Permit Season Information

The 2025 permit season will run May 5 - October 5. 

Beginning January 3, 2025, permit applications will be accepted from all Saint Paul residents and businesses via phone at 651-266-6400 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Beginning February 3, 2025:

  • Non-residents may apply for permits.
  • Online picnic shelter permits will be available.

Answers to many common questions can be found in our Park Permit Rules and Regulations. Contact the Permit Office at 651-266-6400 Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, or parkspermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us for more information. 

When to reserve a shelter, pavilion, or building

  • Application deadline: All permit applications must be made at least 14 days before the event.
  • Shelters and pavilions:
    • The shelter and pavilion rental season is from May 6 - October 6, 2024.
    • Beginning January 3, 2024, permit applications will be accepted from all Saint Paul residents and businesses via phone at 651-266-6400 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

    • Beginning February 1, 2024, non-residents may apply for permits.

  • Newell Park building and Como Streetcar Station ONLY:
    • The Newell Park building and Como Streetcar Station rental season is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
    • Saint Paul residents and businesses may apply for a permit the first business day of the month, 13 months in advance of their desired event date. Non-residents and businesses may apply beginning the first business day of the month, 12 months in advance of their desired event date.

How to reserve a shelter, pavilion, or event building

  • Pavilions & event buildings: Pavilions and event buildings are not available for online reservation. Please call the Permit Office at 651-266-6400 or email parkspermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us for permit assistance. Phone reservation hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Shelters: Shelters can be reserved online.

Reserve a Shelter

Additional Information

  • Rates & Fees: See the Rates and Fees page.
  • Locations: Picnic shelter and pavilion locations and additional information can be found on the picnic reservation rates page.
  • Parking: There is no reserved parking in any Saint Paul park. All parking is general and on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Holidays: Permits are issued and allowed on summer holidays.
  • Event Insurance: All insurance certificates must be submitted to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation no later than 15 business days prior to the event. Failure to do so will result in event being canceled. Insurance is required for all inflatables and no dunk tanks are allowed in parks. See Saint Paul Event Insurance Requirements for more information.
  • Non-Profits/Tax Exempt Status: Organizations claiming tax exempt status must submit a completed MN Certificate of Exemption (ST3) form before making a reservation. This tax-exempt number must be issued by the State of MN and not by the IRS Department of Treasury.
  • Site Visits: There will be a $25 charge for persons requesting to view the facilities before the event.  You must contact the permit office at least 7 days prior to your permit so arrangements can be made for a staff person to show you the facility.
  • Application Limit: Only one permit application will be accepted per day from any group, individual, or organization.
  • Changes & Cancellations: See our Changes and Cancellations Policy.

The Parks and Recreation Department retains the right to shut down any rental for any violation of the Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations, Park Permit Rules and Regulations, city ordinances, or laws that are violated, without refund of the rental fee. 

Rates, Fees & Locations Picnic Facility Quick Facts (PDF)   Shelter & Pavilion Map (PDF) Shelter & Pavilion Map (Google) 

Last Edited: April 10, 2025