Parks & Rec has stopped issuing most event permits until further notice.

All current permits are canceled. Parks & Rec will not issue permits for or allow:

  • Private events (weddings, picnics)
  • Community events.
  • Sports or group recreation.

Parks & Rec will accept Media Permit applications for consideration. Download a media permit application on our permit applications page.

Read more about the City’s Safer at Home restrictions.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is currently accepting permit applications. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 there are limits to the type and size of gatherings allowed.
Philadelphia residents may now submit permit applications for the following activities:
  • Outdoor youth and adult group recreation and sports, and some indoor activities.
  • Outdoor gatherings (e.g. family picnics).

 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply for a permit:

General permit information:
  • Previous permit applicants must reapply and submit a new payment.
  • Access to Parks & Rec restrooms will not be provided to outdoor permit holders.
  • Staff cutbacks have required Parks & Rec to reduce:
    • site maintenance
    • mowing cycles
Permit applicants must:

Family picnics and outdoor wedding permits

To receive a permit you must:
  • Hold your gathering outdoors.
  • Not advertise to the public.
  • Limit gathering to 150 pre-registered guests.
The following services are not permitted:
  • Amplified sound including DJs.
  • Inflatables (e.g. moonbounce).
  • Characters.
  • Animals (e.g. pony rides).

Parks & Rec will issue only one picnic site per picnic permit, per date.

Belmont Picnic Grove Pavilions are not available.

Apply for a family picnic or outdoor wedding permit:
  1. Download and fill out the picnic site permit application.
  2. Be sure to include a copy of the applicant’s photo ID.
  3. Drop your form off at or mail to:

Community & Special Events
4300 South Concourse Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Notes:
  • The name on payment(s) must match the applicant’s photo ID.
  • We will return applications that are incomplete or missing required documents/information.
  • Picnic & wedding permits must be submitted by Tuesday for the following weekend.

Recreation and sports permits

Non-competitive sports

Parks & Rec will issue permits for non-competitive sports that follow these guidelines:

  • Skills-only, solo drills, etc.
  • Limited to 150 people including coaches, volunteers, and participants.
Competitive sports

Starting September 14, Parks & Rec will issue permits for outdoor competitive activities (e.g. games) for lower-risk, non-contact sports.

These include:

  • Cross-country.
  • Track & field.
  • Baseball.
  • Softball.
  • Flag football.
  • Gymnastics and tumbling.
Guidelines:
  • Competitions are limited to a maximum of 150 people outdoors. This includes participants, coaches, spectators, and other personnel.
  • Limit indoor participation to 10% of the capacity of any indoor room.
  • Tournaments are prohibited.
Apply for a sports permit:
  1. Use the Parks & Rec Finder app to locate the appropriate facility.
  2. Download and fill out the recreation and athletic permit application.
  3. Be sure to include a copy of the applicant’s photo ID.
  4. Complete background clearances based on the Parks & rec volunteer clearance policy.
  5. Drop off your form at your local facility or mail to:

Community & Special Events
4300 South Concourse Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Concerned about an event?

If you see the following at a Philadelphia Parks & Recreation site:

  • Groups larger than 150 people.
  • Groups who are not practicing social distancing.

Call 311 or report it by using the 311 app for IOS or Android.

Contact us

Our permitting office remains closed to the public. But our staff are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Please call (215) 685-0060 or email parksandrecevents@phila.gov.