Special Use Events & Activities

Would you like to host an event or activity in one of our parks? 

The following sheltered and non-sheltered picnic areas are available for reservation:

Parks	sheltered picnic areas	non-sheltered picnic areas
Barton Park	3	3
Eagle Fern Park	2	2
Feyrer Park	1	2
Metzler Park	2	2

Need more than just a picnic area? A Special Use Permit Application (PDF) may be required for any organized activity/event taking place within the Clackamas County Parks system. Upon receipt and approval of an application, Clackamas County Parks will assess the appropriate fees and issue a permit to the event organizer. 

A permit is required for: 

• An organized group using a portion of the park not designated for group use.
• An activity that will require a structure not normally found in the park (e.g. stage, large event tents, bleachers or other structures).
• An activity that restricts public access to an area of a park (e.g. running or cycling events).
• A commercial film shoot that requires the public to be excluded from a portion of the park.
• A multi-day group camping event in a day-use area.
• An activity that requires staff to be available to the group to provide services to facilitate activity (e.g. interpretive services, maintenance, garbage, utilities, etc.).
• Activities that could pose a safety concern (e.g. black powder events or firework displays).
• Activities that include sales of products to participants.
• Activities outside of normal park use. 
• Activities that require exemptions from normal park rules.

A permit is not required for:

• Family gatherings or other small events that do not restrict other park users.
• A wedding or similar event being held in a reservable facility within a park.
• Commercial photography using a handheld camera, without major prop use that does not restrict other park users (Commercial photography permit required).
• A school field trip using the park in a traditional manner (e.g. hiking on trails or wildlife viewing).

If there is any uncertainty regarding the need for a permit, please contact us at parksinfo@clackamas.us.

Special Use Fees

Please see our Fees and Fines page.

Portable Restroom Recommendations

Download Special Use Permit Application (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Special Use Permit application different than reserving other park areas?

County Parks have reservable picnic and camping areas with established fees. A special use permit encompasses non-traditional activities, utilizing non-reservable areas, and/or activities that restrict public use of established park areas. Applications for special use permits must go through evaluation/approval process by County Parks staff.

What criteria will be used to evaluate my application?

Staff will use the following criteria to evaluate the application:

• Compliance with federal, state, and local laws
• Compliance with County Parks rules (County Title 6) governing special permits on non-traditional activities
• Disruption of traditional park use - Activities should not completely exclude the public from the park, but applicants may be allowed exclusive use of some areas.
• Impact on surrounding areas and neighbors
• Impact on public health, safety, or welfare - Activities should not put park properties, the public, or participants at undue risk. Efforts to mitigate risk will be considered.
• Impact on natural and cultural resources
• Applicant’s ability to finance, plan, and manage the activity - We will evaluate the applicant’s ability to fulfill safety, sanitation, medical, fire control, security, crowd-, noise-, and traffic- control requirements, along with measures taken to protect the park resources.
• Applicant’s experience conducting similar activities
• Applicant’s ability to meet the terms and conditions of the permit
• Positive impact on the local community, environment, or park

Am I required to have insurance for my special use event/activity?

Yes, a Certificate of Liability is required for all special use permits. There is a minimum requirement of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 annual aggregate covering the date of the event/activity for most events. Increased coverage may be required for higher risk events. County Parks must receive proof of coverage at least one week prior to the event.

How are applications prioritized?

Applications are considered in the order that they are received. Recurring events that have historically been held at Clackamas County Parks are given priority over new events.

Who do I contact to get a Special Use Permit or answer questions about a permit?

Call or email the Parks Administration Office at 503-742-4414 or parksinfo@clackamas.us