Permits and Reservation

OVERVIEW

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Permits Office issues permits for the use of different venues and parks operated by the department for the City of Houston.

An area within a park may be reserved for personal use for private events by obtaining a permit through the Permits section of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. A fee and a refundable deposit are required. This permit ensures the exclusive use of a particular space for a designated time.

Any request to conduct a park event that is of a size and nature requiring the significant provision or coordination of city services will require a special event permit from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Please Note:
Revisions and Updates Impacting Sports Fields Permit Services
Revisions and Updates Impacting Sports Fields Permit Services In September 2016, all HPARD Permit Holders were informed of Revisions and Updates Impacting Sports Fields Permit Services which would take effect on January 1, 2017. For a copy of these revisions please click here (pdf)

Bethel Park is Not available for permits or reservations:
Houston City Council has not yet approved fees for reservations at Bethel Park, located at 801 Andrews Street. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is not yet authorized to issue permits for this site.

VENUES AVAILABLE FOR PERMITING

Park space, including pavilions, picnic table clusters, and open space may be reserved for private use by families and organizations. Reservations at area sports fields (including softball, baseball, soccer, flag football, basketball, rugby, and volleyball venues) are also available for sports practice as well as league and tournament play. Contact the Parks Permits Office as early as possible to receive the most current information on the facility of your choice.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) operates a total of 370 parks located in the Houston area. (All locations may not be available for rental. Please contact the Permits and Reservations Office for further information).

Reservations are made online. Click here for online permitting forms and additional information

Reservation Fees:
Fee Schedule for Permits and Reservations
Fee Schedule for Ballfields
Requirements for placement of a large item within a City of Houston facility (flier)

Please note: If you are making a reservation, an Event Security Plan Form may be required for large groups. To determine if this document is required, contact a Permits and Reservations representative.

• Security Control Plan Form
• Tents over 1200 square feet require liability insurance and an additional permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office
• Utilizing propane in a City of Houston Park:
  Propane use is prohibited unless a LP Gas Permit is obtained from the Houston Fire Department’s Permit Office: Houston Fire Department’s Permit Office
  1002 Washington
  Houston, TX 77002
  832-394-8811
  www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
• When utilizing amplified sound within a City Park, permission must be granted with a valid park permit from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.. Once you have the approval documents from H.P.A.R.D., you will need to obtain a “Noise and Sound Permit” http://www.houstontx.gov/council/committees/pshs/20130625/noiseand sound.pdf. 
• Portable Toilet
• Leisure Programs
• Professional Filming/Photograph
• Closed Use Permits Policy
• Sports Field Permit Policy

Hermann Park: Lowe Pavilion and Buddy Curruth Pavilion
These pavilions are available during the following hours only:
November – April: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
May – October: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.