Using Neighbourhood Parkland

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Neighbourhood Services staff provide support to citizens, community groups and event organizers utilizing neighbourhood and district parkland.

What Can I Do In A Neighbourhood Park?

Drop-in Casual Use

Want to have a picnic or throw a frisbee?

Open parkland can be used for drop-in, casual activities for groups up to 50 people. Some general guidelines for casual use include:

Leave the area in good condition (as good or better than found).
While on open parkland, no person shall do anything that is reasonably likely to disturb the peace or enjoyment of other persons. You must follow the requirements of the Parkland Bylaw 2202 .
Place all refuse such as garbage and decorations in a receptacle on site or take it with you if none is available.
Dogs must always be on a leash on an improved or unimproved trail when on open parkland. Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, sports fields, playgrounds and golf courses.
Vehicles are not allowed on grassed areas. Park on the street or parking lots provided.
Commercial activities or vending are not permitted on parkland without prior approval.
Using or consuming liquor on parkland is prohibited (except in designated areas).
Report any concerns or maintenance issues to 311.

Private Events

Having a birthday party? Want to hold a bootcamp? Holding a wedding?

You’re likely planning a private event on open parkland. Most events involve activities that require a parkland license before proceeding including any event with 51+ people. Visit Neighbourhood Parks & Open Spaces to learn more and to apply for a license.

Public Community Events

Hosting a community BBQ? Organizing a Winter Festival?

You are organizing a public community event whenever you are inviting the general public to attend. Almost all community events involve activities that require a parkland license before proceeding including any event with 51+ people. Visit Neighbourhood Parks & Open Spaces to learn more and to apply for a license.

Events on Community League Licensed Parkland

Renting a Community League Hall? Planning an event on a League’s licensed land?

Most community leagues operate on licensed parkland owned by the City of Edmonton. This land is governed by a tripartite license agreement which is a formal agreement between the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Federation of Community League and the host Community League.

Within the land outlined in each agreement, Community Leagues host events, provide programming and operate amenities such as community halls, rinks and gathering spaces in support of neighbourhood recreation and community connection. The Leagues can rent or sublicense these amenities to other groups, businesses or individuals for private or public recreational purposes aligned with the tripartite agreement.

The tripartite license agreement and other formal arrangements also permit the community league, and in some cases their renters and sublicenses, to do specific activities that would otherwise require a City of Edmonton parkland event license.

The following activities do not require an additional parkland event license:

Community Leagues only:

Leaving or placing a sign (during an event)
Organizing an outdoor gathering of no more 250 people
Selling, displaying or distribution of any goods or services
Conducting of any business or commercial venture

Community Leagues, Renters and Sublicensees:

The use of temporary and already-installed permanent fire pits that follow the current City of Edmonton fire pit guidelines

Events on School District Property

Planning an event near a school? Looking to rent space in a school gymnasium? Need a meeting space in a school ?

Parkland around school buildings is governed by the Joint Use Agreement (JUA) which is a formal partnership between the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools and Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord to share facilities to benefit students and Edmontonians.

If planning a private or public event near a school, please consider whether the use is:

Recreational or non-recreational
During school operational or non-operational hours
Within the proximity to the school building (that is, within the school envelope)

Learn about recreational rentals and bookings for:

For information about non-recreational rentals of school facilities, visit:

Block Parties & Play Streets

Block Parties and Play Streets held on parkland are considered private or public community events. If you are interested in hosting a small event on a residential street in your neighbourhood, visit Block Parties and Play Streets to find more information or to apply for permission and a temporary road closure.

Event and Program Planning

Are you planning a neighbourhood event or neighbourhood program? Not sure where to start? Use this information to help guide you.

Please note: This resource is not an exhaustive list of all considerations required to host an event or program. Event/program organizers remain responsible for the events or programs produced.

Community Programming and Special Event Planning Guide

Learn how to plan and run an event/program in your community.

Book your neighbourhood event

Other Planning Resources

Neighbourhood Funding for Events, Programs and Initiatives

Through neighbourhood funding opportunities, residents and groups can strengthen their skills and connections by working together to undertake initiatives that directly benefit their communities.

Plan an Event - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning an Event Frequently Asked Questions. Topics include: Insurance, permits, licences, vendors, tents, parkland, road closures, parking, fireworks, raffles, and the event application process.

External Link

ATCO Community Equipment Program

ATCO supports our communities by offering special event equipment free-of-charge for community and charitable organizations.

External Link

EFCL Recreational Equipment Rental Program

This program rents equipment primarily to not-for-profit groups offering local, neighbourhood recreation programs and events.

Submit Invitation to Mayor

Invite the Mayor to an Event

Invite the Mayor to attend and/or speak at your event. Please note: all requests are subject to the Mayor's availability.

Interact with Council

Find your City Councillor and Ward

Invite a member of city council to attend and/or speak at your event.

Neighbourhood Parks and Open Spaces

Neighbourhood Services provides support to citizens, community groups and event organizers who are coordinating activities on neighbourhood parkland.

community members on playground equipment

Community Development In Neighbourhoods

Community Development is the practice of building connections and capacity with people so they can work together on common issues and opportunities.

Keep Neighbouring

Keep Neighbouring: Neighbourhood Services encourages and supports groups and citizens to connect with their neighbours.

Neighbourhood Revitalization

The goal of Neighbourhood Revitalization is to improve the livability of Edmonton’s mature and established neighbourhoods, and mobilize community-led action.

Winter Amenities on Parkland

The City of Edmonton can authorize the use of open parkland for a public snowbank rink, ice trail or ski trail. This opportunity is open to organizations and will require liability insurance. Depending on what’s proposed, additional permits and/or fees may apply.

Applications must be submitted by September 15 each year.

Neighbourhood Winter Amenity Application Form

Apply Now

Permanent Improvements on Neighbourhood Parkland

Neighbourhood and district parks can be improved through a partnered process involving a neighbourhood organization and the City of Edmonton. Visit the Park & Facility Development Team to learn more about this process.

Contact Us

Neighbourhood Events

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Online	Contact 311 Online

Email	neighbourhoodevents@edmonton.ca
TTY	780-944-5555