Reservable Picnic Areas

Reservable Picnic Areas

Policies

Reservations

Persons reserving a picnic area must be at least 18 years of age or older, and assume responsibility for their group and the condition of the area after the group has left the premises. The picnic area is reserved for the exclusive use of the reserving group. Areas may not be opened to the public and collection of fees is prohibited.

Contact Email : [email protected]

Contact Phone : 513-521-7275

Picnic Table Placement

Tables under picnic shelters and in reserved areas are not to be moved or dispersed.

Vendors, Rental Equipment & Amplified Sound

The following must be pre-approved by Great Parks at least 15 business days prior to the event date:

  • Inflatables, bounce houses, carnival games, game trucks, live animals/petting zoos, entertainers (note: water attractions are not permitted)
  • Food trucks and on-site catering
  • DJs or live music
  • Portable restrooms, equipment deliveries, and event tents

Additional notes:

  • Deliveries must occur during the reservation period with a member of the reserving group present.
  • All equipment and materials must be removed before final departure.
  • Electricity is not available at picnic shelters.

Refunds & Rescheduling

  • Refunds will only be issued if cancellation is made at least 30 days prior to the reservation date.
  • Rescheduling is allowed with 30 days or more notice.
  • Refunds are not issued due to inclement weather.

Alcoholic Beverages

  • Beer, liquor, and wine are permitted only within the reserved area by the reserving group.
  • Guests must comply with all applicable liquor laws.
  • If alcohol is being sold, the guest must:
    • Contact the State of Ohio for applicable liquor permit requirements.
    • Provide Great Parks with a copy of the liquor permit and proof of liquor liability insurance listing Great Parks as an additional insured, in advance of the reservation.

Reserved Conduct & Bylaws

  • All Great Parks’ bylaws and regulations apply to reserved picnic areas.
  • Great Parks Rangers may terminate occupancy or remove individuals from the area, with no refund or credit, at their sole discretion.
  • Any conduct that endangers others or infringes on their enjoyment will not be tolerated.

Decorations

  • Only tape, string, or wire may be used to affix decorations to shelters or tables.
  • Use of nails, staples, and push pins is not permitted.
  • All decorations must be removed at the end of the event.
Vendor/Rental Equipment Request Form arrow_right_alt

Signs

Great Parks will post a sign at the reserved area indicating the group that is scheduled that day. All other signs are prohibited within Great Parks, including at the entrances.

Music & Sound

  • Noise or amplified sound (any sound which can be heard more than 20 feet from its source) is prohibited without prior approval, is only permitted at designated shelters, and must not disturb or interfere with any other activity outside the reserved area.
  • For approval of amplified sound consisting of speakers, microphones, amplifiers, etc., email a detailed request to [email protected] for review. Electricity is not available at picnic shelters.
  • For approval of DJs, Live Music, etc., refer to the policies for Vendor, Rental Equipment, Amplified Sound.

Conservation, Fires & Firewood

  • Fires are permitted in grills, fire rings or fireplaces only.
  • Fires should not exceed three feet in height.
  • Do not leave your fire unattended. Be sure that your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
  • Use of chain saws is prohibited.
  • Cutting or chopping of trees, limbs and vegetation, collection of natural materials, and molesting wildlife is strictly prohibited.
  • Garbage or any other materials that will emit excess sparks, including fireworks, may not be burned.
  • Our region is under a firewood quarantine to help prevent the spread of invasive insects that threaten our forests. These pests spread primarily through movement of firewood. For that reason, movement of firewood in or out of the area is prohibited. Campground Offices at Miami Whitewater Forest and Winton Woods offer approved firewood for sale; otherwise, only store-bought bundled firewood may be burned within Great Parks.

Checkout & Clean-Up

  • Reserved picnic areas must be vacated by dark.
  • The reserving group will be held responsible for cleanup of the area prior to departure.
  • All garbage must be placed in the provided receptacles and any decorations taken down.
  • Person/Group reserving the area will be invoiced for any damages to the area or for excessive amounts of litter.

Smoking Policy / By-Laws

  • All public indoor spaces are “non-smoking.”
  • All Great Parks’ by-laws and regulations apply to the area.
  • Park Rangers may terminate, upon just cause, any occupancy at any time without a refund.

Motor Vehicle Permits

Reservation fees include park entry for all invited guests.

Restroom Availability

Picnic Area restrooms are closed and winterized from November 1 - April 15. During this period weekend rental rates are reduced. Visitor Center and Harbor restrooms remain open year-round where heat is available.

Emergencies

For emergency assistance, please call 911. For non-emergency assistance, please call Ranger dispatch at 513-521-3980 or 513-825-2280.

Miscellaneous

Participation in group gathering events or activities may result in injury or contracting illnesses including communicable diseases such as influenza, MRSA, Coronavirus, etc. Reserving a rental space at any location within Great Parks is done at your own risk.
As a matter of courtesy, our guests are to exercise good sense and respect for others. Please remember that we enforce our policies to protect our guests and the parks.