Parks and green space

The City operates and maintains roughly 4,300 hectares of parkland at over 1,300 sites, including 2,000 play structure components.

Parks are open daily from 5 am to 11 pm, unless otherwise posted. People in a park while it is closed may be subject to a fine.

Popular City parks

• Andrew Haydon Park
• Britannia Park
• Claudette Cain Park
• Mooney’s Bay Beach and Park
• Stuemer Park – Petrie Island
• Walter Baker Park

Park amenities

Washrooms

Most parks do not have full washroom facilities. Some parks have portable toilets or washrooms in field houses that can be rented or accessed with keys.

Parking

Not all parks have parking lots. Some charge an hourly fee for parking. If you choose to park on the street, obey all street signs.

Barbeques

Without a permit, you can only barbeque in designated areas. A designated area has a free standing barbeque pit.

To bring your own propane barbeque to use in a non-designated area, you must obtain a park permit by calling 613-580-2595 or emailing sports@ottawa.ca. Barbeques must be kept at least five meters away from any structures.

You need a permit to hold an organized activity or event at a City park. Events include community picnics, fundraisers, sporting events, weddings, birthdays and special events.

Please follow these steps to plan your event:

1. Complete the park rental application form.
   1. Please provide alternate locations, as your preferred park may not be available or suitable for your proposed event. Clearly indicate which locations are your second or third choice.
2. Send the completed application form by fax to 613-580-2683 or by email to sports@ottawa.ca. 
3. We may request more information about your event. This process varies in length of time.
4. We will email a contract and payment information. Review, sign and return the contract to sports@ottawa.ca. The contract will be valid once we receive payment and a signed copy of the contract.
5. On the day of your event, bring a copy of your contract and your receipt.

Please note: If your event will have 500 or more participants, please contact eventcentral@ottawa.ca.

Park rental fees 2024

Parks are open for daily bookings from 7 am to 11 pm.

Fees shown do not include HST. Applicable taxes will be added during the payment process.
 

Types of activities

• Not-for-profit: An activity that fits with the Parks and Recreation branch mandate and is not intended to generate a profit. This activity must be open to everyone.
• Private: A not-for-profit activity that does not fit with the Parks and Recreation mandate and/or is intended for select members of the community.
• Commercial: An activity that intends to generate a profit. This could involve selling goods or services or requiring a registration fee.

Cancellations

• To amend or cancel a park rental, you must provide notification 10 business days in advance.
• No cash refunds. Only credits on account will be provided.
• No refund is provided if the cancellation or amendment is made less than 10 business days in advance.

Frequently asked questions about park rentals

What if someone is on my rented site?

General or non-designated park permits do not give you exclusive use of a park. If you have a permit for a defined space (such as an outdoor shelter), you have exclusive use of that area.

Bring a copy of your rental permit with you on the day of the event and show it to the other group. If this does not resolve the conflict, call 3-1-1 to request a by-law officer.

May I bring alcohol to the park?

Alcohol is permitted if you obtain a Special Occasion Permit at your own expense and get approval from Centralized Allocations. Please review these rules and regulations about alcohol in City of Ottawa facilities. 

May I set up inflatable amusements?

Staff will review each request. Proof of insurance is required for all bouncy castles in City parks.

May I set up a tent for shelter?

Small (up to 10 feet by 10 feet) tents are permitted as long as they are not pegged into the ground. 

May I play music?

To play music or use any form of an amplified device, you must apply for and receive an exemption to the Noise By-Law. Please contact noiseexemption@ottawa.ca for further information.

The City of Ottawa wants input from you on the design of new parks! Find all new park projects on our Public Engagement Project search tool and provide comments on designs currently being reviewed.

The interactive map and table below display the locations of the City's parks. The number of parks listed in the table will expand or contract as you zoom in, zoom out or pan the map view. You can navigate to an area of interest by searching for a park name, address, intersection or City facility in the “Find address or place” search box. Click on a park for more information about that location. Park information is also available in the City’s Open Data Catalogue.

Splash pads (summer only)

The City of Ottawa Splash Pads are closed for the season.