Fort Wayne, IN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing office
- Parks and Recreation Department
- Advance booking
- Up to 12 months for pavilions
- Individual/practice permits
- No more than 2 weeks ahead
- Admission fees
- Require prior written Department OK
- Max fine
- $2,500 (§ 97.99)
Summary
Fort Wayne requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department to reserve pavilions, gardens, athletic fields, or courts for exclusive use, and bans charging admission fees at a park event without written department authorization.
Permits are issued for the exclusive use of park facilities at the administrative office of the Department. ... Reservations may be made for all pavilions and gardens by phone or in person up to 12 months in advance. ... No person or organization, without the prior written authorization of the Department, shall charge a fee for admission to or participation in an event.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances § 97.25, permits for exclusive use of park facilities are issued at the Department's administrative office, are non-transferable, and require the permit holder or a designated representative to be present with the permit in hand. Pavilions and gardens may be reserved by phone or in person up to 12 months ahead; league reservations open before each program season, and individual or practice permits go out no more than two weeks in advance. The permit holder answers for any damage and for restoring the site beyond routine cleanup. No fee for admission or participation may be charged without the Department's prior written authorization.
Violations & Fines
Violating any permit condition can get the permit revoked. Occupying a reserved area without authorization is unlawful and the City Police make the final call on disputes; general Chapter 97 violations carry a fine of up to $2,500 under § 97.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a birthday party at a Fort Wayne park pavilion?
Can I charge admission at a permitted park event in Fort Wayne?
Do I need a permit to use a park grill or picnic area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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