How do I Hire a Park? (for Social Gatherings)

 Parks and Reserves Map (817KB)

Why book a Council park?
Public access to all of council's parks is free. However, sometimes people may wish to use a park for a special event, such as a wedding ceremony, birthday party or a family reunion. There are lots of demands on our parks for these special events, particularly during the spring and summer seasons.

How do I get a permit?
To get a permit, you must first complete the application form below and pay a non-refundable $50 deposit. The balance must be paid one week (to the nearest Friday) prior to the event:

 Permit for Social Gathering in Parks & Reserves (1.04MB)

Can I 'reserve' an area?
If you wish to 'reserve' a particular area, you can do so by putting sheets or blankets on the ground (just as you would if you were at the beach), or by placing the tables and chairs accordingly. Someone must remain at the location until the other guests arrive. Unfortunately, you cannot cordon off the area by ropes, signs or barricades.

Booking Confirmation
All bookings are confirmed in writing. Please let us know if your application is urgent, as your approval can also be emailed.

Fees & Charges
The fees for a social gathering (includes weddings, picnics, and birthday parties etc) are as follows:

(Note: the above fees are applicable from 01/07/2009)

Exclusive Use
A permit allows you to have a 'social gathering' on a park. Unfortunately, it does not give you exclusive use of the park or give you a 'right over another group' (i.e. if someone is using the area that you had intended to use, you have no right to ask them to move).

When is a permit not required?

1. If the number of people attending the gathering is less than sixty (60).*
2. If the purpose of the gathering is for taking wedding photographs.*
3. If the gathering is on one of the following public holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day and Australia Day.*

Notes:
* Excludes Wendy Whiteley Reserve.
If there are sixty (60) or more in the group and the social gathering involves catering a permit cannot be issued.

Conditions

1. Marquees are not permitted in the North Sydney Council area.
2. The driving of vehicles onto a park is not permitted under any circumstances.
3. Litter bins are essential if serving food or drink. Cost: $47 each.
4. If using a kettle or open flame barbeque, you must first check with NSW Fire Brigades (Ph: 1800 679 737) to ensure there isn't a total fire ban in place. Drip mats must be placed under the barbeque to collect any spillage. Council will take steps to recoup costs should any damage occur.

Public Liability Insurance
Everyone must have insurance. If your booking is on behalf of a company you will need to provide your own insurance (i.e. include your Certificate of Currency with your application).

If the booking is on behalf of an individual, then you will need to pay an additional fee. Cost: $116.

Litter Bins
Litter bins are essential if you are serving food or drink. You need one bin for every thrity (30) people attending the function. Cost: $47 each.

Company Events
If the booking is on behalf of a company, then you don't have to pay for Public Liability Insurance. However, you must include a copy of your Certificate of Currency (at the time of lodgement).

Note: It must include North Sydney Council as an 'Interested Party.' The policy must be for no less than $10 Million. Please be careful, some policies may not cover your group activity if it's held away from the office.

Wet Weather
In the case of wet weather rendering the park unfit for use, a refund may be given. Applications for refunds must be made in writing. Upon confirmation, a full refund will be given.

Note: This letter must be received by Council no later that fourteen (14) days after the event.

Credit Card Service Fee
Council charges a 1% service fee, inclusive of GST, on credit card transactions. This fee offsets the cost of accepting credit card payments. The service fee applies to all over-the-counter transactions, all online transactions, Council car park fees and credit card deduction authorities. Please note that, at this stage, credit card payments through BPay are not an option.