For Park Reservations please see the following:

Events with over 100 attendees OR events in which equipment will be set up (food vendors, tents, bounce houses, etc.) will require a Special Event permit in addition to a Park Reservation – PLEASE USE THE Special Event Permit with Park Reservation below:

The following parks can be reserved:

• Tam O' Shanter
• Rotary Park

All other parks are not reservable. Use is on a first come/first served basis. 

Events under 100 attendees do not require a reservation. Non-reserved park use is treated on a first come/first served basis, unless the park is already reserved. Please check the City Calendar to see park reservations.

Water and Electrical use may not be available for non-reserved park use.

Fees for parks reservation is as follows:

Tam O'Shanter:

• Covered Shelters
  • Private Parties: $100 per 4 hours
  • Non-Profit: $75 per 4 hours

Rotary Park

• Covered Shelters
  • Private Parties: $60 per 4 hours
  • Non-Profit: $40 per 4 hours

Documents Required:

• A copy of the tax exemption letter issued for any applicant claiming to be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT WITH PARK RESERVATION 

Special events not inside a park should use the Special Event Permit 

Park use under 100 attendees does not require a Special Event permit unless equipment (food vendors, tents, bounce houses, etc.) will be set up. Please check the City Calendar to see park reservations.

The following parks can be reserved.

• Tam-O-Shanter
• Rotary Park

All other parks are not reservable. Use is on a first come/first served basis.

Fees:

Tam O'Shanter:

• Covered Shelters
  • Private Parties: $100 per 4 hours
  • Non-Profit: $75 per 4 hours
• Special Event fee with Park Reservation: $25
• Non-Resident Fee: $25
• Entire Park for private use: $1,200 per day

Rotary Park:

• Covered Shelters
  • Private Parties: $60 per 4 hours
  • Non-Profit: $40 per 4 hours
• Special Event fee with Park Reservation: $25
• Non-Resident Fee: $25

Documents Required:

• Special Event Application
• Certificate of Liability Insurance

  • The City of Kelso can be added as an additional insured for entities with existing liability insurance, or Event Liability Insurance Policies are available through Intact Insurance. More information on Event Insurance is available below.
    Additional insurance for alcohol will be required. We need to know if there are animals, bouncy houses, etc. These may also require additional insurance.

• Site plan if necessary
• Building permit if required (Tents, bounce house, etc.)
• See Special Event Checklist

SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT 

This permit is for events on city property (non-park).

Any event or gathering of persons organized by any person or entity which occurs on city property, is subject to the exemptions at Section 12.24.035.

The following types of events require a Special Events Permit: (For events or gatherings on Private Property use the Temporary Use Permit under the Land Use Application).

• Parades
• Runs
• Sporting events
• Street dances
• Shows or exhibitions
• Car shows
• Street fairs
• Block parties
• Other demonstrations or exhibitions on city property

Fees:

• Special Event Fee Non-Park $ 100
• Non-Resident Fee $ 25

Documents Required:

• Special Event Application 
• Certificate of Liability Insurance

  • The City of Kelso can be added as an additional insured for entities with existing liability insurance, or Event Liability Insurance Policies are available through Intact Insurance. More information on Event Insurance is available below.
    Additional insurance for alcohol will be required. We need to know if there are animals, bouncy houses, etc. These may also require additional insurance.

• Site plan
• Building permit if required (Tents, bounce house, etc.)
• Traffic Control Plan if required
• Letter Authorizing the applicant to apply for the special event permit on its behalf
• See Special Event Checklist