Marathon County, WI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- For any public meeting/assembly
- Lead time
- 48 hours before event
- Issued by
- Parks Commission or agent
- No-permit forfeiture
- $40.00
Summary
Anyone wanting to hold a public meeting or gathering in a Marathon County park must get a Parks Commission permit at least 48 hours ahead, under Section 19.02 of the county code.
(1)Public meetings.(a)Any person desiring to hold a public meeting of any kind in any park shall first obtain a permit from the Commission or its authorized agent. The permit shall be applied for not less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.(b)Permits will be granted for the purpose of holding any lawful public assembly in accordance with published regulations governing the reasonable use of parks.(2)Sales. No person shall sell or offer for sale any goods, merchandise or service in any park, except as authorized by the Department and when holding proper licenses.(3)Soliciting boat rides. No person shall use in any manner the dock, pier, wharf, boat landing, mooring facilities in or the waters in or immediately adjacent to any County park for the purpose of soliciting rides of any kind unless authorized by the Commission.(4)Posting bills or advertising. No person shall distribute or post bills or advertisements in any park without written consent of the Commission. (O-7-01; O-4-19; O-12-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
Section 19.02(1) of Marathon County's parks ordinance requires anyone who wants to hold a public meeting of any kind in a County park to first obtain a permit from the Park Commission or its authorized agent, applied for no less than 48 hours before the event. Permits are granted for lawful public assembly under the Commission's published regulations for reasonable park use. Reserving a shelter or facility for a private gathering additionally requires a signed use agreement, the rental fee, and any security or key deposit under the separate Section 19.01(6).
Violations & Fines
Holding a public meeting in a county park without a permit carries a $40.00 forfeiture under the Section 19.14 schedule of cash deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead must I apply for a Marathon County park meeting permit?
Is a separate permit needed to reserve a shelter for a private event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marathon County
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