Howard County, IN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 93.02 sets the conduct rules for every county park and channels several activities through a written-permission requirement rather than an outright ban. Subsection (E) prohibits carrying or discharging 'any firearms, air rifles, missile-throwing devices or any other weapons' in a park 'without specific written permission from the Park and Recreation Board.' Subsection (F) limits fire to 'an oven or grill' for culinary purposes only, and requires 'written permission... from the Park and Recreation Director for any other fire or camp fire.' Subsection (I) bars overnight camping 'without specific written permission of the Park and Recreation Director.' Subsection (H) similarly requires Board permission before anyone may 'post, display or expose within the park' any sign, advertisement, circular, notice, emblem, or design, which covers event signage for a gathering held in a county park.

Together these subsections mean a resident or group planning an organized event, a campout, or an activity involving a fire pit or signage in a Howard County park needs advance written sign-off from the Park and Recreation Board or its Director rather than simply showing up. The code does not list a fee schedule or a written application form for this permission within § 93.02 itself; it only establishes that permission must be obtained in writing before the activity occurs. Violation of § 93.02 carries the penalty under § 10.99.