Sherman, TX Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 1.11.065 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances governs the softball diamonds on city playgrounds. Under § 1.11.061, "playgrounds" means any and all of the public grounds and parks in the city, and playground equipment expressly includes softball fields, baseball fields, football fields and tennis courts, so the rule covers diamonds in the city park system. The diamonds are open to all amateur teams for league play and practice. Practices are scheduled by reservation and approval of the parks and recreation department, and a fee can be charged for use of the lights. Tournament play needs arrangements made in advance by use of facility usage form and approval of the coordinator, whose decision is final. Fees for that use are those established by ordinance.

Tennis follows a parallel track in § 1.11.064(d): matches or tournaments are not prohibited, but before one is held, arrangements in advance by use of facility usage form must be made with the city manager or his representative for that reservation, and that decision is final. Nobody can monopolize a playground or its equipment so that others cannot have a turn at play within reasonable limits of time, per § 1.11.063.

Overnight stays use a different permit. In Herman Baker Park, § 1.11.204 makes all overnight camping, including shelters, permit-only and first-come, first-served, with a seven (7) day limit for the same person or group at a campsite, and § 1.11.185 says no person can use any campsite facility without paying the user fee. Charges for recreation facilities are those established by the city council under § 1.11.001.

Indoor and theatre bookings follow stricter timing. Under § 1.11.243, applications for the municipal building and the Oliver Dewey Mayor Outdoor Theatre go to the city manager or his duly appointed agent, reservations must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance, application fees are nonrefundable unless the reservation is cancelled at least thirty (30) days prior, and one hundred (100) percent of the rental fee is due with the application. Section 1.11.244 requires a written agreement and contract. Airport events are different again: § 1.07.092(18) requires a reservation through the public works department.