Reserve Space in a City Park

We have several sites available to reserve for private events such as birthday parties, family reunions, and weddings that allows exclusive rights to a space within a park:

Which sites can I reserve for a private event?

Request to Reserve an Athletic Field

How much does it cost?

  • Permits for the spaces listed above are $50 for every 4 hours for each space you reserve. If you want to reserve a second space - in another park or the same park - you'll need to pay a second fee and get a second permit.
  • Electrical outlets are $20 and available at Franklin Square Park and Thornden Park Lily Pond.
  • Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Check and money orders can be made out to Commissioner of Finance. A non-refundable credit card processing fee will apply. Please review our refund policy here (link).

Keep in mind:

  • Payment is due 3 days after your permit request is approved or else we have to cancel your reservation.
  • If your check is returned, we charge a $20 fee.
  • To make a change to your event, contact us at least 2 weeks in advance.

Things to consider when planning your private event.

  • Alcohol: No alcohol is allowed in any of our parks.
  • Bottles: We don't allow glass bottles in any of our parks.
  • Electricity: Most of our parks don't have electrical outlets. There are outlets at Thornden Park Lily Pond and Franklin Square. You can get a permit to use them for $20.
  • Grills: We don't have grills in our parks, but you can bring your own charcoal or disposable grill with you. Grill next to pavilions, only.
  • Music: You can bring a small battery powered device, but we don't allow speakers or amplified music.
  • Parking: Parking is available along the perimeter of the parks and parking lots. Signage is posted in each park. We do not open the service roads in any of our parks.
  • Picnic tables: Some of our locations have picnic tables, others don't. If you need picnic tables, make sure the location you want has them before you apply for a permit.
  • Restrooms: A temporary portable option is available at Onondaga Park, Thornden Park and Comfort Tyler Park, May 1 to September 30. Franklin Park does not have restrooms.
  • Tables, chairs, and decorations: While we can't provide you with any, feel free to bring your own (and take them home when you're done).
  • Tents: You can bring your own tent, but follow these rules:
    • Your tent must be labeled as "flame retardant".
    • It needs to be held down with weights - we don't allow tents that require stakes.
    • Tents that are smaller than 10 feet by 12 feet are free.
    • Tents that are 10 feet by 12 feet or bigger require a tent permit, which costs $10. [Link to SFD permit.]
  • Photos and videos:
    • You can't take commercial photos or videos without a commercial permit, which costs XX. [Link to the Central Permit Office's permit]
    • You can take photos or videos for your own use, including wedding and other photos from your event.

How do I reserve space for a community event?

Information coming soon.

How can I reserve a site?

 

Online

Step 1.Create an account on our registration portal.

If you already have an account, just sign in with your username and password. If you do not remember your password click 'Forgot password?' on the sign-in page.

Create an Account 

Step 2.Let us know which space(s) you are interested in. 

Submit your Pavilion Reservation Request 

Submit your Wedding Space Reservation Request

Once your Reservation Request has been submitted a Parks staff member will reach out within 3 to 5 business days by phone or email. Once rental details are confirmed and approved, an updated invoice will be emailed to you with a payment link.

Step 3.Confirm reservation with payment.

When payment has been processed, a permit will be emailed. If the reservation is not paid after 3 days of the invoice link being emailed, the request will be cancelled and a new request must be made. 

Step 4.Host your event.

Please park your cars on the public roads along the parks — you can’t park on service roads.

Our team will post “Reserved” signs at your location before the event, so other people won’t use it. If you have any problems on the day of your event, call the phone number on the reserved sign. We’re happy to help.

Before you leave the park, remember to clean up afterwards and take home anything you brought, such as tables, chairs, and decorations.

 

Contact Us

Phone

315-473-4330

Email

eventpermits@syrgov.net

Location

Main Office
412 Spencer Street, 13204
View Map

Related Services

 

Park Rules & Policies

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