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City of Madison Special Events COVID-19: Open Space Park Event Permit

COVID-19: Open Space Park Event Permit

Public Health of Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) is issuing orders for gathering limits, physical distancing and masking due to COVID-19. These orders are updated based on Dane County data and metrics. View the Current Orders.

If an event meets the criteria to occur under this order or any future orders, organizers must review PHMDC requirements for gathering limits, physical distancing and cleaning policies, to ensure the event is in compliance. Please contact us at MadisonEvents@cityofmadison.com for additional information.

If this order or any future PHMDC order restricting or prohibiting the size or nature of outdoor events are in place on the date(s) of an event, they supersede and may invalidate any approved street use or park event permits.

Stay up to date with Public Health of Madison and Dane County guidelines for events:

For guidance from the CDC on events and gatherings:

The Open Space Park Event Permit is for small park events that fit the criteria listed below and can adhere to Public Health of Madison and Dane County restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic that may be in place on the date of the event.

Permit Criteria

  • Expected attendance at or below the PHMDC gathering restrictions in place on the date of the event.
    • Must provide estimated number of guests.
  • Requesting reserving open space in a Madison Park (no shelter reservation).
  • Not a fundraising event.
  • Not an advertised event.
  • There will be no vending.
  • The event will not take up extensive space in the park. The rest of the park must be accessible to the public.
  • Must adhere to the PA1 requirements if requesting an amplification permit
    • Sound Limit: 75 dB, 150 ft from the source.
    • Time Limit: Between 8 AM and 9 PM, 6 hour duration
  • No more than one temporary structure permit allowed.
  • One-day event only.

Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the event date if requesting a temporary structure permit.

PHMDC Gathering Restrictions and Guidelines (Updated 3/10/21)

  • Outdoor public gatherings are limited to 500 or fewer people abiding by the 6 feet physical distancing requirements.
  • Face coverings are required for any outdoor gathering of more than 50 people.
  • Face coverings are recommended when outdoors and within 6 feet of people outside of your household.
  • Attendees must be instructed to stay home if feeling ill.
  • We are not able to clean tables or park equipment. We encourage you to sanitize them before use.
  • Bring your own disinfecting materials and hand soap/sanitizer.
  • Please take any trash you bring into the park out of the park with you.
  • Avoid touching common touchpoints.
  • Avoid direct contact with others such as hugs and handshakes.
  • Drinking fountains are not available.

Application

Please submit the COVID-19: Open Space Park Event application at MadisonEvents@cityofmadison.com. If you have questions about the permit or if you want to check on the availability of a park, you may contact the Community Events Assistant at MadisonEvents@cityofmadison.com, (608) 264-9289.

Helpful Resources

Parks & Facilities Available for Reservation