Park Shelter Reservations

Park Shelter Rentals and online reservations for summer park shelter rentals will open on January 15, of each year.

Shelters are reservable for dates between the first weekend in May and Labor Day each year. Outside those dates, shelters may be used on a first-come, first-serve basis by groups of no more than 50 people.

During reservation season, groups with a reservation have priority use of the shelter. If there is no reservation, other members of the public may use the shelter. Shelter reservations grant you and your group use of the space in the shelter from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m.

Park shelters may be reserved for private, invitation-only events. Reservations will not be approved for activities involving financial gain, including ticketed events, fundraisers, or commercial use.

A minimum of two weeks notice is needed for the online process and alcohol requests. For shorter notice, neighborhood community permits or other questions, including changes to a reservation, contact the park reservation clerk at main phone: 303-413-7200, option #3, then option #2. You may also send an email to moorek@bouldercolorado.gov.

If this is for an Organization/Business or Company Picnic we will need to establish a Corporate account in our customer database before you reserve online.

Your online reservation may be reviewed by city staff and you will be contacted in the event of any questions or city programs that may interfere with the reservation site, purpose of use or date of use.

In order for a park shelter to be approved for the reservation process it must not have any risk factors/concerns for the public; have running water restrooms, a covered shelter area with dedicated/stationary picnic tables, and be wheelchair accessible.

If your event is open to the public or for fund raising, you must apply for a Special Event Permit

When using the online reservation link, you will be asked to provide information such as the park location, event date (event time is always 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), and the maximum number of guests expected.

To create a customer account, you will need to provide your name, business or organization name (if applicable), address, phone number, etc.

The City Code on alcohol does not allow any alcohol or open containers on public land without a permit. You will need to reserve a shelter during the rental season in order to bring alcohol.
For Chautauqua park Rite of Life events - you may make a request by contacting the park shelter reservation desk
Other locations that allow alcohol without a permit are: Boulder Reservoir, Flatirons Golf Course.

Electrical use is not guaranteed with a shelter reservation. GFCI outlets may be available in the area for use.

If an outlet is not working, please try pressing the reset button on the outlet.

Please note that electrical outlets are turned off during the fall and winter seasons to prevent unauthorized use.

You may bring a battery-operated portable player, waist-band type microphone or have acoustical music only.
For amplification and/or live bands please apply for the Central Park/Civic area under the special event permit or at the Boulder Reservoir.

Only a few parks will allow Food Truck Vendors; other parks need to have them drop off the food and leave: such as Chautauqua Park - as Chautauqua has brick and mortar restaurant and cafe established in the area. Some parks are too small or over-crowded for food truck vendors, such as Eben G Fine park and Martin Park.
Parks approved are considered Community Parks: East Boulder Community Park, Foothills Community Park, Harlow Platts Park, and North Boulder Park.

No.. Any structure provided by a 3rd party vendor that requires stakes and/or a generator is not allowable at neighborhood or community parks unless under a Special Event permit which may take up to 90 days to approve. Please provide ground friendly games, puppet shows, face painting, ring or frisbee toss, bubble soccer and a small wading pool (bring your own 5 gallon water to fill it up- water is only available in the restrooms/water fountains.)
Refrain from egg toss, water balloons, and pinatas - unless you place a tarp and will pick up all the pieces left behind.

Groups of 50 or less are general public use and do not require permission to gather. Groups of 51 to a maximum of 100 people wishing to gather on the manicured lawn are required to apply for and obtain a large group permit. Permitted Rite of Life events (wedding/memorial) must conclude by 5:00 p.m. and no portion of the park lawn is reserved, as it remains open to the public.

An additional alcohol permit may be added to a Rite of Life event for an extra fee. Alcohol permits require a minimum of 14 days’ advance notice.
Applications for use of Chautauqua Park lawn are now available online.

NOTE: The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department manages the Ranger Cottage and trail system. The Chautauqua Association owns and manages the buildings and lodging. The Chautauqua Dining Hall is a private business.

Cancellation Policy: One-half (50%) of the fee will be refunded if cancellation is 15 days or more before the scheduled date. If your reservation is canceled 14 days or less before scheduled date, no refund will be issued.

Changes and Rescheduling Policy: Reservations may be changed ($25.00 Admin Fee is applied), providing the date(s) are in the same rental season, the date(s) are available and do not interfere with any other functions.

Inclement Weather Policy: No refunds are given due to inclement conditions. However, if there is space available, we will be happy to reschedule your reservation, waving the Change Fee, during the same rental season. Email moorek@bouldercolorado.gov OR call our main office 303-413-7200 Option 0 for operator, within 24 hours of your scheduled event and leave a message if after business hours.

To learn more about what is allowed in parks such as: metal detecting, camping, plant protection, etc. go to Urban Ranger Program page. And you can check under the City Attorney's page, under the Boulder Revised Code in Resources listed there.