Non KPP Related Special Events
(Events not related to the Key Pen Park District)
Additional information regarding permitting, insurance, and park rules


Events hosted by anyone other than Key Pen Parks at any of our locations, will need to provide the necessary insurance documents and permits.
  • Special Use - Event Permit Application must be filled out and returned to veronica@keypenparks.com (Please email or call the office 253-884-9240 for permit application.)
  • Once your permit is approved, Key Pen Parks will send you a contract.
  • Certificate of Liability of insurance must be provided, and will include coverage for the date(s) of your event.
  • Vendors must secure a temporary food permit to serve or sell food during an advertised, public event.  Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: 253-798-7677; www.tpchd/food/
  • A site map of your event is be required, to be approved by Key Pen Parks.
  • A Covid-19 Safety Protocol plan will be required until further notice.
  • Pre-Event (Required for all events)
    Walk through of park with outside event host, to determine the condition of the area to be used for their event.
    Rental groups will be expected to reimburse Key Pen Parks for any of the following:
    a. Lost or damaged equipment.
    b. Any area requiring additional cleaning.
    c. Parking lot clean up.
    d. Vandalism.

Additional permitting is the responsibility of the Event Host/Permitee.
Host/Permittee shall obtain and keep in force all additionally required permits, licenses, permissions, consents, and approval required by governmental agencies or third parties in connection with activities performed under the Permit. 

Application for permits shall be at the sole risk, cost, and expense of the Host/Permittee.  Host/Permittee is solely responsible for determining what permits are required and obtaining required permits.  


Key Pen Park rules are posted at our parks. Here are some additional rules for events:
  • All KPP parks are open to the public.  Special Use Activity Permits do not guarantee exclusive, private use.
  • Compliance with approved Special Use parks and maps.
  • All garbage must be contained and will be removed from the park following events, either by the park or renter, depending on contract agreement.
  • No generators larger than 3,500 watts.
  • No driving into 360 Trails, on trails, fields, playgrounds or sidewalks at any of our parks or the multi-purpose field at Gateway Park; all support equipment must be walked into these areas unless prior authorization is 
  • Event must stay within designated Special Use area as defined on park map the pre-approved site plan – no exceptions.
  • Event participants are required to obey all Park Rules, Washington State RCW’s, and traffic laws.
  • All tables/chairs/tents and any other equipment must be removed at the end of the event.
  • Park property must be left in the condition in which it was found.
  • The sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol is dependent on your contract and proper permitting. More...
  • Smoking, vaping, and street drugs/intoxicants are prohibited.
  • All other Special Use Permit procedures and guidelines apply.       
  • Dry Camping (only available in conjunction with facility rental).
  • No open flame campfires.
  • Altering, damaging, or removing vegetation, park property, or park facilities.
  • Loud noises (115 decibels or higher), between 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
  • Disrobing in public or nudity.

Indemnification
Depending on the service you are providing, you may be required to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the District, its agents, employees, and officials, while acting within the scope of their duties, from all causes of action, demands and claims, including the cost of their defense, arising in favor of the organization, the organization’s employees or third parties on account of personal injuries, bodily injury, death, or damage to property arising out of the acts or omissions of the organization, its employees or representatives, concessionaires of the event or any other person or entity, except for liability caused due to the sole negligence of the District.  After reviewing this application, the District will determine whether you must indemnify the District and its agents.


If you have questions regarding the information provided here, or have additional questions about Special Use Event Permits, contact veronica@keypenparks.com 
Map of Gateway Park
Map of 360 Trails
Map of Volunteer Park