Welcome to the Picnic Shelter Reservation System

Reservation and Park Information

• REFUND POLICY: Refund or rescheduling requests must be received at least 14 days prior to event date. Refunds are not given due to inclement weather and rain dates will not be issued. Payments originally made by cash or check will be returned by check from the City of Newport News and can take 3-4 weeks to process. Payments originally made by credit card will be issued to the original credit card used and may take 7-10 business days to process.
• By permit only: amusement rides/equipment, pony rides, petting zoo, dunk tanks, weddings, stage use, tents, generators, amplified sound, fundraising, vending, etc.
• Requests for special permits must be submitted via a Special Activity Application at least 3 weeks in advance. Call (757) 886-7912 for information.
• All city parks are open sunrise to sunset.
• Park staff guarantees that your reserved shelter will be cleaned by 10am.
• Reserved shelters will be posted with group name on the day of the picnic.
• Please park in designated parking spaces only.
• Picnic supplies must be hand carried from the parking lot to the shelter. Motor vehicles cannot be driven to the picnic shelter.
• The pavilion should be left in good condition; i.e. all trash placed in trash cans and all excess trash should be taken offsite or to the closest dumpster. Please pick up all litter from the ground.
• Any violation of rules or capacity limits may result in termination of your event.
• If you would like assistance with planning a reunion, please call (757) 886-7777.

Prohibited Items:
• Outside grills and fryers.
• Balloons, balloon releases, water balloons, pinatas, confetti/glitter, silly string, sidewalk chalk, gender reveal items that explode or expel items.
• Use of staples, nails, tape or tacks for hanging items on picnic shelters.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Amplified music and/or sound.
• Onsite collection of money, sale of foods, services or other products
• Dogs off leash.

Call (757) 888-3333 for park ranger or staff assistance.

We hope your activity in the park is enjoyable.

Any violations of rules or capacity limits may result in termination of your event.