Shelter Use Rules and Regulations
- Reservations must be made through the Park and Recreation Department to assure availability of the shelter of your choice. Shelters are available for reservations from May 1st through September 30th. Reservations are taken after January 15 for that year only. If January 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, reservations are taken the next business day.
- The athletic facilities in parks (volleyball courts, softball/baseball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe courts) are available on a first come/first serve basis with one exception. EXCEPTION: Volleyball courts and softball/baseball fields may be used by city and youth organization sponsored teams for organized league games. These league games have priority use of the fields. Volleyball courts and softball/baseball fields may be reserved for a fee.
- The individual whose name appears on the reservation request is responsible for any and all damage to facilities for that event and is also responsible for the group's conduct while using the facilities.
- Most parks are located adjacent to residential areas. Please keep noise to a minimum. City of Rochester Ordinance #117.03 regulates the use of sound amplification devices in the city. All sound amplification permits for the city are issued by the City Clerk. Additionally, the Park and Recreation Department limits amplified sound/music events of a duration of one (1) hour or longer to Essex Park, Bear Creek Park, McQuillan Complex, Foster-Arend Park or Central Park. Special amplified sound permits for these types of events must be acquired from the Park and Recreation Department in addition to the city required sound amplification permit.
- Overnight camping is not allowed in city parks. Open recreation fires are allowed only by special permit. Parks do not have grills. We encourage you to bring your own.
- Parking and delivery is restricted to designated parking lots. There is to be no driving of vehicles on sidewalks, bikeways, or on park areas. Vehicles illegally parked will be towed away at the owner's expense.
- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: City Ordinance #45b.17 states: "It is unlawful for any person to bring upon, possess, or consume the contents of a container of an alcoholic beverage which contains or has a capacity of two gallons or more in a park. NO KEGS!"
- A Park Concessionaire Permit is required to sell merchandise, food or beverages in city parks.
- REFUND POLICY: Refunds will be given for cancellations received at least 10 days before reservation date. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR WEATHER CONDITIONS! A written request must be made to receive a refund. A $20.00 handling fee will be charged for refund processing.
- Renter shall save and hold harmless the City of Rochester, its officers, agents, employees, and members, from all claims, suits, or actions of whatsoever nature resulting from or arising out of the renting of park shelters.
- The West Silver Lake Pavilion is kept locked at all times. Pick up a key at the Park & Recreation Department before 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. A $10.00 key deposit is required.
- The Three Links Shelter next to the Silver Lake Adventure Playground can be reserved from either 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for up to 100 people.
- It is suggested that the renter places their reservation card at the shelter several hours before the event begins so as to alert other park users of your arrival.
Park Hours
6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Except for Essex, Foster Arend and Quarry Hill which close at dusk.