Facility & Park Reservations

Overview

PARK-RESERVATION-FORM-w-Chapter-18-007-revised.pdf(PDF, 812KB)

To rent one of our facilities, review and complete the facility reservation form and review the rental facility guidelines. Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of payment.

You may submit the complete reservation form:

  1. By fax: 352-334-3299
  2. By email:  PRCAreservations@gainesvillefl.gov.
  3. In person: Visit Depot Park, 100 SE 10th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, Office Number 005, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information on rentals, please call 352-393-8538. Please review and complete the  facility information form and submit by fax (352-334-3299) or by email to PRCAreservations@gainesvillefl.gov.

Note: New fees effective Oct. 1, 2024. 

 

NOTE:  The park reservation process does not guarantee a pavilion or designated space for your group. Our intent is to encourage everyone to keep us informed on intended park usage to help alleviate conflicts. The parks and pavilions are used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Polystyrene Ban on City Property

On June 6, 2022, the City Commission approved new Zero Waste Ordinances for the City of Gainesville. Among these ordinances passed is the new Expanded Polystyrene Containers Ban on City Property. Expanded polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam®) containers include any plate, bowl, cup, container, lid, tray, cooler, ice chest, or similar item made of blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foam material.

Effective Sept. 2, 2022, this ordinance prohibits the distribution of prepackaged food or beverages in expanded polystyrene by a permit holder on City of Gainesville property or on the City of Gainesville right-of-way. This ban includes all vendors (including city-owned and/or operated services) at city parks, golf courses, and buildings, as well as permitted events on city streets (e.g., fairs & festivals). City agencies are encouraged to begin modifying their operations and find alternative containers for use to comply with this ordinance.

For example, foam cups and trays can easily be replaced with eco-friendly food packaging products made of pulp fibers, sugarcane, or other biodegradable materials.

The city's goal is to minimize the use of these items by replacing them with reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives on city property and prevent foam products from entering and harming our environment

Recreation and Community Centers 

      

 

Park Reservations

We receive countless inquiries regarding park usage and pavilion reservations. Our goal is to encourage everyone to keep us informed of intended park usage in order to alleviate conflicts by completing a park request form (PDF, 784KB)adding your event to our calendar. Please note: All groups planning events do not always contact us, as our parks and pavilions are public facilities and are used on a first-come, first-served basis and a conflict can still occur.

*Please be advised that no bounce houses are allowed in nature parks.

Inflatable Device (Water Inflatables are NOT allowed):  Insurance is required from the inflatable rental company with the City of Gainesville listed as the “additional insured,” in the minimum amount of $1,000,000. The date and park location of your event must be present on the proof of insurance in order for it to be valid.

Horse and Pony Rides: A current Coggins report for each animal that will be on site is required, along with proof of liability insurance from the rental company with the City of Gainesville listed as the “additional insured,” in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00. The date and park location of your event must be present on the proof of insurance in order for it to be valid.

Tents (larger than 10 x 10):  A tent permit must be submitted to the Building Inspection Department at the Thomas Center, Building B, 1st floor. Office Hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. For questions regarding this process, please call 352-334-5050.

Clean-up Staff:  Once your park request has been received and processed, a cost estimate will be provided to you. If you accept the cost estimate, payment will be required prior to your event unless prior payment arrangements have been made. 

Special Event Permit, Noise Permit, GPD Officers, Street Closures:  If you plan to use city streets and/or sidewalks,  are requesting a noise permit, security and or food vendors you MUST complete a Special Event Permit application.

Pool Birthday Parties: Make your child's birthday special with our convenient and affordable pool party packages! Who doesn't want to make a splash on their special day? Learn more.

Swimming Pool Pavilion Rental: Booking a pavilion for a birthday party or special occasion? Learn more.

Field Reservations

Requirements for Ball Field/Multipurpose Field Rentals

  • Requests for the use of Ball fields/Multipurpose fields should be directed to the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department at 352-393-8538. Reservations will occur on a first come, first served basis.
  • Ballfield lights are controlled remotely and require a permit and fee (minimum one week notice required).
  • Complete a Ballfield Reservation Form(PDF, 243KB). (link will be added for the attached ballfield reservation form)
  • Insurance is required. Certificate of Insurance must list the City of Gainesville as the “additional insured,” in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00.  The City of Gainesville address needed is: 200 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601.
  • Applications must be submitted prior to the event. Submission and acceptance of this application does not automatically constitute approval of permit requests. A permit may be denied if any information provided in the application is deemed to be false or if an application does not comply with timeframes, deadlines, and requirements. 
  • Priority will be given to the City of Gainesville programs scheduling needs.
 Ballfield Costs  
 Football/Soccer Scratch Lining (Field Preparation)      $541.75
 Football/Soccer Trace Lining (Field Preparation) $193.50
 Baseball/Softball Game Prep for Outside Groups $121.75
Field Lighting Fee (Per 2 hours) $ 36.00

Frequently Asked Questions