Certificate for Park Use
 City parks are a favorite place for picnics, family get-togethers and office outings. A Certificate for Park Use entitles you to a specific group picnic area in a City park. Group Areas may include multiple tables, barbecues or a large gazebo or shade structure. Permits are issued for the convenience of users and guarantee exclusive use of a particular location for a specific time period, date and use.
A Certificate for Park Use is issued for any private gathering with fewer than 200 in attendance that does not involve City services or require special permits. A Certificate for Park Use is required for any activity with 50 or more people and/or in which assembly is intended to last more than 30 minutes. Applications for Park Use must be submitted 10 days prior to the proposed activity. Does your event have more than 200 particpants or require special permits? If so, please see Park Event Permit.
Detailed Amenities Guides (both web graphics and PDF files) are available for our most popular parks. The online guides include group picnic areas, availability of restrooms, barbeques, and number of persons each can accommodate.
Where do I start?
The
Certificate for Park Use Process and Application Information
Obtain an Application for Park Use
There are three (3) ways to obtain an Application for Park Use to start the permit process:
- Download the 3-page
 Application for Park Use (pdf), print, complete and submit as instructed on page 1 of the application;
- Visit the Coloma Community Center, Monday through Friday, 10am - 4pm to request an application;
- Contact Park Reservations, (916) 808-6060 or sacrecreation@cityofsacramento.org to request an application.
 PDF forms require Adobe
Acrobat Reader, available free at adobe.com.
When will I receive my Certificate for Park Use?
Only, after all fees and required documents are turned in, will a Certificate for Park Use be issued.
How will I identify the area permitted to me?
On weekends and holidays Park Safety Services staff will post the Group Area(s) reserved for you on the morning of your activity. Reservations cannot be guaranteed after 11am. A minimum of one (1) adult must be present at the reserved site no later than 11am. Please bring your Certificate for Park Use and contract to the park with you on the day of your reservation.
What happens if someone is in my reserved area when I arrive?
If you encounter problems on-site contact the City Operator at (916) 264-5011. The City Operator will dispatch a Park Safety Officer to address the situation.
Application Filing Timeline
Applications for Park Use may be submitted a maximum of one (1) year in advance and must be made a minimum of 10 business days in advance. Applications submitted less than 10 business days in advance are subject to late fees of $2 per day. Applications will not be accepted fewer than three (3) business days prior to the proposed park use date.
Detailed information on Certificate of Park Use restrictions and responsibilities
Alcohol
In accordance with City Code 12.72.080 possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all City parks except if permitted for a Park Event.
 Amplified Sound
City Code 12.72.010 defines amplified sound as “speech, music or other sound projected or transmitted by electronic equipment including amplifiers, loud speakers, microphones, or similar devices or combinations of devices which are powered by electricity, battery or combustible fuel and which are intended to increase the volume, range, distance or intensity of speech, music or other sound.”
In accordance with City Code 12.72.060, when in a City park “no person shall use any amplified sound without first obtaining an amplified sound permit.” City Code 12.72.110, outlines the regulations for use of amplified sound by any person(s) in a City park as follows:
- No person shall use amplified sound except between sunrise and sunset, except at lighted facilities;
- No person shall use amplified sound exceeding a noise level of eighty-six (86) dBA at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet from a noise source or sources.
Barbeques
You are welcome to bring self-contained barbecues. Your barbecue must be a minimum of 6 inches off the ground and cannot be within 25 feet of a playground. Please remember that you are responsible for the safe removal and disposal of the coals and/or grease outside of the park.
Cancellation Policy
For each fee based reservation that is cancelled, a $15 administrative fee will be assessed. If the cancellation is made later than five (5) days before the activity date the entire fee is non-refundable. Damage deposits will be refunded less the $15 administrative fee. No refunds for undesirable weather. During questionable weather, applicant may reschedule the reservation three (3) days prior to the reserved date no later than noon. Once an application is assigned/issued a contract number then the refund/cancellation policy becomes applicable. All cancellations, adjustments or rescheduling must be submitted in writing by the Responsible Party listed on the “Application for Park Use.”
Decorations
Signs, banners, and party decorations may be used in your Group Area(s). The use of glue, nails, tacks, screws, staples, or other fasteners that may scratch or otherwise damage surfaces of picnic shelters are prohibited. Tacks, screws, nails, or other fasteners are not allowed on trees. Paint and chalk marks are not allowed on sidewalks or other surfaces.
Food
 If you are preparing, or serving food to a known group of people additional permits are not required. However, if you plan to sell or serve food to the general public in the City of Sacramento, a County of Sacramento Environmental Health Permit is required. For more information on food service requirements please contact the County at (916) 875-8440.
Fundraising
Per City Code 12.72.060, commercial activity in any park is prohibited, except by a nonprofit organization pursuant to a fundraising permit. If your non-profit is interested in fundraising, a copy of your 501(c)(3) status will be required to complete the permit process.
Insurance
If, insurance is required for your activity it must be submitted on a standard ACORD form, or on the insurance company’s letterhead. The City of Sacramento must be listed as the certificate holder as well as an additional insured with respects to General Liability. An endorsement naming the “The City of Sacramento, its officials, agents, employees and volunteers” must accompany the certificate of insurance. The endorsement page is often referred to as page CG 2011.
Jump Tent
A permit is required to have a jump tent in the park. Each park has a limited number of jump tent reservation slots. Jump tents are restricted to a four-walled jump house without any attachments. Slides, Obstacle Courses, Sumo Wrestlers, water features, and Bungee Jumps are not allowed in the park. Be sure your jump tent provider has a certificate of insurance on file with the Department of Parks and Recreation. The permittee is responsible for providing a generator for inflation of the amenity; the City of Sacramento does not provide electricity. The jump tent shall not be placed in a City park earlier than eight (8) a.m. and must be removed no later than sunset on the day for which the permit is issued. The permittee must provide adequate supervision so that the use is in compliance with manufactures recommendations and reflects safe levels of operation.
Park Safety
The mission of Park Safety Services is to provide park guests and park neighbors with a safe and trouble-free environment. A Park Safety staff member will be in or near the park during your activity. Park Safety staff has the authorization to stop or modify any activity if deemed necessary. If you have safety concerns, or on-site problems please contact Park Safety Services through the City Operator at (916) 264-5011. For emergencies call 911.
Photo Identification
A copy of photo identification (California Driver’s License or I.D. card) of the Responsible Party is required to complete the application process.
Restroom Facilities
Per City Code 12.72.180 in City parks which do not have toilet facilities the City of Sacramento requires one (1) chemical toilet for any activity where the estimated attendance exceeds fifty (50) persons. Such facilities shall be provided at the ratio of one (1) for each additional four hundred (400) people, or portion thereof. The number of toilets required is based upon the maximum number at your activity during peak time.
 Rose Gardens
The gardens are designed for small, intimate activities. To protect the gardens, activities must be a gathering with fewer than 200 in attendance. Amplified sound is not allowed in McKinley Park including the Rose Garden. This includes drums and loud radios. Tape recorded wedding music, acoustical instruments and vocals are allowed. It is very important that you observe the following rules regarding vehicles and access:
- No vehicles allowed in the parks or the gardens;
- Loading, limousine and passenger drop-off area for the Rose Garden is provided in an access road next to the garden;
- Please observe the No Parking or parking limitation signs in the surrounding neighborhood;
- Do not park on sidewalks, intersection corners or in front of residential driveways;
- Please do not honk your horn until your party is outside the residential areas.
Reservations are booked for three (3) hour time blocks as follows: 8 - 11am; 11am - 2pm; 2 - 5pm and 5 - 8pm (during daylight savings time only).
Capitol Park is part of the State Park system. For information on reserving the World Peace Rose Garden, located in Capitol Park, call (916) 445-3876.
Trash Disposal
All sites must be restored to original condition at the end of use. Clean up and/or repair charges beyond normal wear and tear will be billed to the permit holder based on cost of repair. If trash receptacles are full, please bag waste and place bags next to trash barrels.
Vehicular Access
Motorized vehicles on park property, lawns, turf, restricted roadway, bicycle/pedestrian pathway or athletic fields is prohibited. Roadways and parking areas are clearly marked and established. Driving beyond designated boundaries to load and unload equipment or transport goods is prohibited. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Fees and Payments
Permit fees are due 60 days prior to your reservation date. Once an application is issued a contract number the cancellation policy becomes applicable. Reservations made less than 14 days must be paid by cash, money order, or Visa/MasterCard if amount due is greater than $150.
Park Use Fees
- Park Use Fees:
Neighborhood and Community Park Use (uncovered) - $23 per area or per 50 guests
- Neighborhood and Community Park Use (covered) - $35 per area or per 50 guests
- Regional Park Use - $50 per area or per 50 guests
- Premium Park Facilities (William Land Park, McKinley Park, Bannon Creek Barn) - $65 per area or per 50 guests
Permit Fees
- Amplified Sound Permit - $25 per hour
- Barbecue Permit (large locked BBQ’s) - $15 per day
- Jump Tent Permit - $25 per unit
- Park Safety Services - $28 per hour (may be required with some permits)
Gardens
- Park Use - $50 per three (3) hour time block
- Refundable Park Damage Deposit - $100
- Park Safety Services - $20 per Hour (3 hour time block - $60)
Late Fee
- Reservations made less than 10 business days in advance are subject to late fees of $2 per day.
- Applications will not be accepted fewer than three (3) business days prior to the proposed park use date.
Learn more about the Parks and Recreation Permit system
- Park Permit and Certificate of Park Use
- Athletic Field Permit and Long Term Athletic Field Permit
- Indoor Facility Use Permit
- Special
Event Permit
- Neighborhood
Block Party Permit
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