Reservation Procedures, Policies and Rules

Overview and Reservation Methods:

Download the policies and rules here or read below for an overview

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The Office of Special Events coordinates reservations at a number of facility and picnic sites within the Austin Parks System. Reservations for Recreation and Activity Centers are made by contacting the centers directly to obtain information about availability and rates.
Reservations may be made by utilizing one of two reservation opportunities:

1. Early Reservation Lottery Process 7 months in advance, or after that process,
2. First-come First-served Reservations beginning 6 months in advance of the desired.
3. Regrettably, we are unable to accept reservations less than 2 weeks from the desired event date, and only 1 reservation per site per day is allowed.

Reservation Procedures:

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Early Reservation Lottery (7 months in advance). Because of the popularity of the sites and facilities, reservation requests are first accepted in writing seven (7) months prior to the requested date, between the 1st and the 20th of the month. These requests will then be submitted into a "lottery drawing" to select the potential reservations.

Mail, Deliver, or Fax a Letter to:
Office of Special Events
Parks and Recreation Department
200 South Lamar
Austin, Texas 78704
(512) 974-6729 (fax)

Letters MUST include the following information:

1. Name, Address, and Phone Numbers
2. Requested Location(s)
3. 3 Dates of Interest (By Order of Preference)
4. Event Details: Number of Attendees, Time, whether alcohol will be served or sold, etc…
Letters MUST be received between the 1st and 20th of the month. Letters received and/or postmarked outside of those dates WILL NOT be included in the lottery process. Payments are NOT accepted with lottery entry submissions. You will be billed if you are selected by the lottery.

1. First-Come First-Served Reservations (6 months in advance, after completion of the lottery) Upon completion of the lottery process, reservations may be made in person or by phone on a first come first serve basis six (6) months in advance of the requested date. Reservation are made by phone, walk-in, or by letter. Regrettably, we are unable to accept reservations less than 2 weeks from the desired event date. Please have a range of sites, and desirable dates at the time you make contact with the Office of Special Events.

CONFIRMING RESERVATIONS AND MAKING PAYMENT(S):

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CONFIRMING RESERVATIONS: Reservations are held up to fourteen (14) calendar days from the date first scheduled. All reservations are officially confirmed upon full payment of rental fees, deposit, and a signed reservation agreement. Regrettably, if payment is not received within 14 days, the tentative reservation will be automatically cancelled without notice. A card will be placed noting your paid reservation at picnic sites/shelter the day of your event. Please remember to bring your receipt.

PAYMENT METHODS: CASH, CHECK, or MONEY ORDER.
Payments may be made in person 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays), or by mail to the Parks and Recreation Department, Office of Special Events, 200 South Lamar, 78704. Please include the name and date on the reservation in the “note” line on checks.

There is a $20.00 service charge for all returned checks.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received greater than 2 weeks from the reservation date are without penalty. Cancellations received less than 2 weeks from the reservation date are subject to a charge of one-half (1/2) of the rental fees. "No shows" do not receive a refund of fees.

Where available and allowed – the following amenities carry the noted fee(s):

Sound Permits: $30 Moonwalk, Rockwall & Dunking
Booth Permits: $10 [plus water ($50) where available for dunking booths)]