Cleveland, OH Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee schedule section
- Codified Ordinances § 133.34
- Regular-hours rate
- $68.00/hour per staff person
- Before/after-hours rate
- $84.00/hour per staff person
- Separate permit required
- Yes: under § 133.07 (§ 133.34(h))
- Free-use groups
- City depts, qualifying nonprofits, schools, § 133.34(a)
Summary
Renting a Cleveland recreation center room, outdoor pool, or portion of a rec facility for a gathering requires an hourly fee and a permit from the Director of Parks and Recreation under § 133.07, per the fee schedule in § 133.34.
The Commissioner of Recreation may allow private parties to rent recreation center community or meeting rooms or outdoor pools during regular operational hours provided that the parties pay the fees specified in division (c) of this section... (c) ...(1) During regular operational hours, sixty-eight dollars ($68.00) per hour per staff person required. (2) Before or after regular operational hours, eighty-four dollars ($84.00) per hour per staff person required... (h) Any party renting a portion of a recreation center or outdoor pool under this section shall also secure a permit from the Director under Section 133.07 and shall pay any fee required for that permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
34 lets the Commissioner of Recreation open recreation center community or meeting rooms and outdoor pools to private parties during regular operating hours, and also before or after hours, once the applicable fee is paid. 34(c)). 34(f), though qualifying groups from division (a), City branches/departments furthering their own functions, nonprofit or neighborhood groups such as block, street, or ward clubs addressing health, welfare, safety or housing issues, and City schools using the space for an educational or recreational purpose, can use the rooms at no cost or at half the division (f) rate. 34(g) lets the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections use the rooms free for voting. 07(b)-(c). 34(i)).
Violations & Fines
Using a recreation center room, pool, or facility portion for a private gathering without paying the § 133.34 fee and separately securing the § 133.07 permit means the event has no authorized reservation; the Director can deny or revoke the underlying § 133.07 permit for false applications or conflicts with City-scheduled activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to reserve a Cleveland recreation center room?
How much does it cost to rent a rec center room in Cleveland?
Can a neighborhood group use a rec center room for free?
Who gets the money from Cleveland recreation center rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
Compare Cleveland to another location·View the Ohio special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Event Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle park event permits.