Philadelphia residents may now submit permit applications for the following activities:

• Outdoor youth and adult group recreation and sports, and some indoor activities.

• Outdoor gatherings (e.g. family picnics).

Here’s what you need to know before you apply for a permit:

• Previous permit applicants must reapply and submit a new payment.
• Access to Parks & Rec restrooms will not be provided to outdoor permit holders.
• Staff cutbacks have required Parks & Rec to reduce:
  • site maintenance
  • mowing cycles

• Follow all Parks & Rec and Public Health Guidelines
• Sign and submit a COVID Permit Addendum with their application(s).
• Leave sites in the condition that they were found.

Family picnics and outdoor wedding permits

• Hold your gathering outdoors.
• Not advertise to the public.
• Limit gathering to 150 pre-registered guests.

• Amplified sound including DJs.
• Inflatables (e.g. moonbounce).
• Characters.
• Animals (e.g. pony rides).

1. Download and fill out the picnic site permit application.
2. Be sure to include a copy of the applicant’s photo ID.
3. Drop your form off at or mail to:

• The name on payment(s) must match the applicant’s photo ID.
• We will return applications that are incomplete or missing required documents/information.
• Picnic & wedding permits must be submitted by Tuesday for the following weekend.

Recreation and sports permits

Non-competitive sports

Parks & Rec will issue permits for non-competitive sports that follow these guidelines:

• Skills-only, solo drills, etc.
• Limited to 150 people including coaches, volunteers, and participants.

Competitive sports

Starting September 14, Parks & Rec will issue permits for outdoor competitive activities (e.g. games) for lower-risk, non-contact sports.

These include:

• Cross-country.
• Track & field.
• Baseball.
• Softball.
• Flag football.
• Gymnastics and tumbling.

Guidelines:

• Competitions are limited to a maximum of 150 people outdoors. This includes participants, coaches, spectators, and other personnel.
• Limit indoor participation to 10% of the capacity of any indoor room.
• Tournaments are prohibited.

1. Use the Parks & Rec Finder app to locate the appropriate facility.
2. Download and fill out the recreation and athletic permit application.
3. Be sure to include a copy of the applicant’s photo ID.
4. Complete background clearances based on the Parks & rec volunteer clearance policy.
5. Drop off your form at your local facility or mail to:

Community & Special Events
4300 South Concourse Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19131