All permit requests to host an event in or around a park are initiated within the Syracuse Parks & Recreation Special Events Division, except Athletic Field Rental Requests, which are managed and processed by the Adult Recreation Division. To inquire about booking the birthday party room at Sunnycrest Ice Rink, please click the link here. For inquiries regarding booking the birthday party room at Clinton Square Ice Rink, please call 315-423-0129.
Our Parks have hosted a wide range of events including picnics, concerts, weddings, charity races and runs, fundraisers, and corporate events. Please read on to determine whether your event qualifies as a private event or as a special event. Please contact the Special Events Division directly if you have any questions.
Private Reservations:
A "private reservation" is the most common and simple event type. It is generally defined as an individual's or organizations request for a Park Permit for exclusive use of a specific designated area within a public City park, such as a pavilion, gazebo, or other reasonably apportioned designated areas for private use of that group. Private events, in a public City space, are for participants invited by the sponsoring organization only. Examples of such private events may be family reunions, company or organization member-only picnics.
How to make a Private Reservation
- To request a permit for a private reservation, create an account on our registration portal. If you already have an account, sign in with your username and password.
- Submit your request through the portal.
- Once your request has been submitted, rental details are confirmed and approved or denied. If approved, an updated invoice with a payment link will be emailed to you. If the reservation is not paid after three days, the request will be cancelled and released. A new request can be made upon release. If permit details need to be discussed, a member of our special events division will contact you directly via phone call or email.
What site can I reserve for a private event?
How much does it cost?
- Permits for the spaces listed above are $50 for every four hours per space reserved. Reserving a second space or additional time slots will require a second fee and second permit.
- Electrical outlet access is $20 and is available at Franklin Square Park and Thornden Park Lily Pond.
- Payment can be made by cash, check. money order or credit card. Checks and money orders can be made out to the Commissioner of Finance. For credit card payment, a non-refundable credit card processing fee will apply.
- Please review our refund policy here.
Please note:
- Payment is due three days after your permit request is approved or your reservation will be cancelled and the date will be released to the public.
- There will be a $20 fee for check returns.
- To make changes to your event, two-week noticed is required.
Special Events:
A "special event" can be determined by the following:
- Large attendance
- Ticket sales
- Sale of alcohol (or serving alcohol when charging for attendance)
- Large tents or temporary structures
- Food trucks
- Amplified sound
- Sidewalk and/or street closure
- A walk/run event (5K, marathon, etc.)
- Competitive athletics and tournaments
- Events located in a Downtown park (Clinton Square, Hanover Square or Perseverance Park)
Special Events require at least 60 days for review and may only be requested for the current calendar year. Special events have specific requirements, and an application must be submitted before permits and approvals are issues.
Please contact the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs Special Events Division for more information on hosting your special event in a city park. If contacting via email, include the park name, the park shelter, the required date, time and additional details about the planned event. Please make sure to include your name, email and phone number so that we can follow-up accordingly.
Once you have received confirmation that your date and requested park are on hold, you will need to submit your application via our online portal. You must have confirmation before applying online. Please contact the Parks staff for questions regarding park locations and date availability.