Gaston County, NC Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Under § 12-11, no person, group, or organization may hold, organize, or sponsor a park event, assemblage, or gathering that either exceeds one hundred people or significantly alters normal park operations without first obtaining a special parks and recreation permit from the director of parks and recreation or a designee. Applications must reach the parks and recreation office no less than thirty days and no more than twelve months before the proposed activity, though exceptions to the timing can be granted when circumstances prevent meeting the window.

Applicants must agree to comply with all park policies and rules, pay a reasonable fee set by the board of commissioners' fee schedule, and submit proof of liability insurance covering perils, suits, claims, and losses tied to the activity. The director weighs five criteria before approving or denying a permit: whether the activity will generate excessive traffic or noise or affect health, safety, or welfare; whether it will unduly interfere with the park's primary use or previously scheduled activities; whether the applicant will provide adequate law enforcement personnel; whether parking is adequate; and whether the designated area suits the anticipated crowd and activities.

A denied applicant receives the reasons in writing and may either resubmit a corrected application or request a hearing before the parks and recreation commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Related sections in the same chapter reinforce the permit system: § 12-12 bars charging admission at any park facility without a special written permit, and § 12-13 restricts vehicle use and parking to designated areas.