Bay Area Town Considers Banning Bounce Houses

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) -- A San Francisco Bay area city is considering a ban on children's inflatable jump houses at public parks.

   The Walnut Creek Park, Recreation and Open Space Commission is scheduled to hear a recommendation Monday from city staffers who say so-called bounce houses chew up grass, are a liability hazard and eat up government time with permits and enforcement.

   Walnut Creek started requiring residents to get permits for the birthday party staples two years ago and to prove their vendors have liability insurance.

   But Recreation department director Barry Gordon says the requirements are routinely ignored.

   Several nearby cities already have similar bans.