Washington County, WI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Under Washington County Code § 179-7C, groups may reserve dates for County park facilities and areas. Every reservation must be made by a responsible person at least 18 years old who belongs to the group requesting the facility, and that person is personally responsible for any damage or improper conduct connected with the reservation. Use charges for reserved facilities are set by the Land Use and Planning Committee, not a flat countywide fee, so the amount depends on the site and date booked.

Reservations also require a damage and cleanup deposit, due at the time of booking. The deposit is refunded once County staff inspects the facility after the event and confirms it was cleaned; cleaning equipment and supplies are not furnished by the park, so groups must bring their own. Physical damage, excessive litter, or conduct that violates federal, state, County or local rules during the reserved activity can cost the group its deposit, and damage beyond the deposit amount is billed to whoever signed the reservation application. Misrepresenting information on the reservation form forfeits the deposit outright and triggers immediate ejection from the park.

Separately, § 179-7B(15) sets the trigger for a special event request: any assembly of more than 100 people that does not already hold a shelter rental agreement must file that form with the Planning and Parks Department, listing a responsible person and describing the planned activity, before the group uses the park or facility. Live amplified music also needs prior Planning and Parks approval, either at the time of reservation or through the special event request form.