Picnic Permit Application
Permit Information
*Fire restrictions in effect!* All fires will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed.
Picnic areas are located in South Mountain Reservation, Eagle Rock Reservation, Glenfield Park, Grover Cleveland Park and Weequahic Park. Cook-outs and Barbeques are permitted in these designated areas only. No alcohol is permitted in any essex county park and amplified music is not permitted in picnic areas.
Outdoor Picnic events with minimal setup and under 20 people are allowed without a permit. Grilling is only permitted in the park locations on this Picnic Application.
Athletic Field Permit Application
Permit Information
Permit Information: Athletic field permits are required for use of the following athletic facilities: baseball, basketball, softball, football, soccer, cricket, lacrosse and tennis. Permit applications are accepted during the submission period and are assigned after the close of the submission period. Permits assigned following the prioritization schedule outlined on the permit application.
Please download the application for preview of fees and further guidelines.
Special Event Permit Application
Permit Information
A special event permit is required for any event or activity not defined by the athletic field or picnic area permits. Examples of activities that require a special event permit are runs, walk-a-thons, field days, fundraisers, concerts and performances. If you are unsure if your event or activity requires a special event permit, please contact the permit office.
Mobile Stage Rental (Wegner Wagon)
Permit Information
The mobile stage measures 40 feet wide by 20 feet deep.
Filming Permit Application
Permit Information
A filming permit is required for the taking of still or motion pictures either on film, videotape, digital or similar recording medium for commercial or education purposes intended for viewing on television the internet, in theaters, or for institutional uses. This includes major motion pictures, student films, commercial still photography, television pictures motion pictures, promotional film, and song video.
Contact Information
Contact Jacquelyn Matthews for further information at: jmatthews@parks.essexcountynj.org or 973-735-6228
Wedding Ceremony and Photography Permit Application
Permit Information
Wedding Ceremony and Photography can be used at any Essex County Park with approval from the permits division. Wedding reception is not permitted in any outdoor park space.
Alcohol Beverage Permit Application
Permit Information
The Alcohol Application is only used for these locations: Robert J.O’ Toole Community Center, Feldman Middleton Community Center, Verona Park Boat House (Senior Room), West Side Park (Activity Room), Turtle Back Zoo, Cody Arena, Safari Mini Golf (Pavilion) and Kips Castle.
Kip’s Castle
Permit Information
Kip’s Castle is available for indoor and outdoor events. This unique venue is provided in as-is condition. During special events, the park remains open to the public.
Kip's Castle is temporarily closed for maintenance.
Contact Information
Lisa Payne
Phone: 973-268-3500
Email: lpayne@parks.essexcountynj.org
Clipper Pavilion (All bookings must be made through the Turtle Back Zoo)
Permit Information
The Clipper Pavilion is an outdoor covered picnic area at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. Capacity is limited to 150 people. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Parking is located across the street at the Oakdale picnic area.
Contact Information
Please email all completed applications to tbzbookings@parks.essexcountynj.org. For questions contact the Turtle Back Zoo Guest Relations Office - Phone: 973-731-5800 x221
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
Permit Information
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Feldman Middleton, Jr. Community Center, Weequahic Park
Permit Information
The Feldman Middleton, Jr. Community Center in Weequahic Park was re-dedicated following a complete rebuild in 2021. The brand new community center features a faux gas fireplace, two televisions and round tables with seating. Floor to ceiling windows look out onto the park. Double doors open onto a patio with outdoor seating and colorful umbrellas. Capacity for this room is limited to 100 people.
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Robert J. O’Toole Community Center, Cedar Grove Park
Permit Information
The Robert J. O’Toole Community Center is located in Cedar Grove Park. The facility features a gas fireplace, kitchen serving area, tables and chairs. The community room looks out onto a covered patio and 4 bocce courts. The building is located adjacent to a large parking area and a children’s playground. The room capacity limit is 130 people. Additional images are located in the photo gallery.
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Stephen N. Adubato Community Center, Branch Brook Park
Permit Information
The Stephen N. Adubato Community Center is located in the middle division of Branch Brook Park near the athletic complex. The center includes round tables and seating. Capacity for this room is limited to 70 people.
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Verona Park Boathouse Senior Room
Permit Information
The Senior Room is located on the south side of the Verona Boathouse. The room looks out onto Verona Lake and is equipped with rectangular tables and seating. The capacity for this room is 50 people.
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Wally Choice Community Center, Glenfield Park
Permit Information
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
Watsessing Park Community Center
Permit Information
The Watsessing Park Community Center was re-dedicated in 2019 following a complete re-build. The facility features a gas fireplace, television, round tables and chairs. Capacity is limited to 30 people. Parking is located adjacent to the building and an all access children’s playground is nearby.
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
West Side Park Community Center
Permit Information
No Rentals Available Until 2025.
