Outdoor Rental Facilities

Looking for a place to have a picnic or special gathering? The Independence Parks and Recreation Department can help you! Be sure to check out the facilities below. To reserve a shelter or pavilion, please call (816) 325-7370:

Park Shelter and Pavilion Group Picnic Program Policies

The City of Independence, through its Parks and Recreation Department, has provided for the installation and continuing maintenance of picnic shelters and pavilions throughout the municipal park system.

While these structures are generally available on a first come, first serve basis, the City annually coordinates a Shelter/Pavilion Group Picnic Program. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for groups and organizations to have exclusive use of a municipal shelter or pavilion for basic group picnic activities, appropriate to the official seating capacity of the structure, as established by the City of Independence.

Large or Special Events

If you are planning a group function with a format broader than a basic picnic activity, the City of Independence reserves the right to classify your function as a ‘special event’. When this designation is made, the sponsoring group will be required to complete a special event application to formally coordinate additional support services necessary to safeguard properties and insure public safety — before municipal property use is authorized. This will include required health and vendor permits, personnel for traffic control, security and maintenance support. Additionally, equipment such as signage, barricades and first aid supplies may be required for effective event management. Click here for more information.

Reservation Process

Complete a Park Shelter & Pavilion Reservation Application available at the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion Street, Independence, MO.

Office Phone: (816) 325-7370

Note: Person responsible for event must be at least 21 years of age.

Fees for Each Reservation Period

• Shelters (capacity up to 35 ) – Residents: $35.00, Non-Residents: $45.00
• Pavilions (capacity up to 120 ) – Residents: $70.00, Non-Residents: $90.00

Cancellations

Please call the Roger T. Sermon Community Center at: (816) 325-7370, at least 10 business days prior to the date of the reservation to receive a refund. Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather on the day of your picnic.

All refunds are subject to a $5.00 service fee; refund checks are mailed to the responsible person designated on the application and should be received within 4 weeks.

Please remember that all park use regulations are in effect, including:

• Fireworks, firearms, alcoholic beverages and amplified sound are prohibited.
• Vehicles are not allowed off designated roadways and parking lots.
• Fires must be confined to on-site picnic grills.
• Trash must be placed only in trash containers.
• Any decorations, signs, etc., must be removed by the responsible part at the conclusion of your reservation period.
• Inflatables including bounce houses are NOT allowed in the parks.

Click here for more reservation policy information.

If you have any questions, please call:

Independence Parks and Recreation, at the Roger T. Sermon Community Center
Phone: (816) 325-7370