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Neighborhood & Community Group Park Events

It is Madison Parks policy to give special consideration to requests from qualifying Neighborhood & Community Organization events.

Qualifying Criteria:

  • Less than 250 people are expected.
  • Event is neighborhood or community group focused, not advertised city-wide.
  • Event is free to attend.

To that end, and to establish a consistent/fair process, we have a simplified application process for neighborhood and community park events.

Please contact madisonevents@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-6033 to inquire if your event qualifies for this permit, if you are unsure.

Application Process

  • Neighborhood and Community Group Park Event Permit application: PDF | MS Word
  • Emergency Action Plan Form A:  PDF | MS Word
  • Applications and Emergency Action Plan Forms are due 30 days before the event
  • *NEW* Event Accessibility Plan: PDF | MS Word review and fill out sections that are appropriate for your event
  • Contact madisonevents@cityofmadison.com or (608) 266-6033 to check on Park or shelter availability before applying

Waived and Reduced Fees for recognized neighborhood and community groups

  • 1st event of the year
    • No permit application fee
    • No shelter reservation fee*
    • Half price permit fees (amplified sound, temporary structures, vending, etc.)
  • Additional events in the same calendar year
    • $60 permit application fee
    • Half price shelter reservation fee
    • Half price permit fees (amplified sound, temporary structures, vending, etc.)
  • See Special Events Fee Schedule to review permit fees

Additional Information

  • Reservation fees for select shelters (levels 5 through 9) will not be waived or reduced with this permit.*
  • With two weeks' notice, up to 4 barrels and 4 tables will be delivered free of charge.
    • If additional equipment is requested, there will be a $150/trip charge.
    • Requests made less than two weeks in advance are charged the $150/trip charge if we are able to accommodate the request.
  • If damage or additional cleanup is required by parks staff following an event, the group organizing the event will be charged $50/hour for labor, plus the cost of materials.
  • Neighborhood and Community Groups that do not comply with permit conditions may forfeit their free reservation(s) in future years.