🌿 Reservation Guidelines for El Paseo Community Garden

🏞️ If you are looking for general gathering space

Chicago Park District sites allow private groups under 50 people to gather on a first‑come, first‑served basis. For details about those guidelines, please contact your local Park District site directly.

🌱 What El Paseo is

El Paseo is not a Park District facility. We are a community‑managed green space protected by NeighborSpace,  a land trust, rooted in neighborhood stewardship.

🤲 How we operate

Our garden is maintained primarily through:

• Volunteer labor
• Community donations
• Mission‑aligned partnerships

Because of this structure, we have limited capacity to host private events.

🚫 What we are not

We are not designed to function as an event venue. We do not have the staffing, infrastructure, or resources to support high‑demand or high‑impact private rentals.

📌 When Reservations Are Required

For groups of six people or fewer, one small table per group scattered throughout the garden is available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. If a there is a scheduled program/ event, you may be asked to relocate. Reservations are required when any of the following apply:

• Gatherings between 6 to 50 people
• Use of the main picnic area
• Use of grills
• Use of fire pits
• Porta potty access is needed
• Jump houses or other installations
• Mission-Aligned Public events or more than 50 people (board approval required)

To reserve the Main Picnic area or the North Lawn/ lot for larger parties exceeding six people, submission of the reservation form is required below.

Collaborative Opportunities Sundays

Mission/ values aligned community events are encouraged to collaborate with the El Paseo Community Market (Sundays 10–2). You may need to pay a partner and/or vendor fee. Contact us for collaboration. 

Who can reserve

Due to limited capacity reservations are currently only available to:

• Active El Paseo member, volunteer, or Community Partner 
• Sponsored by current active member or partner that will be present during reservation to assist with access and site needs

Rates

• Sliding scale: $25-$75 per hour for up to 4 hours (limit to one particular area. Use of entire site is not permitted)
• Active garden members receive a flat rate of $25 for up to 4 hours (limit 1 private reservation per year)

📅 Availability 

We offer limited reservations:

• Fridays or Saturdays only 
• 1 mission‑aligned community event per month
• 1 private reservation per month

Site Visit & Condition of Space

• A site visit is required prior to approval.
• By reserving the space, you agree to accept the garden “as is.”
• Any damage to the site, vegetation, or infrastructure must be repaired or reimbursed by the reserving party.
• No storage is provided for event equipment/ rentals
• No electricity available
• Amplification/ live music requires Board approval and/or noise permits
• Reservation time is up to 4‑hour, plus:1 hour setup and 1 hour breakdown
• Hourly rate applies (unless qualifying member reservation)
• Under 50 people only
• For private/personal use
• Alcohol allowed (no glass)

Neighboring residents of The Resurrection Project’s affordable housing buildings are prioritized for non‑member reservations and offered a sliding‑scale rate

🌈 Public Events or Events Over 50 Guests

Event proposals will go through Board/Land Trust Approval to protect capacity and ensure compliance: We welcome mission‑aligned use of the space that:

• Supports community wellness, culture, or education
• Reflects reciprocal relationships
• Respects our neighbors and the land
• Fits within our limited capacity. On‑site garden representative will need to be available for setup and breakdown, plus on‑call support during the event

Required Documentation

• Clear site maps
• Transportation/ parking plan 
• We are in a residential area. Noise permits for Noise amplification or live music
• Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• (Provide the address you want listed and I’ll insert it)

DCASE Special Permits Are Required If:

• Streets will be closed
• Event is on private property but open to the public
• Liquor is sold
• Food is prepared outdoors
• Merchandise is sold
• There are tents over 20′ x 20′ (400 sq ft)
• There is a stage over 24” tall

Add-ons 

• Non-profits can create an account with Windy City ToolBank for event rentals.
• Coordination with Windy City ToolBank for event rentals through our account requires an additional fee (fee varies by equipment request)
• Potential Parking lot coordination access (Separate COI required to cover partners) This is only an option if the event is outside of  business hours. Additional fee. 

Board approval requires at least 30 days advance notice.
Larger events, public events, or events requiring special permits may require 45–60 days.
Requests submitted with insufficient notice may not be considered. An agreement will be drafted for signature.

🔄 If Event Details Change After Approval may require re‑submission for review. Changes include:

• Increase in expected attendance
• Change in event type (private → public, etc.)
• New installations (jump houses, tents, stages)
• Addition of amplified sound or live music
• Change in date, time, or footprint
• New activities requiring permits
• Change in partner organizations or vendors

Minor internal changes (decor, volunteer assignments, program schedule) do not require re‑approval.