The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department maintains enclosed shelter houses in some parks, which are available for rental to the public through the Permit Section. These facilities are available on a first come, first served basis by advance reservation only. The rental policy ensures that all groups and individuals have equal access and opportunity to reserve space and prevents any one group or organization from monopolizing these spaces. This policy also applies to the Franklin Park Picnic Pavilion and the wedding sites.

1. Do not park any vehicles in the grass or along park roadways (Columbus City Code, Chapter 919.23).  All vehicles must be in designated parking spaces. If you or members of your group have special needs, please discuss these needs with our customer service staff to ensure that the facility of your choice can accommodate you.
   
2. Each enclosed shelter house has a limited occupancy based on Fire Code.  You may not exceed maximum occupancy.  Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of your rental.
   
3. Rental is for the time and specific location stated on your permit. Groups will not be permitted to enter until the scheduled start time and must vacate the building by the time the permit expires (this would include any time needed for decoration removal or trash pick up).  Major cleaning will be done by the attendant.   If you need additional time for decorating, set up or deliveries you must schedule and pay for this time when making your reservation.
4. Tables and chairs can not be removed from inside the enclosed shelter house for any reason.
   
5. Permit holder is responsible for the group's conduct and usage of the facility. It is your responsibility to supervise all of your guests including children and minors.  Any groups who abuse the facility or violate rules and regulations will be asked to leave and charges for damage will be assessed. Any abuse of the attendant is grounds for permit forfeiture.  If the group is asked to leave, the group must leave promptly and forego any refund.
   
6. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in City of Columbus parks.  Possession of alcoholic beverages will be grounds for immediate cancellation of rental without refund.  Violators will be removed by Columbus Police.
7. Smoking is not permitted in any Recreation and Parks Department facility.
   
8. No money or tickets can be exchanged or collected on premises. The facility is not to be used for commercial purposes or for moneymaking ventures. Games of chance, including raffles, are specifically prohibited by City Code.
9. No water balloons or water guns are permitted in the facilities, nor are they permitted to be filled inside of the facilities. 
   
10. No confetti, glitter or similar materials may be used for decorations or thrown in or around the facility.  
11. Music must be kept at a reasonable volume level at all times, which means that music should not disturb other guests in the park, facility or adjacent areas.
    

12. Piñatas may not be tied to any part of the enclosed shelter house (beams, supports, lights, rafters, ceiling supports, etc) nor may they be tied to any natural feature outside (trees, bushes, etc.).  Piñatas may not contain any confetti, glitter or similar materials.  The rental group is responsible for the cleanup of any debris from the piñata.
    

13. Inflatable devices, trampolines, slides, dunking tanks or other similar devices are not permitted unless you make arrangement through our office in advance and have public liability insurance as required by policy (available upon request).  The proof of insurance must be provided to our office at least 10 days before the rental date.  These devices may not be used inside the shelter houses and may only be placed outside at locations designated by this office.
14. No animals are permitted in the enclosed shelter house/community center with the exception of animals specifically assigned to help people with disabilities (i.e. guide dog).

Exemptions to these policies will only be considered if the request is submitted in writing, to the Section Manager of the Permit Section. This request must include an explanation as to why the policy should not be applied equally to your group or organization in order to be considered.