We are a community‑managed green space protected by NeighborSpace,  a land trust, rooted in neighborhood stewardship.

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. 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.

Due to limited capacity reservations are currently only available to:

• Active El Paseo member, volunteer, or Community Partner with MOU
• Sponsored by current active member or partner that will be present during reservation to assist with access and site needs
• Mission/ values aligned community events are encouraged to collaborate with the El Paseo Community Market (Sundays 10–2). To do so apply as a vendor.

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.

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)

Rates

• Sliding scale base rate: $25-$75 per hour for up to 4 hours for personal use(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)
• Rates tailored for corporate, larger, or public events

📅 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.”
• Leave no trace. Leave the place as it was (or better) than when you arrived
• Any damage to the site, vegetation, or infrastructure must be repaired or reimbursed by the reserving party.
• Reusable water balloons only
• 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)
• Porta-Potty is included (must be unlocked by garden representative)
• Firepit and/or grill available upon request (must be unlocked by garden representative)

🌈 Public Events or Events Over 50 Guests

Event proposals will go through Board/Land Trust Approval (at least 30 days advance notice) 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)
• DCASE Special Permits if required

Non-profits can create an account with Windy City ToolBank for event/ supply rentals.