Shelter and Park Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

-- Choose a Question: -- What park shelters can be reserved? What if I just want to use the park in my neighborhood for a large group? How can I have my wedding or picnic at Chautauqua Park and is there a shelter? How far in advance can I make a reservation? What is the shortest notice needed to make a reservation? Do I have to reserve a shelter in order to use it? What time blocks can be reserved? Can I reserve both time blocks? My event is open to the public. Can I reserve a shelter? What are the reservation rates? Can I have alcohol at a city park? What information do I need to reserve a park? Can I reserve a park or shelter online? What kinds of payments do you take? How and when do I get my deposit back? What kind of music can I have at the park? Can I have a band? How do I get access to electricity in the shelter?

What park shelters can be reserved? See shelter and park descriptions. We strongly recommend visiting the park or shelter prior to making a reservation.

What if I just want to use the park in my neighborhood for a large group? City parks that do not have reservable shelters are open to the public first come, first serve. If your group has more than 50 people you will need a large group gathering permit and a deposit of $100 to $200. The deposits amount is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the event plan and number of people expected.

How can I have my wedding or picnic at Chautauqua Park and is there a shelter? Chautauqua Park is the open lawn area north of the Chautauqua buildings to Baseline Road within the circular drive. The shelter located behind the Dining Hall is a Chautauqua Association rental.
If your group on the open lawn area is between 50 and 100 people you will need a large group gathering permit.  You must have a permit to bring a gas grill to the Chautauqua park open lawn area. The permit requires a deposit of $100 to $200. More information on deposits...

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department manages the trail system. The Chautauqua Association owns and manages the buildings and lodging. The Chautauqua Dining Hall is a private business.

How far in advance can I make a reservation? You can reserve a park or shelter nine months in advance to the date.  Example: You may make a reservation for May 6, 2011 on Sept 6, 2010.   If nine months to the date falls on a weekend, you may make the reservation the Friday before.  The reservation process...

What is the shortest notice needed to make a reservation? A minimum of five (5) business days notice is required to reserve a park or shelter in order to have your request posted to the maintenance schedule.

Do I have to reserve a shelter in order to use it or the grill?   All city park shelters are first come, first serve to the general public for groups under 50 people.  If your group has 50 people or more you are required to reserve the shelter.  If you bring a grill to any city park you must have a permit.  Reserving a shelter, for any size group, will give you priority use of the shelter and grill over the general public for a four hour time block.

What time blocks can be reserved? The established four hour time blocks are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  We have arranged the time blocks to accommodate either a lunch time event or a dinner event. The time between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and the time between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. are for scheduled maintenance.

Can I reserve both time blocks? You cannot reserved more than one time block per day. This is to ensure that one group does not monopolize the park for a full day. The Boulder Reservoir does offer full day reservation locations.

My event is open to the public.  Can I reserve a shelter? If your event is open to the public and expected to attract 50 or more people, you must apply for a special event permit. More information...

What are the reservation rates? Rate information...

Can I have alcohol at a city park? In order to be approved for an alcohol permit the applicant must be a City of Boulder resident, or an organization located within City of Boulder.   A minimum of 15 days notice is required.  No alcohol permits are available for shelters after the rental season ends on September 30th. More Info...

What information do I need to reserve a park? Your name, Business or organization name (if applicable), address, phone number, driver's license number (for an alcohol request), park location, time block, maximum number of people expected.

Can I reserve a park or shelter online? You may request a reservation online. You will need to pay fees and/or deposits by email, fax, phone or in person. See also: Reservation procecss information

What kinds of payments do you take? Cash, Check, MasterCard or VISA.

How and when do I get my deposit back? The deposit will be returned approximately 14 days after your event. If you paid with a credit card the refund will be credited back to the same credit card. If you paid with cash or check you will receive a check from the City of Boulder finance office. Deposit information

What kind of music can I have at the park? Can I have a band? You may bring a battery operated portable player or have acoustical music only.  Use amplification or live bands is allowed in the Municipal Complex area with a special event permit or the Boulder Reservoir.

How do I get access to electricity in the shelter? You can pay a $10 fee for access to electrical outlets. Pick up a key no more than three days in advance of your event at the IRIS Center.

More Links...

• Picnic shelter descriptions
• Park descriptions and information
• Reservation process and fees
• Rules and policies

Keep it green...

Recycling ideas from Ecocycle.

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 May 2010 15:51