Party Down While Keeping Price Down Too

The Burbank Park and Recreation Department has gone into the party game--to everyone’s benefit. As anyone who has ever planned a child’s birthday party knows, it is an incredible amount of work and can be very expensive. Celebration Plus is the name of the department’s program, and it makes the whole process easier and cheaper for you.

The basic plan consists of use of the park and facility: room rental is $24 to $50. For a party of 1 1/2 hours that you plan and where one or two experienced staff members assist you with games, it’s $75. Let’s call that the basic-plus plan.

The deluxe plan includes all of the above plus birthday cake or cupcakes to match the theme; ice cream, punch or juice; room fully decorated and coordinated to your theme; goody bags provided for each child; four to eight games with prizes; plates, cups, napkins and tablecloth, for a total of $150.

A super deluxe plan starts at $225 and includes all of the features of the deluxe plan plus entertainment by either a clown, a magician or performer playing a cartoon character. The party, as with the deluxe plan, lasts two hours.

You may have up to 15 guests (children) at this price. Each additional guest, to a maximum of 20, costs $3 extra. Gail Stewart, the program’s director, likes to keep the age range between 4 and 12, but she will work with you on this.

Some sample themes offered are: Rainbow Extravaganza, Dynamite Dinosaurs, Bubble Balloon Bonanza, Space Rocket Spectacular and Superstar Sports, with many “registered trademark” themes and characters available upon request.

Stewart and her staff will meet with you two weeks before the party day to finalize details, but you need to call at least one month in advance to make sure your date and location are available.

Celebration Plus also stages company picnics or private parties for grown-ups.

We have only checked out the Burbank Park and Recreation Department, but other cities might have an equally good party program. If they don’t, why not suggest that they start now?

Celebration Plus, Burbank Park and Recreation Department, third floor, City Hall , 275 E. Olive Ave., Burbank 91510 ; (818) 953-9566. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday s through Friday s . Gail Stewart, director.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.