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