Parks Permit Rules and Regulations

Rules & Regulations

1. Permit, Unlocking Facilities, Cleanup

   Permit

   Please be sure to have your permit with you during your rental. 

   Unlocking Facilities

   For facilities that must be unlocked, staff will arrive 15 minutes prior to rental time and will wait no longer than 30 minutes past the start time listed on the permit for permit holder to arrive. 

   Cleanup

   The Department of Parks and Recreation retains the right to collect damages from the permit holder if site/facility is left in an unacceptable manner and requires extensive cleanup or repair by Parks staff. Additional fee will be added to credit card on file. Permit holder is responsible for repair/replacement costs of park property damaged/destroyed because of their event. No chalk or painting is allowed. An additional fee will be charged to permit holder for any chalking or painting. 

   Facilities/shelters must be vacated by the end of rental session listed on the permit (this includes cleanup time). For rentals scheduled until 9:30 p.m., all takedown and cleanup must be completed, and facility vacated by 9:30 p.m. If facility is not vacated on time, an additional $50.00 per hour rental fee will be applied to credit card on file. 

2. Changes, Cancellations, and Refunds

   Changes

   Changes to date, time or location of a permit will be accepted up to 7 business days prior to the scheduled date of the event. There will be a $25.00 charge each time a permit is changed. 

   Cancellations

   Refunds for cancellations require a 30 calendar day notice in advance of an event otherwise the fee is not refundable. 

   Refunds

   No refunds will be issued less than 30 days prior to the permit. Permits under $150.00 will not receive a refund. Permits over $150.00 will receive 50% of the permit fee if the request is received 30 days prior to the event. There are no refunds for the fountains not being on, or for inclement weather. 

   The Department of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to cancel a reservation up to two weeks prior to the date. The Department will not be liable for any penalties but will make a full refund of rental fees. The Department will make every effort to relocate reservation if another facility is available within the Department's jurisdiction. 

3. Recycling, Deliveries, Electricity

   Recycling

   If beverages are provided in plastic or aluminum cans you must use designated recycling containers. DO NOT place in trash cans. Recycling of cardboard and boxboard (pop/beer carton, non-frozen food boxes) is encouraged. Please flatten boxes and stack near recycling or trash containers. No glass containers are allowed in any Saint Paul park. 

   Deliveries 

   All deliveries must be made during the rental period. Items cannot be stored at site. All equipment/supplies must be removed at the end of the rental period. 

   Electricity 

   If electricity is available at a site, it is 110 volts. Multiple crock pots, coffee pots, and roasters may cause overloads on power source. 

4. Emergencies

   Emergency Action Plans

   It is the intent of the City of Saint Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation, to make your visit to our facilities a safe and enjoyable experience. The picnic facilities are not severe weather facilities; please take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. You are using this park space at your own risk. 

   In the event of impending severe weather conditions and/or a medical emergency, please follow these guidelines: 

   Impending Thunderstorms/Tornado Warnings/Watches 

   • Designate a person to coordinate emergency procedures, if necessary.
   • Designate someone to monitor a radio.
   • Be prepared. Determine a safe area within the facility (an area away from windows).
   • Have an accurate head count of persons in your party.
   • Keep your party members together.
   • Do not allow people to stand outside or by windows to watch a storm.
   • Monitor children’s activities. 

   Medical Emergencies 

   • Dial 911. Explain the type of emergency. Stay on line until you are dismissed.
   • Designate someone to greet the emergency providers

5. Insurance, Equipment, Large Structures

   Insurance Requirements

   If insurance is required for an event, the permit holder must obtain comprehensive general liability insurance from a company licensed to do business in the State of Minnesota. Such insurance will be at the minimum of $1,500,000 per individual claim, and $3,000,000 in aggregate, and include the City of Saint Paul named as an additional insured. Insurance must be received 15 business days prior to permit date, or permit will be canceled. 

   Equipment 

   No equipment (tents, inflatable, etc.) can be placed on parkland without prior written authorization from the Park Permit Office and payment of additional fees. To ensure safety, all tent and inflatable locations must be approved by the Park Permit Office.

   Large Structures

   Events with structures such as a stages, platforms, bleachers, scaffolding, air-inflated or membrane structure, tents, or a building of any size (temporary or permanent), contact DSI plan examiners, at 651-266-9007, to arrange for a review of the proposed structure. Insurance is required for any inflatable. NO DUNK TANKS ALLOWED in any Saint Paul park.

6. Walks, Runs, Bicycle Events; Marking Paths or Routes

   Walks, Runs, and Bicycle Events

   All walks/runs/bicycle events must provide clear direction to inform participants of the appropriate paths to be used and all park rules must be observed during event participation. If a BICYCLE EVENT is being held, please remember that in many areas bikes and pedestrians must use the same pathways. Please forewarn participants. Walks, runs and bicycle permits must have insurance sent to permit office at least 15 business days prior to event, or permit will be canceled. 

   Marking Paths and/or Routes

   For events that need to mark paths and/or routes, only chalk, cones or flags may be used. Spray paint of any kind is prohibited. 

7. What Is and Isn’t Allowed

   Alcohol

   The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in City parks, except as designated below: 

   The possession and consumption of intoxicating and non-intoxicating malt liquor (containing not more than 5.5% alcohol by weight) is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. within the designated picnic areas in Cherokee, Como, Harriet Island, Highland and Phalen parks, and at Rice and Arlington, McMurray and Dunning fields. Glass beverage containers are not allowed. 

   Amplified Sound

   Amplified sound (music, DJ’s, bands, sound systems, etc.) in the park system must be approved by Parks staff at least 7 business days prior to event and must be listed on reservation permit. Some amplified sound requires a City of Saint Paul noise variance. Call 651-266-8989 for assistance. 

   Balloons 

   Balloons are prohibited on zoo grounds. Balloons ingested by animals can compromise their health and, under the most extreme circumstance, may contribute to or directly cause the death of a zoo animal. This includes visitors with balloons and balloons at events and other activities held on zoo grounds. Balloons are allowed in the picnic areas outside of the zoo grounds in Como Park. Water balloons are not allowed at any park picnic sites. 

   Dogs

   Dogs must be effectively restrained on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs may only be “off-leash” in a designated City of Saint Paul Off-Leash Dog Area. Owners and/or handlers of dogs must prevent their animals from the pursuit or harassment of wildlife or wildlife nests, burrows or habitat on park property. The owner or person handling a dog is responsible for feces clean-up, and must carry a device for such clean-up. Violation of this Ordinance may result in a fine of $108, or five hours of public lands fecal clean- up. Dogs are not allowed in the Como Zoo area.

   Fireworks

   Fireworks are not allowed on park property. 

   Grills

   No grills allowed in downtown parks. We are not responsible for grills that are broken or missing from park locations. 

   Signage

   For events requiring signage, please do not attach signs to trees or paint or permanently mark the curb or pathways. Use signs that can be easily removed or stakes that can be pounded into the ground or freestanding signs. If you plan to use staked signs, you must contact the Park Permit Office at least 7 business days in advance so a utility locate can be done. Remove all signs when your event is over. 

   Vehicles

   Parking vehicles on the grass is prohibited. Vehicles parked on grass are subject to being tagged and towed at the owner’s expense.