Park Use Permits
A Park Use Permit gives you permission to bring special items and equipment into the park and describes any approved special services or park staff assistance. Applications for 2025 permits will be available in February 2025.
Types of activities that require a Park Use Permit include but are not limited to:
- Inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses
- Pop-up tents or extra tables/chairs
- A wedding
- Amplified music or a loudspeaker
- A public event such as a sporting event, charity activity, festival or concert
- Commercial photo shoot or filming
If the event draws more than 100 people, takes up a significant amount of space outside of the shelter and/or requires City services, a Special Event Permit is required at an additional rate. To request a Special Event Permit, complete the Special Event Interest Form.
Park Use Permit Application Process
Reserve a Picnic Shelter
Picnic Shelters at Fisher Basin, LeRoy Haagen, Marshall and Marine Parks are available to reserve for events taking place May 1 – Sept 30. Reservations for the 2025 season will open on February 5, 2025 at 9am. You must have a picnic shelter reserved for these parks in order to obtain a Park Use Permit.
Fill out Park Use Permit Application
Applications for the 2025 season will be available to fill out in February. Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to your event date. Requests made less than 30 days prior to the event date may not be accepted or may be subject to a $100 late fee. After you application is reviewed you will be contacted for any additional information/documentation needed.
Pay for the permit
You will be emailed an invoice for the permit fee. To pay invoice with credit or debit card, call 360-487-7001 ext. 0 or you may pay in person at Firstenburg Community Center or Marshall Community Center to pay by check or cash.
Sign the Park Use Permit
Once all fees have been paid and any additional documentation has been received and approved, you will receive a Park Use Permit to sign electronically. You will then be sent a final copy for you to have on site at your event.
Applications for 2025 permits will be available in February 2025. For information about permitted events in the parks, contact the Parks Permitting Team at 360-487-8304 or ParksPermits@cityofvancouver.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out if an event is already scheduled at a park with a non-reservable picnic shelter?
Contact Marshall Community Center at 360-487-7100 or Firstenburg Community Center at 360-487-7001 to find out about events taking place in our parks.
What is included with a picnic shelter reservation?
Reservations include use of all picnic tables located within the shelter and electricity (there is no electricity at Marine Park). Playground amenities and restrooms will be shared with the public.
Can I bring a bounce house to my shelter reservation?
Yes, with a Park Use Permit. A shelter reservation is also required at Marshall, LeRoy Haagen, Marine or Fisher Basin Parks. A certificate of insurance is required and an attendant from the bounce house company must be on site to operate the inflatable for the duration of the rental. The bounce house vendor must be listed on the Certified Amusement Ride Operators for the State of Washington’s Labor and Industries. Personal bounce houses are not allowed in City of Vancouver Parks and will not be permitted.
Can I hold a sporting event or tournament at a park?
Yes, depending on the size and infrastructure. Fill out a Park Use Permit application, and the permitting team will make a determination.
Can I use additional park space, outside the picnic shelter for my event?
Yes, with a Park Use Permit.
Can I have amplified sound at the park during my event?
Live bands, DJs and significant amplified speakers are allowed with a Park Use Permit. Using a small Bluetooth speaker does not require a permit.
Are BBQs allowed at the park?
Yes, gas grills are preferred.
Is alcohol allowed at the park?
Alcohol consumption or possession is not allowed at most parks, unless it is specified in a Park Use Permit. Some events, when properly staffed and permitted through the Liquor Control Board, may be allowed to serve alcohol within a park.
How far in advance should I apply for a Park Use Permit?
Applications must be received at least 30 days before your event. Applications received less than 30 days prior to your event may not be accepted or are subject to a $100 late application fee. Park Use Permits will not be issued for the remainder of 2024.
Reduce Waste with Waste Connections
Waste Connections offers tips and tools to reduce waste at Clark County events of all sizes. They have a lending library of items available for checkout including:
- Garbage receptacles and bags
- Recycling receptacles and bags
- Food waste containers (for compost)
- Reusable tableware sets