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Food Trucks in Parks
Prince William County Parks and Recreation is introducing mobile food vending in designated parks as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences. By integrating food service into park settings, DPR aims to create more engaging and enjoyable destinations for the community. Participating vendors will play an important role in supporting these experiences through their food and service. All vendors must operate a fully equipped mobile unit suitable for on-site operations.
We recommend reviewing “How to Apply” below prior to starting the Application.
Vendors will be selected based on: complete application package, visual appearance of the food truck (cleanliness and signage), and variety of menu items that appeal to park customers.
Please follow the simple steps below to get started with your application.
In addition to commercial liability insurance all mobile food vendors must obtain licensing from other agencies prior to applying for a Department of Parks and Recreation permit.
Links to the appropriate websites are listed below:
- Apply for a Mobile Food Permit here: Virginia Department of Health Applications and Forms
- Apply for a Solicitor/Peddler Permit here: PWC PD Solicitor Peddler Permit
- Apply for a PWC Business License here: PWC Tax Administration Office | Business License
If you already have already completed the three steps above, please proceed to the application:
(please note, you will be required to upload all permit related documents)There are currently seven parks with designated mobile vending spaces. Vending spaces vary by site and can be either designated parking spaces, or areas within the park that have been chosen for safety and convenience for customers and vendors.
At its discretion, the Prince William Department of Parks and Recreation can, at any time, add additional vending spaces and permit vendors to other park locations, or terminate any vending location.
Ben Lomond Regional Park (offseason only)
7500 Ben Lomond Park Rd, Manassas, VA 20109Fairmont Park
9801 Fairmont Ave, Manassas, VA 20109Neabsco Regional Park
15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191Rollins Ford Park
14500 Rollins Ford Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181Lake Ridge Park & Marina
12350 Cotton Mill Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192Locust Shade Park
4701 Locust Shade Dr, Triangle, VA 22172
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand all- Who is Eligible?
Interested vendors must have a mobile food unit with the ability to provide mobile food vending services. Mobile food carts can be considered for some locations. Any other vending alternatives are not permitted. Vendors must provide all required documentation listed in the ‘How to Apply’ section prior to obtaining a permit from Prince William County Parks and Recreation.
- When is Vending Permitted?
Permit Holders may set their own flexible working schedule for each individual park, but may not be in the park before park opening (dawn), or after closure. It is not required for a permit holder to be at the park every day or to stay for any designated amount of time. Mobile vending trucks and all associated equipment must be removed from the park at the end of each day. Equipment is not permitted in the park overnight at any time.
- How to Apply/Selection Process
Applications open on March 24 and will be accepted through the 2026 calendar year. Vendors will be selected based on: complete application package, visual appearance of the food truck, and menu items. Selected vendors will be notified on a rolling basis, and once approved, they can begin serving at designated park locations.
- How long is a mobile vending permit valid?
All mobile vending permits with PWC Parks and Recreation expire on December 31st of the year issued. All required documentation must be valid through the permitting period (COI, Health Permit, etc..)
- What kind of insurance is required?
Provide a current insurance certificate showing Commercial General Liability coverage of $2 million. The policy must list the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, and their officers, employees, and volunteers as additional insureds, and this must be stated on the certificate.
- How will people know if the vendor is approved to be at the park?
Each approved vendor will be issued a visual permit by Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation to be displayed on the mobile food truck at all times. The visual permit will list contact information for Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation.
- What kind of advertising is permitted?
Advertising signage for mobile food sales is not permitted in the parks other than the signage that is attached to the mobile vending unit. Signage on the unit must be printed and legible and must include the company’s name.
- What are the vendor trash and recycling requirements?
Vendors must provide trash and recycling receptacles and pick up all trash within 30 feet of the vending pad. All trash and any other waste including grease and grey water must be removed from the park before leaving each day. Vendors may use dumpsters in the park to dispose of trash if available.
- Are there any items that are prohibited to sell?
Vendors may not sell or advertise alcohol, tobacco products, lottery products, gum, sunflower seeds, or individually wrapped candies.
- Will I be the only vendor selling items at the park(s)?
Vendors cannot assume exclusive use of any park for mobile vending services. The Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation may, at any time, add additional vending spaces to parks in order to meet the demand of park users. In addition, Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation manages events at various parks throughout the year and may schedule multiple vendors to sell food and/or merchandise. Permitted mobile food vendors are not allowed to approach groups participating in reserved events.
- Can my permit be terminated?
Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation expects vendors to provide consistent and frequent service. Vendor’s staff should maintain the highest level of customer service and cleanliness relating to a family-oriented atmosphere for the public. The Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to cancel a permit if the vendor’s use conflicts with other park users or activities, if the vendor exceeds the scope for which the permit was issued, if the vendor does not comply with all Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation rules, policies and regulations, or for any other due cause.
- What are the park hours for mobile food vending?
Vendors may not be in the park before park opening (dawn), or after closure.
