Thank you for visiting the Monroe County Parks' Special Use webpage!

Categories of Special Use

Special Use Applications are to be filled out if your PROPOSED activity is ANY of the following (not an exhaustive list)

• ​It is open-to-the-public
• Need for exlusive use of a section of park
• Road closure
• Entering park property as part of another event
• Or fits within any of the eight categories described below: 

Event:  All open-to-the-public Ticketed Events, Benefits, Charity Events, Awareness Events, or Fundraisers; All Races, Runs, Walks, Triathlons, or Bicycle or Motorcycle Rides, etc.; all Festivals, Concerts, or Music & Theater Performances/Events, Food Truck Events; all Fishing Derbies, Boating Events, Memorial Events. This includes any event promoted through social media or commercial advertising weither public or private, ticketed or free. Violation of permit or failure to obtain the permit could result in the event being shut down. 

• Event Application - New application process. Please read thoroughly and refer to the checklist.

Field: All single-day or seasonal athletic field use, leagues, tournaments, and athletic events; all fee-based Clinics, Classes, Exercise Classes, Tours, or Recreation Club activities or programs that are not considered events. Large tournaments may be required to submit a special event application. Request for winter or our of season field use can be made to mcparksevents@monroecounty.gov 

• Field Application (Online Form)

Recreation/Other:  All free (non fee-based) and/or open-to-the-public Clinics, Hikes, Classes, Exercise Classes, Tours, or Recreation Club activities or programs that are also small/ less than 25 people (over 25 people will need to complete a Field or Event Application).  This category is all for other activities for which we want visibility. Insurance needs to be turned in along with the application, naming Monroe County as the certificate holder(see insurance requirements)

• Recreation Application

Private Rental:  Request for use of a specifical location not tied into a rental, IE. use of gardens, landscapes, memorials or non designated fields. Common use of this permit include Weddings Ceremonies, Photos, Corporate Functions, Company Picnics, Church Picnics, and more. All requests for a private event that is not associated with a lodge or a shelter may be required to make a rental in order to accommodate your parking, bathroom, or other needs.  Tents added to private rental will need to complete the tent application.

• Private Rental Application

Tent:  All tents must be in conjunction with a facility, lodge, or shelter rental. Tents 225 sqft and up require a permit, insurance and dig safe be done prior to set up. Insurance fr tents must be submitted by tent owner prior to submission of permit. Large tent require a tent inspection request be submitted to County codes.

• Tent Application

Vendor:  Vendor applicaions can only be obtained coinciding with an event permit. Form, or additional pages from event application, need to be completed at least 30 days prior to the event. Please note all applicable food amd alcohol vendors need to submit the nessesary health permits and meet local or state requirements. 

• Vendor Application

Youth Group Camping:  All Youth and Scout camping groups; all Camporees, Klondikes, and large camping events are to be coordinated with the Campgound Manager by calling the campground office. Requests for non-designated and/or unique camping locations may require a Special Use Application.

Film/ Photo/ Video:  All commercial, non-commercial, or Student Film, Photo, or Video Shoots/ Projects. 

• Film/ Photo/ Video Application

Submitting your Special Use Applications  

1. Choose the appropriate category of Special Use application.  
2. All applications are "fillable" online, but must be attached to an email message.
   • Click on the proper application above.
   • Save it to your desktop as "spec use app"
   • Then click "Save As"
   • Then name your file with the following format "park initials", "organization", "year" (example: "MPP Joe Schmo Organization 2020")
   • Fill out all boxes in all sections
   • Click "Save" when you are done filling out the application
   • Attach your application to an email to the appropriate staff person]
3. You can also submit applications by U.S. Mail, or in person.

Timeline for Submission of Special Use Applications

If you are planning to obtain a Special Use Permit for a Monroe County Park, please fill out all applicable paperwork and submit it Monroe County Parks Department according to the schedule below:

Event: 45 days prior to your proposed event. All insurace, food permits, and liquor pemrits least 30 days ahead of your proposed event.

Field: The field application opens the Monday after Martin luther king jr day each year, at 8:30am, and at least 21 days ahead of your proposed program or activity.

Recreation: At least 30 days ahead of your first proposed program date. 

Private Rental: Upon reservation of facility, and at least 30 days ahead of your date/reservation.

Tent: At least 30 days ahead of your event date or reservation.

Vendor: Included with or after the submission of a Special Use Event application all vendor permits need to be in at least 30 days ahead of your event date.

Camping: Subject to coordination with the Campground Manager

Film, Photo, Video Shoot: At least 30 days ahead of your proposed shoot.

Submitting applications earlier than the timeline suggests increases chances of accommodation and permit being issued.

Insuracne Requirements

Events that occur on County Property are required to submit insurance to Monroe County Parks. Full policy should be reviewed prior to you submitting an applicaiotn and can be shared with your inuracne company. Failure to meet the insureance requirements with the County will result in your event being cancelled.

Insurance Requirements