The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Permit Offices manage and issues permits for all DPR recreation centers, facilities, fields, parks and community gardens. You may have noticed some big changes at DPR recently as it relates to its permitting and event scheduling functions. DPR is making those changes to serve its customers in a timelier and more efficient manner. We thank you for your patience during the transition, and we hope that you’ll notice the positive changes soon.

Do I need a Permit?

If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes,” then you must obtain, and pay for a DPR permit within specified deadlines before you may use a DPR park site or recreation center.

• Are you proposing to organize ten or more people to use a park site or recreational facility for one hour or more?
• Are you an organized athletic league, club, or other organization?
• Are you proposing to stage a special event?
• Are you proposing the exclusive use of a park site or recreational facility for a reasonable period of time?
• Are you proposing to reserve a room in a recreational facility?

Payment

It’s simple. All may use, but all must pay. There are no exceptions, unless DPR explicitly indicates otherwise.

• For general use and special events permits, payment is due one week prior to the event date, or else DPR will cancel an otherwise scheduled event.
• For athletic permits, payment is due two weeks after the conclusion of DPR’s athletic field and gym application period (the Notifications of Availability Date).

Office Hours

In order to better serve you and more efficiently process permit requests, the permit office shall have the following hours:

• Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Closed Saturday and Sunday.
• Walk-Ins: Customers may drop off permit applications or submit payments any weekday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. For general concerns, questions, or comments, the office will provide walk-in hours from 9:00am and 5:00pm.
• Discussing a Permit/Application Request: Customers whom wish to discuss any permit issues (Approval, Denial, Pending Request,) or general questions concerning a permit can schedule a meeting or conference call at any of the 3 Permit Phone Numbers Phone: (202) 671-0374; (202) 671-0437; (202) 671-0297 or Email: DPRpermits@dc.gov.