Knox County, TN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Sec. 27-11(b) sets the standards for a Knox County park special-events permit. A person seeking one must file an application with the appropriate parks and recreation director, who issues the permit only upon finding that the proposed activity will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public's enjoyment of the park; will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from public health, welfare, safety or recreation; is not unreasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct; will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense or police operation by the county; and that the desired facilities have not already been reserved for other use at the requested day and hour.

Once issued, the permittee is bound by all park rules, regulations and ordinances as though written into the permit itself. The person or persons holding the permit are liable for any loss, damage or injury caused by their own negligence during the event, and must provide a certificate of insurance before the event takes place. The director can revoke a permit upon finding a violation of any rule or ordinance, or for good cause shown, at any point before or during the event. Sec. 27-11(a) adds that no group can use an athletic field posted as requiring reservations without one, though informal, non-team neighborhood use of ten people or fewer on an unposted, unlocked field remains allowed without a permit.