Rental Information

Application Process

Application must be received at least 15 business days prior to the event and no more than six months prior. Events open to the public may require insurance, Risk Management approval, and police services arranged through the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Park Availability and Information

Most City parks are available for use from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset depending on location and/or event. Gated park areas are govered by separate posted operating hours.

Payment Information
All fees must be paid in full at the time of application. Payment may be made by cash, check (made payable to City of St. Petersburg), or credit card.

Rent now using Parks & Rec Connect:

Frequently Asked Questions

• Online Reservation

  Q: What is the process for renting a shelter online?
  A: Citizens who wish to rent a shelter online will first need to navigate visit our Parks & Rec Connect site and create a new account. Once a new account has been created, users can search for available shelters, complete required rental information, and reserve a shelter.
  
  Q: How can I reserve a shelter?
  A: Click here to reserve a shelter online.

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• Login Issues

  Q: I tried to create a new account online but I receive a message that my email is already in the system. What should I do?
  A: If you have rented a shelter from the City before, there’s a chance we may already have your email address in our system. In this case, navigate to the Parks & Rec Connect site, click the ‘Sign In” button at the top of the screen, and then use the “Reset Password” link on the Login Page to reset your password. You will then be able to log into your account and proceed with the online rental process.
  
  Q: I’ve created an account and still can’t log into my account.
  A: You should receive an email to verify your email address. Be sure to check your spam as well. Once your email address has been verified you will be able to log in.

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• Rental Availability

  Q: What City park facilities are available to rent online?
  A: Most park shelters are available to rent online. Certain park shelters may not be available to rent if they are closed for maintenance. For inquiries for open parkland, please call our main office for more information about facility rentals.

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• Reservation Process

  Q: Is it too late to reserve a shelter?
  A: Park reservations must be done at least 15 days in advance.
  
  Q: When is the shelter available for me to use on the day of my event?
  A: Most shelter permits are valid from 8 a.m. – noon, 1 – 5 p.m. or all day 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the day of your event. Please note that some weekday rentals are valid certain times to accommodate our before and aftercare programming in certain locations. If you need time to prepare for your event, please plan accordingly since access to the shelter prior to the start date and time specified is non-negotiable.
  
  Q: How far in advance am I able to rent a shelter?
  A: Shelters are available for rent up to 6 months in advance of your selected date. Shelter rentals must be completed at least fourteen (14) days before your selected date; after this time, the shelter will no longer be available to rent online or in person.
  
  Q: In what case would I need insurance for a shelter rental?
  A: The permits issued entitles the permit holder to use the shelter and the grounds identified in the permit. If additional activities are planned (i.e. inflatable bounce house, generators, etc.) the permit holder must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the City of St. Petersburg as an additional insurer.

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• Accessing Rental Permit

  Q: I cannot find the permit that was emailed to me. Is there a way for me to get a copy of my permit?
  A: Contact us at 727-893-7441 and a staff member can email you a copy of your permit.

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• Park Permits for Events

  Q: Can I have a wedding ceremony in the park?
  A: Yes
  
  Q: Do I have to get a permit to teach a fitness class or training program at a City of St. Petersburg park?
  A: Yes, City Code Section 21-34 states that a person cannot offer for sale goods or services at a city park or another area under the control of the Park and Recreation Department unless they have a permit. Such sales would include conducting a training program or boot camp. The permit for training programs (including boot camps) is a Private Instruction in the Park Permit. Please call our office for further information.

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• Permit Cancellation

  Q: I need to cancel my park permit. How do I cancel it?
  A: You must call the Parks and Recreation Administration at 727-893-7441. Cancellation requests must be received no later than ten (10) business days before your event date to avoid penalties.
  
  Q: Can I cancel my reservation online?
  A: No. Changes may be made in person at the reservations office located at 1400 19th St. N. or by calling 727-893-7441. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  Q: What is the latest that I can cancel my reservation and are there fees for cancelling reservations?
  A: Cancellation requests must be received no later than ten (10) business days before your event date.

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