1.  How do I rent a picnic shelter?
Picnic shelters are available for rent year round, and are perfect for reunions, birthday parties and play dates.  While shelter use is first-come, first-served, reservations are strongly recommended to ensure availability. Shelter rentals for the warmer weather months fill up quickly, so please book your shelter well in advance of your event.  Reserve a picnic shelter by calling Indy Parks Customer Service at 317-327-PARK (7275) or the park where the shelter is located.  Fees vary by park. Payment is due in full prior to the reservation date.  Cash, check and Visa/MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.

2.  Does Indy Parks have facilities appropriate for weddings and family reunions?
In addition to picnic shelters, Indy Parks has several indoor and outdoor facilities that can accommodate your wedding or family event. Click here for a list of appropriate  venues. Indy Parks does have a preferred caterer list that must be used at any park facility. Contact the park directly to book your event. NOTE:  Outdoor facilities such as the Sunken Gardens at Garfield Park and are available for weddings from April-October only. Capacity, fees and seasonal availability may vary.

3.  I want to hold my organization's event at a park.  What do I need to do?
Before an organization or company can hold an event on an Indy Parks property, they must obtain a Special Use Permit.  This permit ensures that park staff are aware of the organizations needs, and requirements such as insurance, vendor health department permits and security have been met. A representative from the organization must also attend an Indy Parks Special Use meeting to present proper documents and address any concerns or outstanding details.  For more information on the Special Use process, please contact 317-327-5588.

4.  How can I find out when the next Parks Board and City-County Council Parks and Recreation Committee meetings will be held?
The indygov.org web site features a public meetings calendar.  Any parks-related meetings will be listed here. For additional agenda information, you can call 317-327-7050. 

5.  Are there volunteer opportunities available at Indy Parks?
Indy Parks has volunteer opportunities available year round. Families, school groups, and businesses are encouraged to contribute their time to a clean up project in a park or on a greenway, a tree planting, or other projects that may be of interest. Whether you want to volunteer for a one-time event, or as part of an ongoing program, we will work with you and/or your group to find a project that fits your needs. Prior to volunteering, an application must be filled out and a criminal background check conducted.  Please call 317-327-7036 for more information.

6.  When does the Fun Guide come out?  Where can I get a copy?
The Fun Guide is currently published three times a year: a Fall Guide comes out in August, a Winter-Spring guide in mid-December, and a Summer guide in April. Guides are available online, at your local family center, or by calling 327-PARK.

7.  When can I sign up my child for summer day camps?
Summer Day Camp registration typically begins in February.  Indy Parks offers several camp themes, including nature, arts, general activity, as well as camps for people with disabilities.  The exact registration date will be posted at on indyparks.org and will also be available at participating family centers and Indy Parks Customer Service.

8.  What is a "right-of-way?"
A right-of-way is City-owned property along streets extending beyond the edge of the road.  Commonly, this is the lawn strip between street and sidewalk.  A permit is required for any tree planting or pruning work in this area.  Contact Indy Parks Forestry for more information and to obtain a permit.

9.  Can you drink alcohol in the parks?
No.  Per the Revised Municipal Code of Marion County, Sec. 631-109, alcohol may not be consumed on city park property (including greenways).  In rare instances, an organization may petition the Parks Board to allow alcohol at an event sponsored by that organization.  This procedure is covered in the Special Use process.

10. How do I get a dog park pass?
"Pooch" Passes go on sale each January. You can contact Eagle Creek or Broad Ripple Park directly for the necessary paperwork and fee information.