Picnic Shelter Reservations | City of Bloomington, Indiana

Page last updated on May 20, 2026 at 3:55 pm

Reserving a picnic shelter in a City park

Special note about the Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park

A tree fell on the Sycamore Shelter on May 20, 2026, causing extensive damage to the shelter roof and structure. The Sycamore Shelter is not available for use or reservation until further notice. Nature Play Day, scheduled to take place at the nearby Waterfall Shelter on Saturday, June 6, 2026, will take place as scheduled.

Check availability and rent a picnic shelter

For more information about how to rent a picnic shelter, or to check availability, email Bloomington Parks and Recreation ([email protected]) or call 812-349-3700.
Shelter reservations may be made in person, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at
Bloomington City Hall
401 N Morton St Suite 250
Bloomington, IN 47404
Picnic shelters are available for rental April 1 through October 31. Reservations are available year round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shelter reservations cannot be made over the phone.
Shelter rental fees are per day, regardless of how long the shelter is actually used. Shelters are rented to only one party per day. Shelter rental times are from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
"Weekday" rental rates are Monday-Thursday; "weekend" rental rates are Friday-Sunday.

Reservable Picnic Shelters

Reservable Picnic Shelters in City Parks
Park Location	Shelter Name and Capacity	Weekday Rate	Weekend Rate
Bryan Park	Woodlawn Shelter max. 72 people	$72	$87
Bryan Park	Henderson Shelter max. 30 people	$59	$62
Bryan Park	North Shelter max. 30 people	$59	$62
Building Trades Park	Picnic Shelter max. 25 people	$30	$35
Lower Cascades Park	Not available Sycamore Shelter max. 75 people	$82	$97
Lower Cascades Park	Waterfall Shelter max. 75 people	$72	$87
Olcott Park	Howard Young Pavilion max. 60 people	$72	$87
RCA Community Park	Group Shelter max. 72 people	$72	$87
RCA Community Park	Small Shelter max. 30 people	$59	$62
Upper Cascades Park	Lion's Den Shelter max. 99 people	$72	$87
Winslow Woods Park	Picnic Shelter max. 99 people	$67	$77

Reserve a picnic shelter

Shelter Reservation Policies

Refunds

Refunds will be permitted only if the Parks and Recreation Department is notified at least 14 days prior to the shelter reservation date. Refunds will not be issued for inclement weather.

Regulations Governing the Use of Shelters

Permission to reserve any facility or site owned by the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will be granted only where the function can be reasonably accommodated by the park system and such use will not unduly interfere with the rights of the general public and will not present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety of the community.
The possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs and other illegal controlled substances, fireworks, air rifles, paintball guns, bow and arrows, crossbows, swords, and pellet guns is strictly prohibited in any park or park facility. Pursuant to Bloomington Municipal Code 14.20.020, the discharge of a firearm is strictly prohibited within the City's jurisdiction.
Amplified music, or the promotion or sale of any article is expressly prohibited without a Special Event Permit. How to apply for a Special Use Permit to hold an event in a city park.
Violations of park rules may result in the group being required to vacate the premises without refund of the shelter use fee.
It is strongly recommended that groups investigate the furnishings and amenities (lights, electrical outlets, tables, benches, grills, restroom facilities) provided at the shelter prior to reservation and use.
Groups are expected to provide their own setup and to leave the shelter and area free of litter and debris. Additional cleanup of the area required by park personnel will be billed to the user at a rate of $25/hour plus costs related to damage or vandalism.

Calendar

Jun 3

Griffy Lake Boathouse Open

Wednesday - 8:00am - 8:00pm

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N Headley Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

Jun 4

Griffy Lake Boathouse Open

Thursday - 8:00am - 8:00pm

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N Headley Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

Jun 4

Touch a Truck, Rain Date

Thursday - 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location TBA

Visit Full Calendar

Reserving a picnic shelter in a City park

Special note about the Sycamore Shelter at Lower Cascades Park

Check availability and rent a picnic shelter

Reservable Picnic Shelters

Griffy Lake Boathouse Open

Griffy Lake Boathouse Open

Touch a Truck, Rain Date

Other picnic shelters in City parks

Picnic shelters at the parks below are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.