Picnic Shelter Rentals

Parks with shelters that can be rented:

Phone and Walk-in Reservations

It is suggested you make your reservation well in advance. You may make your reservation by phone or in person. Shelter Reservation office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Confirmation and Payment Process

1. Wednesday is the last day to reserve and pay for a picnic shelter for the upcoming weekend/weekday.
2. Depending on availability, payments are taken on the Thursday before the upcoming weekend on a first-come, first-serve basis in our office.
3. No payments will be accepted on the Friday before the upcoming weekend.

Payment

You can pay for your permit with a check or money order made out to the City of Tampa, or in person with a Visa or MasterCard credit card or cash. A valid photo ID is required for all transactions. Please see our Picnic Shelter Rules regarding refunds and cancellations.

Permit

A Picnic Shelter Reservation Permit will be issued. Please hold on to this permit and bring it with you to the park on the day of your event along with your receipt.

Clean Up

We work hard to make your picnic site clean and welcoming. If you find vandalism or excessive litter at your site, please call the Park Security Office number listed on your permit. We appreciate your help in keeping our parks pleasant for everyone and our maintenance costs down by leaving the site clean.

Your Responsibilities

Bring your picnic permit with you. Without this permit your reservation cannot be enforced. Please arrive no later than one hour after the scheduled time of the picnic or the shelter will be released to the public and the space will become available to others on a first come, first serve basis.

Helpful Planning Information

• Illegal substances, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
• Nothing, including decorations, may be affixed to the shelter or tables.
• Vehicles may not drive on the turf/grass or in unauthorized areas.
• Fires must be confined to grills.
• Petting zoos, amusement rides, water games/slide, horseshoes and paintball games are prohibited. Moon bounces are allowed, however, the company must have a current proof of insurance on file with the City Insurance Forms and Instructions (PDF, 254K)
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, except in designated Off Leash sites, and you must pick up after them.
• Groups of 199 or more, which are publicized as being open to the public, will be considered a special event, and require a Special Event Application completed and approved a minimum of four weeks prior to the event.