Neighborhood & Community Group Park Events

It is Madison Parks policy to give special consideration to requests from Neighborhood & Community Groups for small (<250) neighborhood focused gatherings. Be it Fourth of July picnics or fall bonfires, these events bring people together to enjoy their local park. Madison Parks encourages this positive use of neighborhood parks.

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

Application Process

• Neighborhood and Community Group Park Event Permit application: MS Word / PDF
• Applications are due 30 days before the 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.