Special Occasion Recommended Sites is a list published by the City and County of Denver, under the heading Special Occasion Permits in Parks, of popular park sites where private, invitation-only events can be permitted. It is one of the Denver permit documents for park events, and it is used alongside the permit application you send to the Parks Permit Office. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the original PDF and the permit process stay with the City and County of Denver.
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What is Special Occasion Recommended Sites – Denver, CO?
Special Occasion Recommended Sites is the City and County of Denver's list, headed "Special Occasion Permits in Parks," of 24 popular park sites where private, invitation-only events can be permitted. Sites marked with an asterisk have flower gardens.
A Special Occasion is a private, by-invitation-only event in a park. Before a reservation request is accepted, Park Permit Staff review it for feasibility, and the list asks you to review the alcohol policy and the requirements for permits with alcohol. The list is a selection, not a limit: Special Occasion permits are allowed at many parks, and the ones named are described as some of the most popular. Flower gardens are typically in bloom early May to October, weather permitting, and the dates are not guaranteed.
Beyond the listed sites, you may request a picnic site, an athletic field or an entire park for your Special Occasion; small parks are handled case by case. Picnic sites cannot be reserved until the second Wednesday of February, and athletic fields are reserved by season. Park addresses and maps are available in the Denver Maps tool.
The list is not the application. The Parks Permit Office treats Special Occasions separately from Public Events (festivals, concerts, run/walks) and from Assemblies/1st Amendment Activities, which have their own pages. The revision printed on this list is 10.7.24.
Who needs to file Special Occasion Recommended Sites – Denver, CO?
Anyone planning a private, invitation-only event in a Denver park, and choosing where to hold it, uses this list when preparing a Special Occasion permit request. It suits hosts who want one of the popular sites named on it, as well as those who want to ask for a picnic site, an athletic field or an entire park instead.
The Parks Permit Office sets these conditions on the permit application itself:
- The applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Another person may submit the application, but the individual applicant's name and signature must be included.
- An Authorized Agent (18 or older) must be designated: an employee, a board member, or someone with written authorization on letterhead.
- Nonprofits must include 501(c)(3) verification with the application.
This list does not cover public events such as festivals, concerts and run/walks, or Assemblies/1st Amendment Activities. The Parks Permit Office handles those on separate pages, and a Special Occasion is limited to private, invitation-only activities.
When to file Special Occasion Recommended Sites – Denver, CO
Applications for a park permit must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the first permitted day of the activity. The Parks Permit Office asks you to allow one business day to confirm receipt, and within seven business days of receiving your application it emails a preliminary permit, which serves as an invoice, with a list of permit requirements.
Timing also depends on the site type. Picnic sites cannot be reserved until the second Wednesday of February, and athletic fields are reserved by season, with varying dates. If you seek multiple dates for the same activity, such as a monthly club meeting, you must wait 30 days between submitting applications.
The agency page also gives an open date for reservations: Monday, November 2, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. (Mountain Time). On that date applications are accepted only by email, not in person. The page says final details are posted after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23.
Documents you need
- Signature of the individual applicant (18 or older): required on the application even when another person submits it for them.
- 501(c)(3) verification, either an IRS Determination Letter or Colorado Secretary of State registration: required with the application when the applicant is a nonprofit.
- Authorization letter signed by an employee or board member: required with the application when a new Authorized Agent is being designated.
- Written authorization on letterhead: required when the Authorized Agent is neither an employee nor a board member.
How to fill out Special Occasion Recommended Sites – Denver, CO
Confirm your event is a Special Occasion
Special Occasions are private, by-invitation-only events. Festivals, concerts and run/walks are Public Events, and they have a separate Parks Permit Office page.
Review the alcohol policy
If alcohol will be at your event, read the alcohol policy and the requirements for permits with alcohol before you request a site. Park Permit Staff review each request for feasibility.
Choose sites from the list
Pick one or more of the 24 listed park sites, such as Cheesman Park – Pavilion or Washington Park – Big Gardens. If you are flexible, note several parks and dates in order of preference.
Check asterisks for flower gardens
Sites marked with an asterisk have flower gardens, typically in bloom early May to October, weather permitting. Bloom dates are not guaranteed.
Consider other site types
You may instead request a picnic site, an athletic field or an entire park; small parks are decided case by case. Picnic sites open for reservation on the second Wednesday of February, and athletic fields are reserved by season.
Look up addresses and maps
Use the Denver Maps tool to view park addresses and maps for the sites you shortlist.
Prepare applicant and agent details
The applicant must be 18 or older and sign the application. Designate an Authorized Agent (18+), and gather the nonprofit or agent authorization documents if they apply.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check your site choices against the list, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and send your permit application to the Parks Permit Office as described under How to submit.
How to submit Special Occasion Recommended Sites – Denver, CO
The Parks Permit Office accepts Special Occasion permit applications by email or in person.
- Email: send the application to [email protected]. One application per email is accepted.
- In person: Parks Permit Office, 6820 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80220. In-person appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Monday and Friday the office is available by phone and email, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Phone: 720-913-0700 for questions.
Applications are not accepted in person on November 2. Make sure the proper signature is on your application. If you are flexible, you may list multiple parks and dates in order of preference; availability is checked in the order listed, and the first available location and date is offered. A fee applies: the preliminary permit you receive serves as an invoice, and the agency page links to where you view your permit or pay fees. Ask the Parks Permit Office for amounts. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the application fewer than 30 days before the first permitted day of the activity.
- Sending an application without the individual applicant's name and signature because someone else is submitting it for them.
- Putting more than one application in a single email; the Parks Permit Office accepts one application per email.
- Submitting a new application for the same recurring activity, such as a monthly club meeting, before 30 days have passed since the last one.
- Trying to reserve a picnic site before the second Wednesday of February.
- Expecting the flower gardens at asterisked parks to be in bloom on your date; the list says bloom dates are not guaranteed.
- Applying as a nonprofit without 501(c)(3) verification (IRS Determination Letter or Colorado Secretary of State registration).
- Bringing an application in person on November 2, when applications are accepted only by email to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
What is Special Occasion Recommended Sites?
It is the City and County of Denver's list, headed Special Occasion Permits in Parks, of 24 popular park sites where private, invitation-only events can be permitted. Asterisks mark sites with flower gardens. It is a list of locations, not the permit application.
Is this a Denver building permit?
No. This document lists park sites for Special Occasion permits, which are handled by the Parks Permit Office for private, invitation-only events in parks. It is not a building permit form and does not authorize construction.
Can I hold a Special Occasion in a park that is not on the list?
Yes. The list says Special Occasion permits are allowed at many parks and that the named parks are some of the most popular. You may also request a picnic site, an athletic field or an entire park; small parks are considered case by case.
How far ahead do I have to apply for a Special Occasion permit?
Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days before the first permitted day of the activity. The Parks Permit Office confirms receipt within one business day and emails a preliminary permit within seven business days.
When can I reserve a picnic site or athletic field in a Denver park?
Picnic sites cannot be reserved until the second Wednesday of February; the list suggests checking the Denver website in mid-January for details. Athletic fields are reserved by season, and the dates vary.
Where do I send a Special Occasion permit application in Denver?
Email it to [email protected], one application per email, or bring it to the Parks Permit Office at 6820 E. 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80220, during in-person appointment days (Tuesday to Thursday). Call 720-913-0700 with questions.
Does my nonprofit need extra documents for a Special Occasion permit?
Yes. Nonprofits must include 501(c)(3) verification with the application, either an IRS Determination Letter or Colorado Secretary of State registration. A new Authorized Agent also needs an authorization letter signed by an employee or board member.
Can I fill out Special Occasion Recommended Sites on FillingPDF?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, not connected to the City and County of Denver, and it does not submit permit applications; those go to the Parks Permit Office.
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