Park Shelter Reservations

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make a reservation?

  To reserve a picnic shelter, please call (757) 385-PARK (7275), Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Payment is due in full at the time of the reservation.​

• Do I need a permit?

  Permits must be secured no less than 30 days prior to the event date and require a paid shelter reservation. Items requiring a permit include but are not limited to:

  • Amplified sound
  • Commercial cookers
  • DJ
  • Live entertainment
  • Amusements
  • Staging
  • Non-food vending
  • Generator
  • Fundraiser events
  • Mechanical rides
  • Pony rides
  • Petting zoo
  • Catering
  • Food-trucks

  
  ​Complete the Event Permit Interest Form to give us a better idea of your event needs.

• What is the cost of permits?

  Permitting Fees:

  Park Land Use

  • $100 Small
  • $250 Medium
  • ​$500 Large
    

  Event Permits (with paid shelter or land use reservations only)

  • ​$100 Neighborhood Park Permit
  • $125 Special use permit fee (1 item)
  • ​$250 Event permit fee (2-3 items)
  • $350 Large event permit fee (4 or more items)

• What is your cancellation policy?

  Cancellations received 30 days or more prior to the event will be charged a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the event will be charged a 25% cancellation fee. All permit fees associated with your reservation are non-refundable.

  For more information on the cancellation policy, please contact Parks and Natural Areas at (757) 385-7275.

• Can I schedule a rain date?

  Reservations will not be refunded or rescheduled based on the weather forecast. If your event is rained out, please call (757) 385-7275 within seven (7) business days after your rental date to reschedule or request a refund. At the time of your call, your shelter reservation must be rescheduled within the current calendar year or a refund will be processed.​​

• Do you offer a fee waiver?

  Fee Waivers may be granted for shelters, land use, permits, or other amenities used in our park system. In order to be eligible for a fee waiver, a resident or group must meet Fee Wavier requirements.​