Rentals, Refunds & Permits

Facility Rentals

Looking to host your next birthday party, corporate meeting, family reunion, wedding, or any other special event? Indy Parks rents indoor and/or outdoor spaces, including shelters, courts, and fields. Please call the Park’s Customer Service Office at 317. 327.PARK(7275) or visit any staffed park location for rental information.

Special Event Permit Application

Looking to host an event and invite the public? Whether you anticipate 20 people or 2000+ people, filling out a Special Event Permit Application is the first step. It is our goal to assist event organizers in planning a safe and successful event.

Permit applications must be received by the Park Manager no less than forty-five (45) days in advance of the event. Generally, a Special Event Permit is required for any organized activity or event, whether organized by a nonprofit entity, private enterprise, individual, or other, which involves the use of, or will have an impact upon, park property, park facilities, sidewalks, Greenway trails or city streets surrounding said areas. (Refer to Indianapolis’ Municipal Code Sec. 631-120).

If you have any questions or need assistance with the Special Event Permit Application, please call the Park’s Customer Service Office at 317.327.PARK(7275) or email IndyParksCS@indy.gov.

To view the Special Events Permit Application, click the link below:

Park vendor permits

A vendor permit is required for professional photography, commercial filming, and the selling of food, beverage, or merchandise. All permits are enforced by park staff and Park Rangers/IMPD.

An advanced permit is required for the following:

• Photos or videos are to be used for financial gain.
• The event requires access to any area or facility normally closed.
• The event interferes with park operations, visitor experience, or requires park staff.
• The event involves props, models, professional crews, set dressings, or a drone.
• The event involves stunts or amplified music.
• The event requires closure of a park facility, trail, or road.
• Photographers and vendors who sell merchandise, food, or promote their services must acquire a $30 vendor permit for the day.

You do not need a permit for video or still photography when:

• The photographer is taking the video or photos for personal use.
• The photographer is a member of the news media documenting current events. For all media inquiries, please contact the Indy Parks Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at 317.447.8022.

Approved permits are always required in advance for the selling of food, beverage, or merchandise. Food vendors must provide a current Board of Health Certificate. Contact the Temporary Food Events Coordinator Kelli Whiting at 317.221.2256.

• Businesses and groups filming commercials, ads, and doing other videography work will be charged $200 for one-half day or $400 for a full day.
• Ice cream trucks have a vending fee of $30 per month per park.

The fee for each permit is determined by:

• Length of use
• Magnitude of activity (size of area to be used and magnitude of impact)
• Existing facility use fee (i.e., if vendor rents a space with a fee, they must pay for space in addition to the photo fee).

A permit does not allow you to film or photograph park visitors. You cannot film or photograph park visitors without the visitor’s permission and a signed release form.

To capture video or still photography at the Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden, call 317.327.7183 or email gpcons@indy.gov.

You are encouraged to call the Park’s Customer Service Office at 317.327.PARK(7275) with any questions or email IndyParksCS@indy.gov.

How to purchase a park vendor permit

To obtain approval and purchase a permit, contact park staff or the Customer Service Center at 317.327.PARK(7275) or IndyParksCS@indy.gov.

Download the Commercial Filming and Photo Shoot Agreement for more information.

Community Garden Plot Rentals

Looking for a place to grow your own vegetables? Community garden plots are available to rent for a small fee. Participating in a community garden is a great way to meet your neighbors, learn about produce, and grow healthy food. Indy Parks manages two community gardens. One near Eagle Creek Park and the other on Tibbs Avenue.

To reserve a plot at Eagle Creek, please call 317.327.7110. To reserve a plot at the Tibbs Ave. location, call the Park’s Customer Service Center at 317. 327.PARK (7275).

Requests for Qualifications

When our office needs to contract for professional services, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is issued. Contact Senior Construction Manager Dave Teachout at 317.327.7004 for more information about current RFQs.

Submitting a qualification statement does not guarantee that you will be contracted. It only serves as notice that you wish to be considered.

Park Land Acquisitions

Indy Parks and Recreation works to acquire and preserve greenspace. We rely on alliances, donations, and more to acquire new land every year. We also work with the Indianapolis Parks Foundation to secure acres in under-served communities, including 63 acres on the city’s eastside recently. Contact Real Estate Manager Paul Smith at 317.327.5832 for more information.

Recent land acquisitions include:

• 3.52 acres at 2802 and 2861 Colorado Ave. donated by a private citizen
• 14.07 acres at 7846 Wolfgang Pl. donated by C. P. Morgan Developers
• 89 acres near Grassy Creek Park donated by the Community Alliance for the Far Eastside (CAFÉ) and the Indianapolis Foundation

Park Rules

Park visitors must obey the following:

• Park hours are dawn to dusk.
• Possession of alcohol is not permitted in parks without a permit from the park board.
• Vehicles are not permitted on the grass.
• No open fires other than in grills.
• Dogs must be on a leash that is fewer than 20 feet unless in the dog parks.
• Bicycles are not allowed on gravel paths.
• Private vendor sales in parks require a permit.

*Each park has their own rules & regulations.

Click here to view the City and County ordinances involving Indy Parks’ operations