Canton Parks and Recreation Public Event Policy
Purpose: The City of Canton is committed to providing safe, welcoming public spaces for community engagement, recreation, and celebration. This policy outlines requirements for individuals and organizations hosting special events in Canton City Parks and Recreation spaces to ensure equitable access, public safety, and environmental stewardship.
Definition of Special Events: A special event is any organized activity open to the public that utilizes a city park and involves approximately 50 or more participants, amplified sound, temporary structures, sales, or requires city services such as security or street closures. Examples include festivals, races, concerts, charity events, fundraisers, giveaways, and advertised community gatherings.
Application and Approval Process
Submission Timeline: Complete applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event. An application must include a map and a security/safety plan with submission, 501(c)3 documentation if applicable. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and submission does not guarantee approval.
Application Acceptance: Acceptance is contingent upon availability, compliance with park rules, and adherence to city regulations. Once accepted, applicants will be notified via email. Full payment and a copy of a certificate of liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000.00 listing the City of Canton, 218 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton, OH 44702, as an additional insured must be received within 10 days after you have been notified of application acceptance. Please direct your insurance agent to mail a copy of the insurance certificate to City of Canton Public Events, 218 Cleveland Ave SW, 8th Floor, Canton, Ohio 44702 or email to CPEvents@cantonohio.gov. NOTE: Please include the event name on the certificate of liability insurance.
Final Approval: Final approval will be given by email when full payment and insurance documentation have been received. If insurance and payment are not received within 10 business days of application acceptance, the public event request will be canceled/denied.
Public Event Request Form
PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC EVENT THROUGH THE CITY OF CANTON.
Event Requirements
Security: The event organizer must provide a safety and security plan. For larger events, Canton Police may be required. Costs are the responsibility of the organizer.
Accessibility: Organizers must ensure events are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities, by following ADA guidelines.
Noise Regulations: Amplified sound must comply with city noise ordinances. The volume must be maintained at levels that do not disrupt surrounding neighborhoods. A Sound Variance application must be submitted to the City of Canton for approval.
Cleanup and Damage: Event organizers are responsible for all cleanup and repairs. Failure to leave the park in its original condition will result in additional fees
Vendors: Food trucks and vendors must have appropriate permits and licenses, including health department certifications and must be approved by the Park Commission.
Rental Fees: Nonprofit Organizations (proof required) may rent a park for $350/day. Organizations and Private Events may rent a park for $500/day. If more than one park is needed for an event, a second park can be rented for half of the first park rental fee.
The Stadium Park Parking Lot near Fulton Road is available for rent. The Parks and Recreation Board will determine the fee based on the event. The applicant may not charge for parking on the lot.
Cancellations and Refunds: The City reserves the right to cancel events due to inclement weather, safety concerns, or non-compliance. Refunds will be granted only for cancellations made in writing at least 30 days before the event.
Additional Policies, Rules and Regulations
- Fireworks are NOT permitted
- Alcohol is NOT permitted
- Open flames are NOT permitted (excluding grills in designated areas)
- Bounce Houses are NOT permitted (without Board approval)
- Disruption to park operations or other permitted activities are NOT permitted
- Sales of any item is NOT permitted (without Board approval)
- You may be required to obtain portable toilets.
- You may be required to obtain Police, Fire and/or EMTs. The number of firemen, EMTs, or police officers required at an event will be determined by each department upon the receipt of an event request. Based on the scope of the event and available manpower, cost of these services will be totaled and an estimate will be sent to the applicant prior to the event. A final invoice will be sent at the conclusion of the event. Payment is expected within 5 business days.
- Cancellation of the above police/fire services must take place at least 48 hours prior to the start time or full payment is expected
- The City and/or Parks and Recreation are not responsible for pursuing additional arrangements and permits that may be required.
- The applicant is responsible for any damage or debris left on the premises and for any violation of Canton Codified Ordinance 961.18 Discharge and Connection Prohibition which subjects any person to the monetary penalties, up to $1,000, contained in Canton Codified Ordinance 961.99.
- Future permits may be withheld for damage or debris left on premises or for a violation of Canton Codified Ordinance 961.18 at the sole discretion of the City.
- The applicant or sponsoring organization is required to notify and coordinate with any business, homeowners or other entities that may be impacted by the event.
- Applicant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Canton and Canton City Parks and Recreation, its officers, agents, employees, successors and assigns from any and all claims, losses, costs, damages, expenses and liabilities, including reasonable attorney’s fees, that may be based upon loss of life or damage or injury to any person or to the property of any person, including, without limitation, the agents, employees, invitees and licensees of Applicant arising out of or connected to, either directly or indirectly to Applicant’s performance of its obligations under this agreement.
Public Event Request Form
PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO APPLY FOR A PUBLIC EVENT THROUGH THE CITY OF CANTON.