Operate a Class in a Park

Small recreational classes 10 hrs. per week or less

If you are an individual, group, or organization, conducting organized recreational activities on city parkland, you are required to obtain a permit. We issue Commercial Use Permits for commercial activity that aligns with Seattle Parks and Recreation's mission to promote healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community.

Failure to obtain a permit from Seattle Parks and Recreation may result in a citation or fines. 
Report unpermitted activity in a Seattle Park

2026 Fees: There is a $100.00 permit administrative fee per park location in addition to a monthly use fee of $125.00 per month per park. All fees are due at time of permit issuance.

(For Day Camp operators, see the Day Camp Permit page.)

Who May Obtain a Commercial Use Permit?

To obtain a Commercial Use Permit, your business may not transact or collect money on park property. It is limited to ten (10) hours per week of operation per park; attendance is limited to 35 participants.  

 Seattle Parks issues Commercial Use Permits for the following:  

  • Fitness classes (including, but not limited to, boot camps, yoga, running classes)
  • Recreational activities (marine education, photography classes, organized school activities such as recess or PE, or pop-up picnics, etc.)
  • Nature education, including wilderness training classes

Minimum schedule: 

  • 1 meeting per month for three months (all at same location and times), or
  • 1 meeting per week for a month (all at same location and times)

Commercial Use Permit restrictions include: 

  • Minimal set up/equipment: limited to one 10x10 canopy, one table, two chairs, yoga mats. *No on-site storage
  • Amplified sound is prohibited
  • Use of shelters and picnic tables is not permitted
  • The use of any playground area or equipment is not permitted
  • The use of any structures, including benches, walls, railings, for any purpose than originally intended is prohibited
  • Marketing and promotional events are not permitted
  • Groups must not impact the area for general visitors
  • Groups must not unreasonably disturb the surrounding neighborhood
  • The destroying, digging, cutting, removing or possession of any tree, shrub, or other plant is prohibited
  • Gathering or collecting natural products of a renewable nature including but not limited to fruits, berries, mushrooms, driftwood, wood, is prohibited

Apply for a Commercial Use Permit using the online application below.
Mailed and emailed applications will not be accepted.

FAQ & Commercial Use Permit Application

The following attachments must be submitted with the online application:

  • A copy of your City of Seattle Business License  
    • A State of Washington Business License is NOT acceptable for permitting
  • A Site Plan.  Please visit this link for blank park maps that may help in submitting your application map. This is not a conclusive list, and maps can be created in other formats.

Commercial Liability Insurance documents should be emailed to: SPRconcessions@seattle.gov

Please review the City's Insurance Requirements document: Insurance Requirements

Commercial Use Permit Vendors-Permitted in 2025 as of November 17, 2025
Business names will be added to this list as permits are finalized.

Wilding Education LLC
Carkeek Park
November 18, 2025 – June 17, 2026

South Seattle Fitness LLC dba South Seattle Women’s Fitness
Seward Park
January 1 – December 20, 2026

Transformations Trekking
Lower Woodland Park
February 3, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Parks and Recreation

AP Diaz, Superintendent
Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
Phone: (206) 684-4075
Fax: (206) 615-1813
pks_info@seattle.gov

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Healthy People, Thriving Environment, Vibrant Community