of probable expenses associated with hosting concerts and other festivals, and outline what staffing the venue will need, according to the consulting services contract.

The park’s total cost is estimated at $17.4 million, including money spent on site preparation of the land along the Fox River just north of downtown. Of that total, $15 million comes from grants. The park is expected to be complete by October, 2012, and must be finished by Feb. 28, 2013, to meet grant requirements.

With so much funding going into the park, getting some professional assistance with event planning will ensure it truly becomes the gathering place many Aurora officials are envisioning, said Gina Moga, development coordinator.

“It will enable the city to build upon the investment that we’re putting in this park to guarantee success,” Moga said.

An event planning report from Open Road Events is due March 15, according to the contract.

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