Overview:

This guide is co-published through a partnership with the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition and Trust for Public Land (TPL). The coalition advocates for an equitable parks and recreation system and supports resident-led stewardship and activation of city parks. TPL works to connect all Ohioans to the outdoors through land conservation, parks, trails and schoolyards. This article is written by Tait Ferguson, coordinator for the coalition. This guide is specifically for City of Cleveland parks, not Cleveland Metroparks.

Want to reserve a park shelter or rec center? Or use a fire hydrant for your community garden? If you would like to hold an event that uses city parks and recreation facilities, this is your one-stop shop to the various permit applications, divisions and approval steps:

These forms are applications, not approvals. You must receive approval from the city for the permit to be complete.

Permits for city parks are managed by the Division of Special Events, Division of Recreation, or specific recreation center managers. All are within the Parks and Recreation Department.

With each permit below, you will find the address, fax number and email address of the city office responsible for approval and the primary contact for assistance. Permit applications must be submitted in-person, via fax, or emailed to this listed office. All applications must be submitted at least 14 days ahead of the event. The sooner, the better.

Reserving a shelter, pavilion, gazebo, or city park space for a small event: 

No more paper permits. You can now request reservations online.

Reserving a park for a large community event (farmers market, concert, etc): 

Reserving space in a Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Center (NRRC): 

Reserving a baseball/softball field in a city park: 

Reserving a multi-purpose field in a city park: 

Reserving Halloran Skating Rink: 

Using a hydrant for water access in a city park:

Do you have a question about parks and greenspace in your community? Connect with the Parks and Greenspace Coalition and submit your question here.
You can learn more about the Trust for Public Land’s work in Ohio here.

The Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition bridges residents, industry experts, funders, political office holders and public partners to ensure accessible, beautiful, and culturally relevant greenspaces are enhancing the lives and health of all Clevelanders.