Outdoor rentals - parks, sports fields, ball diamonds…

Ball diamonds, sport fields and turf are now closed for the season.

These outdoor spaces are reserved through the Centralized Allocations unit. The City owns and operates over 1,300 green spaces, including parks, outdoor shelters, sports and turf fields, ball diamonds, cricket, soccer, football, rugby and ultimate fields. Thousands of residents use these green spaces each year. Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Exceptions:

• Outdoor events with 500 or more attendees, are planned through the Event Central unit. 
• Some rural sports fields and ball diamonds are administered by local community associations. 
• Outdoor pools - contact the facility.
• Also see Other rentals.

Examples of outdoor event types handled by Centralized Allocations, include picnics, fundraisers, sports, weddings, birthdays, and special events. The types of events hosted in these spaces may require some special attention – please carefully review the some of the examples below as well as the General Terms and Conditions: 

• To hold an event at a City park, one or more permits are needed based on the activities taking place at the event. Permits for fire, alcohol, tents, food and the space itself, are all made available through the rental process.
• Sports field rentals are currently for games, training and practice only. Renters are responsible for providing sports equipment and lining of the fields.
• A valid $2 million liability insurance certificate, with the City as an additional insured, is required. This can be obtained from the City of Ottawa. If you have insurance, email proof to Centralized Allocations.
• Notify the City of cancellations or changes at least 30 business days before the rental date.
• Gas barbecues are allowed if they're at least five meters from any building. Charcoal barbecues are only permitted at designated sites.

Contact Centralized Allocations by email or phone at 613-580-2595 if more information is needed. 

The nature of the activity determines the fee to be applied to the rental and is based upon what the group is doing in the facility.

Activity

• Not-for-profit activity: An activity that fits with the Recreation, Culture and Facility Services’ mandate and is not intended to generate a profit. This activity must be open to everyone.
• Private activity: 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 activity: A for-profit activity that has the intent of generating a profit.  This may involve the sale of goods or services or may require a registration fee prior to participation.
• Program: A course or activity.
• Meeting: An assembly for discussion purposes.
• Special event: A gathering to participate in, celebrate or view the outcome of an activity, effort or commitment

Size

• Small: 0 - 50 people
• Medium: 51 - 100 people
• Large: 101 - 200 people
• X-large: 201 or more people

Category

• Category A: Category A listings have comparatively more amenities than Category B halls.
• Category B: Category B listings have comparatively fewer amenities than Category A halls.

Age definitions

• Minor: 18 years and under.
• Adult: 19 to 64 years.
• Senior: 65 years and older.

Exceptions

1. Commercial and trade show rentals are to be negotiated with individual facility managers.
2. Gymnasium rates apply for sports activity usage. Where halls are not available in a given location for meetings, and gyms are assigned for this purpose, the applicable hall rate will apply.
3. Community and Recreation Associations that provide programming on behalf of the Parks and Recreation branch or who have written agreements with the Parks and Recreation branch will continue to have access to facilities at no charge or as per their existing written agreement. An appeal process is available to resolve questions of status interpretations and/or based on technical grounds. Frequently asked questions.

Sports fields and ball diamonds rental rates

Ball diamonds, sport fields and turf are now closed for the season.

Rates are hourly.

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

Rental definitions

• Minor: 18 years and under
• Adult: 19 years and older
• Commercial: An activity that intends to generate a profit. This activity may involve selling goods or services or requiring a registration fee.
• Artificial turf prime time: From April 1 to November 15, weekdays between 6 pm and 11 pm; on weekends and statutory holidays, from 8 am to 11 pm
• Artificial turf non-prime time: From April 1 to November 15, weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm
• Neighbourhood level 3A: A neighbourhood field next to a school or other neighbourhood attraction, suitable for use by junior leagues. Amenities consist of a single field that may be of regulation size and may include a parking lot.
• Neighbourhood level 3B: A single field that may be of regulation size and may or may not have goal posts or outfield fencing, but is suitable for entry-level developmental leagues or for informal practices.
• Community level 2A: A field (or group of fields used simultaneously) for adult and competitive league play. Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, parking and a field house.
• Community level 2B: A field of regulation size for junior and adult recreational leagues. Amenities can include parking, a washroom, a field house and bleachers.
• City level 1A: A showpiece field with facilities suitable for international or national level of play. Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, washrooms, a field house and parking.
• City level 1B: A field with support facilities, such as change rooms, used by competitive players for matches and tournaments. Amenities can include washrooms, a field house, lighting, bleachers and parking.
• Premium: A premium sports field with specialized amenities, such as specialized surfaces (artificial turf fields, baseball stadium, a track or enclosed compounds). Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, washrooms, a field house and parking.

Insurance

Insurance is required and can be obtained from the City of Ottawa. If you already have insurance, please provide us with proof of insurance by fax to 613-580-2683 or send and email to Central Allocations.

Cancellations

You must notify the City at least 30 business days prior to your rental date to change or cancel a rental.

Park rental fees

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 activity: An activity that fits with the Recreation, Culture and Facility Services’ mandate and is not intended to generate a profit. This activity must be open to everyone.
• Private activity: 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 activity: A for-profit activity that has the intent of generating a profit.  This may involve the sale of goods or services or may require a registration fee prior to participation.
• Program: A course or activity.
• Meeting: An assembly for discussion purposes.
• Special event: A gathering to participate in, celebrate or view the outcome of an activity, effort or commitment

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 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.

The Parks and Facilities By-law addresses a wide variety of topics to ensure indoor and outdoor recreational amenities are used for their intended purpose, are kept in good condition and contribute to the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of these spaces.

It is recommended that renters familiarize themselves with the complete Parks and Facilities By-law.

The Parks and Facilities By-law aligns with the following by-laws:

• Animal Care and Control By-law No. 2003-077
• E-Scooter By-law No. 2002-174
• Film By-law No. 2020-164
• Noise By-law No. 2017-255
• Open Air Fire By-law 2004-163
• Smoking and Vaping By-law No. 2019-241
• Solid Waste Management By-law No. 2019-241
• Special Events By-law 2013-232
• Municipal Alcohol Policy

1. Check availability by completing a rental application form and send it to Centralized Allocations as instructed at the bottom of the form. This begins but does not commit you to the rental process.
   1. Please list any alternative locations, as your preferred site may not be available or suitable for your event. Clearly indicate which locations are your second or third choice. Example: 1. Rothwell Park, 2. Stanley Park, 3. Beacon Hill Park. 
   2. Centralized Allocations may request more information about your event. 
2. Once the dates and hours are confirmed by Centralized Allocations, you will receive a permit and Terms and Conditions to be signed. The contract will be valid once Allocations receives payment and a signed copy of the contract.
3. On the day of your event, bring a copy of your permit and your receipt.