Special Events

For any person wishing to use Rockford Park District property for purposes other than a picnic, for requests that exceed shelter capacity, for amplification or use of speakers for speech or music, for live entertainment, or for equipment items brought onto the property, a Special Event Permit is required.

The Rockford Park District offers two primary options for hosting events: Special Use Permits (SUPs) and Licensing Agreements (LAs). The type of permit you need depends on the size, scope, and risk level of your event.

  • SUPs are best for smaller, low- to moderate-risk events with minimal modifications. Upgrade your shelter rental to include a Special Use Permit.

  • Licensing Agreements are required for large, high-impact, or extended-use events.

Consider your event’s size, duration, and requirements carefully to select the appropriate permit and ensure all applications and documentation are submitted on time.

Requests can be submitted after January 2 of the year in which the event will take place. All requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

NOTE: Bounce houses do not require a Special Use Permit. Standard fees do apply.

Things to Consider

Certificates of Insurance

A Certificate of Insurance is required for:

  • High-risk activities

  • Caterers/independent contractors coming onto the property

  • Events open to the general public

At the time of your request, Rockford Park District staff will review your request and determine whether the activities require a Certificate of Insurance.

For special events that require a Certificate of Insurance, the Rockford Park District works with the Park District’s Risk Management Agency to make the process easy through The Event Helper website. This tool helps event organizers obtain the necessary insurance coverage quickly and securely.

You can access it here: https://www.theeventhelper.com/#hAaJpz

Deadlines

Community event requests that are open to the general public (i.e., carnivals, walks/runs, weddings, etc.) must be submitted no later than two months prior to the event date. Non-submission of these requests by the deadline will result in a $50 late fee.

General park rental requests (i.e., DJs, contracted equipment, non-reservable area reservations, etc.) must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the event date. Non-submission of these requests by the deadline will result in a $50 late fee.

Full payment, signed permits, copies of food handling/other permits, and proper insurance coverage/documentation associated with the issuance of the Special Use Permit must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date. Non-submission of these documents by the deadline will indicate that services are no longer needed, and the reservation will be canceled unless other arrangements have been made.

Sound Amplification

Sound amplification is permitted at the following parks:

  • Anna Page Park

  • Black Hawk Park

  • Clarence Hicks Memorial Sports Park

  • Levings Park

  • Olson Park

Sound amplification must comply with City noise ordinances. It may not be played excessively loud or operated unlawfully in a way that creates unnecessary or unusual noise that annoys, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others. Sound may not be operated before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m., and may not be played within 600 feet of any building used for residential or hospital purposes.

Parental Guidance Explicit Lyrics are not allowed. The Park District reserves the right to set sound levels for all events and/or immediately revoke approval for sound amplification if found in violation.

Special Events | Special Use Permit Guidelines
Rules and Regulations

Fees

  • Special Use Permit with or without Shelter: $65

  • Special Use Permit – General Events: $65

    • (Includes walks, runs, community events, private gatherings such as birthdays, reunions, showers, and school/business events.)

  • Special Use Permit – Commercial Video / Photography: $65

  • Alcohol Fee + Shelter/Area: 1 Day = $125

  • Special Use Permit – Concert / Music Event: $150

  • Special Use Permit – Sporting Events: $150

  • Special Use Permit – Weddings: $150

  • Special Use Permit – Multi-Day Events/Festivals: $150 per day

Special Use Permit Application