Walnut Creek Votes To Ban Bounce Houses

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) -- Walnut Creek is bouncing children's inflatable jump houses from city parks.

Officials complained that bounce houses take a significant amount of staff time to issue permits and they chew up grass.

The Contra Costa Times reports that the Walnut Creek Park, Recreation and Open Space Commission decided Monday to ban the inflatable structures.

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 city officials say those rules were ignored.

City officials say there are countless other, privately-owned places where kids still can go on a trampoline.

Other Bay Area cities, including Danville and Pleasanton, also have banned bounce houses.

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