Special Use Permits

Special requests for use of a park property can be made and require a Special Use Permit. These special requests may include, but are not limited to: marathons, team meets, professional photography, and other commercial or exclusive use.

How to request a special use permit

Complete and submit the online special use request form for each event (see below for form).
Review the special use fees listed on the request form.
Read the insurance (PDF) requirement, and submit proof of insurance as necessary.

Special use policy and fees

Total Use = Number of People per visit Multiplied by Number of Visits

Fees listed in this chart does not include sales tax of 8.375%.

Total Use	Fee
Up to 50 people	$50
51 to 100 people	$150
101 to 300 people	$300
301 to 400 people	$400
Over 400 people	Consult
Research Permit	$25
Still Photography	$50
Videography	$200
Unusual Videography	Consult
Food Truck	$25 per day

Food trucks

All food vendors must have a valid license with Washington County to sell food products and provide a copy of their license with the permit request.
Vendors may not sell food items in glass.
No alcohol may be served in the parks.
Food trucks may operate within the following parks year-round in designated areas: Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park, Point Douglas Park, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and at the Historic Courthouse.
Food trucks may not operate at Square Lake Park.
Washington County Parks reserves the right to reschedule dates or limit access to park areas based on county needs.

Sheriff's deputies

Sheriff’s Deputies are required for alcohol service and for park road closures/traffic detail. All events are subject to the use of Deputies at Washington County Parks’ discretion with 4-hour minimum for Deputies.

Road permit

If the event leaves the park, a road permit is required. Contact Washington County Public Works at 651-430-4313 for information.

Water surface use

If the event takes place on waters in Washington County, a water surface use permit may be required from the Sheriff's Office. For more information, go to Water Surface Use.

Certified lifeguards

Any event that takes place in a body of water will require an adequate number of certified lifeguards.

Direct costs

Any costs not covered by the Special Use Fee, include:

Extra hours of park staff time.
Vehicle permits.
Dumpsters.
Portable toilets.

Groups over recommended occupancy may require special facilities such as portable toilets or dumpsters. Delivery and setup of the extra facilities will be arranged by Parks staff and added to the Special Use Permit as a Direct Cost.

Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of requested dates.

Some activities may be limited to specific times of the year, depending on park usage and availability of resources. Most competitive events will not be allowed between Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

All requests will be reviewed and decisions will be made based on the resources available and impact to the park's natural resources.

Request A Special Use Permit

Steps

1. Contact Information(current) This section is complete This section is incomplete
2. Event Information This section is complete This section is incomplete
3. Special Use Fees This section is complete This section is incomplete
4. Additional Requests and Services This section is complete This section is incomplete
5. Parking Spaces This section is complete This section is incomplete
6. Insurance Coverage This section is complete This section is incomplete
7. Submit Form This section is complete This section is incomplete

Contact Information

Parks Division
1515 Keats Avenue N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Request A Special Use Permit
Policy #: PKP005
Phone: 651-430-8370
Email: Parks@washingtoncountymn.gov
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Special Use Fees

Special Use Policy and Fees

Total Use = Number of People per visit Multiplied by Number of Visits

Fees listed in this chart does not include sales tax of 8.375%.

Total Use	Fee
Up to 50 people	$50
51 to 100 people	$150
101 to 300 people	$300
301 to 400 people	$400
Over 400 people	Consult
Research Permit	$25
Still Photography	$50
Videography	$200
Unusual Videography	Consult
Food Truck	$25 per day

Food Truck

All food vendors must have a valid license with Washington County to sell food products and provide a copy of their license with the permit request.

Sheriff's Deputies

Road Permit

If the event leaves the park, a road permit is required. Contact Washington County Public Works at 651-430-4313 for information.

Water Surface Use

If the event takes place on waters in Washington County, a water surface use permit may be required from the Sheriff's Office. For more information, go to Water Surface Use.

Certified Lifeguards

Any event that takes place in a body of water will require an adequate number of certified lifeguards.

Direct Costs

Any costs not covered by the Special Use Fee, include:

Extra hours of park staff time.
Vehicle permits.
Dumpsters.
Portable toilets.

Type Your Name to Acknowledge*
I have read the Special Use Fees, and I understand my total charge will include the use fee and any additional direct costs.
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Parking Spaces

Park	Facility	Parking Spaces
Big Marine Park Reserve	Pavilion	65
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park	Trailhead	91
Lake Elmo Park Reserve	Eagle Point	104
Lake Elmo Park Reserve	Nordic center	93
Lake Elmo Park Reserve	North Pavilion	168
Lake Elmo Park Reserve	South Pavilion	135
Point Douglas Park	Trailhead	115
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park	Hilltop	100
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park	Eagle Ridge	30

Note: If the event requires additional or overflow parking, the parking plan must be pre-approved by Parks staff before a Special Use Permit is issued.

Maps

Physical copies of maps can be obtained through the Parks office at Lake Elmo Park Reserve or viewed online.

Type Your Name To Acknowledge*
I have read and am aware of the parking spaces at each of the parks.
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Insurance Coverage

Insurance Coverage for Special Events

All persons or groups renting a park or facility for a special event must have insurance to cover the event. You must provide Washington County Parks with proof of insurance two weeks (14 days) prior to the event start date. Your event may not take place until proof of insurance is received.
Requirements
- The insurance policy must be in the name of the person signing the lease agreement with Washington County.
- Washington County requires Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability with a minimum of $500,000 per claimant and a minimum of $1,500,000 single occurrence.
- Must list Washington County as a “Certificate Holder” through the date of the event. Do NOT list the Washington County Parks as “Additional Insured.”
We recommend you contact your insurance agent to determine the amount of coverage you need to protect you and your assets. Acquiring appropriate insurance for your event protects you against claims and ensures you are covered in the event of an accident.
Example of How to List Washington County on the Insurance Form
If you have questions about our insurance requirements, please contact park staff at 651-430- 8370. Your agent may email an attachment to Parks@washingtoncountymn.gov.
Type Your Name to Acknowledge*
I have read the Insurance Coverage for Special Events, and I agree to submit Certificate of Insurance at least 2 weeks before event.
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Submit Form

Supporting Documents
Upload any supporting documents for your Special Use Permit request.
Special Use Fees, Insurance, and Licensing*
1. I have read the Special Use Policy for Washington County Parks, and I understand there may be special use fees, insurance, and licensing required.
Review of My Application*
1. I understand that my application will be reviewed by the Parks Supervisor or designee.
Special Use Policy*
1. I have read the Special Use Policy for Washington County Parks.
Park Ordinances*
1. I agree to follow the guidelines and current Park Ordinances. I understand our group will be denied the Special Use if the policy is not followed.
Type Your Name to Sign*
By clicking "Submit," I acknowledge that this request submission is not a confirmation for special use of Washington County Parks, and Parks staff will contact me to finalize my request.

Leave This Blank:

1. Receive an email copy of this form.
Email address

This field is not part of the form submission.
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How to request a special use permit

Special use policy and fees

Food trucks

Sheriff's deputies

Road permit

Water surface use

Certified lifeguards

Direct costs

Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of requested dates.

Request A Special Use Permit

Steps

Contact Information

Parks Division

Request A Special Use Permit

Event Information

Special Use Fees

Special Use Policy and Fees

Food Truck

Sheriff's Deputies

Road Permit

Water Surface Use

Certified Lifeguards

Direct Costs

Additional Requests and Services

Please provide the following information as it applies to your event:

Sheriff's Deputies

Parking Spaces

Maps

Insurance Coverage

Insurance Coverage for Special Events

Requirements

Example of How to List Washington County on the Insurance Form

Submit Form

Contact Parks

Washington County Parks

Contact Information

Essential Links

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