Tonawanda, NY Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 142-9 of the Code of the Town of Tonawanda, added 5-12-1980, lets the Town Board or Recreation Department designate buildings, shelters and locations within town parks and recreation areas for exclusive use by a group. No one may occupy or use a designated building, shelter or location without a special permit issued by the town. The application goes to the Recreation Department and must include whatever information and certification the Recreation Department or Town Board requires. The Town Board or Recreation Department may grant or deny the application under conditions it prescribes, and the resulting permit must be in a form the Recreation Department sets and must be available for inspection by any town official or employee while it is in effect.

Notably, a permit can carry an exception to other applicable local laws and ordinances, provided it states the terms of that exception. The Town Board, Recreation Department or Police Department may revoke the permit at any time on reasonable belief that the permittee violated a permit condition. This section also repealed a former 1974 provision on liquor and beer use in parks. Related sections in the same chapter matter to any group event: Section 142-1 requires Town Board permission before firing or discharging firearms or fireworks in a park, Section 142-3 confines open fires to a provided stove, fireplace, oven or fire circle under continuous supervision, and Section 142-11 requires Town Board authorization before selling or offering anything for sale in a park.