Gaithersburg, MD Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 15A-16 sets the permitting framework for using Gaithersburg's parks and recreation facilities. Subsection (g) requires anyone wanting to hold a public event, picnic, private gathering or demonstration, or to reserve park space, to first obtain a permit from the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. Subsection (c) directs that permits for facilities, athletic fields and open areas go out on a first come, first served basis, except where the city manager decides the public interest requires otherwise, and city-run programs and permit holders get scheduling priority once they have a valid permit. Subsection (b) lets the city manager or designee grant exclusive use of a facility for the permitted time window, and anyone refusing to leave during that window, other than the permittee, is committing a separate violation of the chapter.

The permit carries financial obligations beyond the application. Subsection (e) makes accepting a permit an agreement to pay, on demand, the reasonable cost of repairing any damage the applicant or their guests cause and the cost of removing any refuse they leave behind. Subsection (f) lets the city manager or designee require a cash deposit or corporate bond as a condition of issuance, in an amount the city manager sets, to cover those potential costs. Subsection (d) gives the city manager authority to revoke a permit or refuse to issue one if the applicant has violated any provision of the chapter, or where public health, safety or welfare requires it. Playground use alone does not require a permit under subsection (i).