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

Sec. 12-68-4 states flatly that open spaces, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other areas set aside for recreational purposes, 'shall be used for those purposes and shall not be used for nonrecreational gatherings or purposes,' unless the city park commission grants permission. The commission, not park staff, controls the time, place, and manner of any approved nonrecreational use. Sec. 12-68-5 explains the chapter's intent, preventing interference with the public's normal use of park property while allowing organized meetings, and directs the park commission to adopt 'reasonable nondiscriminatory regulations' covering organized meetings, religious gatherings, and political events.

Those commission regulations must be forwarded to the city council for approval by resolution, must set 'definite and objective standards,' must be published and made publicly available describing how to apply for a permit, and must provide a speedy right of review, administrative or judicial, if a permit is denied. The park commission also retains authority to designate specific parks or open spaces where no organized political gatherings or religious meetings may be held at all, based on the size or nature of the facility.

This chapter framework dates to the Code 1967 recodification (former Sec. 5) and was renumbered and partly amended by Ord. No. 5759 in September 2020, which retitled Chapter 12-68 to add 'Names' after folding in the city's street- and park-naming procedures.