Medford, OR Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

185 governs permits for use of publicly owned property and right-of-way, and subsection (2) applies specifically to parks: the City Manager or a designee may grant a special permit allowing use of dedicated park lands and recreational facilities for concerts, lectures, athletic events, shows, craft and art fairs, and other special events considered compatible with normal park and recreational activities, subject to Park and Recreation Department rules and regulations for park use. The general permit standard in subsection (1) requires the City Manager to find the event will not unreasonably obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, create an unreasonable hazard, cause a noise disturbance or code violation, or contravene city, county or state law.

Under subsection (5), permits may carry conditions on dates, hours and noise levels; a duration subject to revocation without prior notice; an approved traffic control plan; an obligation to repair damage, post bonds, or reimburse the City for costs; and written hold-harmless assurances. Subsection (6) requires the City Manager to collect fees set in the Council's most recent fee schedule, which must bear a reasonable relationship to the City's cost of making the property available; non-residents may be charged a higher fee than residents, and booths at Alba Park and Vogel Plaza during the Pear Blossom Festival are exempt from park use fees for that one day only.

Under subsection (8), the Council may review and revoke a permit it finds is not in the public interest, and an applicant whose permit is denied may appeal in writing to the Council no later than ten days after notice of denial, which sets the matter for hearing at the Council's next regular meeting.