Wilmington, DE Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $100 usage and clean-up fee
- Refundable portion
- $25 if trash is removed
- Large picnic threshold
- 200+ people needs written request
- Advance notice
- Written request due 1 month ahead
- Penalty
- $50-$500 fine, up to 30 days
Summary
Wilmington charges a $100 park usage and clean-up fee for any group permit to use city parks and facilities, and picnics of 200 or more people need a written request a month in advance.
The department of parks and recreation shall impose and collect a partially refundable park usage and clean up fee in the amount of $100.00 from individuals and groups for a permit to utilize city parks and facilities prior to the issuance of such park permit. Twenty-five dollars of the initial fee shall be refundable if the individual and or group removes all trash and debris associated with the permitted usage of the park, the facility, or both.
If the park and/or facility is left with trash and debris associated with the permitted usage of the park and/or facility then the $25.00 refundable fee shall be deemed forfeited by the individual and or group. If the event in the park is shut down for any violation, then the refundable portion of the usage and clean up fee shall be forfeited.
(Ord. No. 05-021(sub 1), § 1, 4-21-05)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 05-021(sub 1), § 1, adopted April 21, 2005, amended the Code with the addition of a new section 38-75. In order to avoid the duplication of section numbers, the provisions of said ordinance have been included herein as section 38-76 at the discretion of the editor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
The Department of Parks and Recreation issues the permit and collects a $100 usage and clean-up fee before any individual or group can reserve city parks or facilities; $25 of that fee is refundable if the group hauls out its own trash. For picnics or gatherings of 200 or more people, the department requires a written request submitted a month ahead listing the date, headcount, vehicles, caterers and any special activities, plus proof of liability insurance filed at the park office at least three weeks out and enough off-duty police hired to cover the crowd.
Violations & Fines
Using park property without the required permit, or violating permit conditions, is a misdemeanor: a fine of $50 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold an event in a Wilmington park?
How far ahead must I apply for a large picnic?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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