St. Cloud Park and Recreation

Park Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How can I permit a special event in a city park?

Please visit our online reservation program to request your event date and location. If your event involves using anything outside park boundaries, you must also obtain a Special Events Permit application from the City Clerk's office. All special events that are permitted with the Park and Recreation Department are required to submit a certificate of liability insurance that names the City of St. Cloud as an additional insured for $1.5 Million in coverage. This can be obtained by contacting your homeowner or renter's insurance company; alternately you can apply for TULIP coverage through the National League of Cities.  

If I want to have a picnic or gathering at a city park, do I need to reserve the shelter?

If you group includes more than 50 people, you are required to obtain a permit from the Park and Recreation Department. Additionally, if the park you are using has a shelter, you would be required to rent that shelter.  Shelter reservations are taken for the current and the next calendar year.  Complete the Shelter Request online or contact Cassie Woischke by email or by calling 320-650-3055.  

Does St. Cloud provide special rates for non-profits for shelter rentals?

We are not able to offer special rates for non-profit organizations; however, you will not pay sales tax if your non-profit has tax exempt status.  Pricing listed in our fees and charges for park shelter rentals does not include tax.

How can I pay for my shelter rental?

Through our new online reservation program, you can request your date and location. Once the request has been made, a staff member will review your request and either adjust or approve your rental. When the reservation has been approved, you will receive an email with a link to pay your balance within 10 business days. Please wait for the email to pay your balance. Credit/debit payments can be made from home with this link. If would like to pay cash or with a check (payable to St. Cloud Park & Recreation), please visit Whitney Recreation Center.  

How much does it cost to rent a park shelter?

Review posted Park Shelter Rental and Permit Fees. 

How do I get into the shelters?

Shelters at Riverside and Wilson Parks have an attendant on duty during your rental. The attendant will open the shelter for your group 15 minutes before the stated arrival time on your contract. The shelter at Lions Park requires that the renter check out a key at the Whitney Recreation Center during normal business hours. The shelter at Knights of Columbus Park is an open-air type shelter and does not require a key; reservations are not available but the shelter can be used on a first come, first served basis.

How do I know which side I get when I am renting half of the Riverside or Wilson Shelters?

Our online registration system specifies which half of the shelter that you have rented; at Riverside, the north side is closest to the Splash Pad and playground; at Wilson, the north side is also closest to the playground.

Is alcohol allowed?

City ordinance states that beer or wine, packaged only in its original glass-free container, will be allowed at Riverside, Wilson or Lions Parks. Keg beer (limit one) is only allowed at Riverside or Wilson Parks with a special permit obtained with your rental contract.

Am I responsible for cleaning up?

When renting one of our park shelters you are responsible for your own setup before your event and the cleanup after your event. You will need to make sure to allow time for both setup and cleanup within the stated rental period on your contract.