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.
Park Use Permits will not be issued for the remainder of 2024 unless accompanying a picnic shelter reservation at Leroy Haagen, Fisher Basin or Marine Parks and with the 30 day permitting window.
To acquire a permit for LeRoy Haagen, Marine or Fisher Basin Parks, you must also have the picnic shelter reserved. A Park Use Permit is an additional fee from a picnic shelter reservation. Park Use Permits will not be issued for Marshall Park in 2024 due to restroom construction.
Park Use Permit 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.
Types of activities that require a Park Use Permit include but are not limited to:
- Inflatable bounce houses
- 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
Any event exceeding the shelter capacity and/or extending beyond the boundaries of the shelter must complete the Special Event Interest Form. For more information about holding permitted events in the parks, email the Parks Permitting Team.
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, with a Park Use Permit.
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 unless accompanying a picnic shelter reservation at Leroy Haagen, Fisher Basin or Marine Parks and with the 30 day permitting window.
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