Thank you for choosing Parks Tacoma for your upcoming special event.
Special use permits are issued for special events, filming/photography, and commercial activities.
NO EVENTS MAY OCCUR ON THE WATERWALK SECTION OF THE RUSTON WAY WATERFRONT. This applies to all entities, both public and private.
Types of Special Permits
About Special Use Permits
- When is a Special Use Permit needed?
- Free Speech Events
- Green Events
A “Special Use” is an activity in a public park that includes:
- A public gathering of 50 or more people
- Tent(s) 400’ sq. ft. or larger (may require Tacoma Fire Dept. permit)
- Amplified sound
- Stage(s)
- Vendor booths (food, beverage, arts, crafts)
- Generator(s)
- Public promotion of the organized use/activity
- Collection of money for admission/participation (whether off-site or on-site)
- Impact to regular traffic & park operations
- Catered activities by food trucks, commercial bbqs (may require Health Dept. permit)
- **Bounce houses (subject to certain conditions due to public safety)
- Commercial Activities
- Filming and/or Photography
Including but not limited to:
- Festivals/Concerts
- Walks/Runs/Cycling
- Corporate Picnics
- Athletic Tournaments
- Free Speech/Demonstration
- Other – those uses/activities that impact regular park operations or adversely impact normal park usage
- Commercial Activities
- Filming and/or Photography
** Bounce houses are not permitted unless they are:
(1) Provided by a professional bounce house/entertainment equipment company; and,
(2) a certificate of insurance is provided by the professional company listing Parks Tacoma as additional insured.
Free Speech is always allowed in our parks. Everyone, including individuals engaged in free speech, are subject to our Code of Conduct. Additionally, some free speech activities may require a permit. Any one or more of the following conditions elevate to the level of a permit:
- Use of amplified sound
- Gathering of more than 50 people
- Selling merchandise (all items for sale must include free speech message)
- Tabling
- Tenting
Green Event Application
Green Event applications must be received no less than 60 days before the event date.
Events that achieve Green Excellence certification may be eligible for Environmental Services Event Support. This can include free or discount services such as garbage, recycling, food waste bins, and/or portable toilets. You will receive the optional Environmental Services Event Support request form via email only after your event has achieved Green Excellence certification.
Environmental Services support requests must be received no less than 30 days before the event date.