Operate a Class in a Park

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

(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: 

• 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 permittted
• 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, diriftwood, 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