Upper Darby, PA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 396-3(S) singles out three park uses that cannot happen without a permit issued by the Director of Leisure Services: musical or theatrical entertainments, overnight camping, and picnics or gatherings in excess of 25 persons for any purpose whatever. Section 396-6 sets the mechanics: permits are issued by the Director of Leisure Services on application, no charge is made for the permit itself, and no permit issues unless the application is submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the intended use. Anyone granted a permit accepts liability for any loss, damage or injury caused by the negligence or fault of the applicant, or the applicant's servants, agents or employees, which effectively shifts risk for incidents during the permitted use onto the permit holder rather than the Township.

A related restriction bars electrical sound amplification anywhere in a park at any time; violating it triggers immediate revocation of any permit already issued and removal of the offending group, though normal portable-radio use is excepted. Parks are also reserved primarily for Township residents: the Recreation and Leisure Service Committee, or anyone it designates, may exclude non-residents from park use. Violations of the permit and park-use rules are enforced civilly under § 396-7, with penalties up to $600 per offense (or $1,000 if tied to a health/safety code) plus prosecution costs and Township attorneys' fees, and each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.