Apply at least 45 days prior to event
Want to hold a concert, charity walk, road race, small wedding or other special event in a Massachusetts State Park? You need a special event permit.
Log in links for this page
- This page, Apply for a state parks special use permit, is offered by
- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Apply for a state parks special use permit
Contacts
EEA ePLACE Help Desk
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk
Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522
Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
The Details of Apply for a state parks special use permit
What you need for Apply for a state parks special use permit
To apply for a special event permit, you will need the following:
- Create an account at the new EEA ePLACE online filing portal
- Event information, including route maps, site setup, and dates
- If you work for a nonprofit, please include a copy of your 501C3 determination letter
- Certificate of liability insurance (upon approval)
- For additional instructions on how to fill out the Special Use Permit Application, see below guidance document under Downloads section.
***When applying for use of a picnic site such as Houghton’s Pond, please secure your date and location through www.reserveamerica.com prior to applying for your DCR special use permit. ***
Fees for Apply for a state parks special use permit
Special event application fee $45.00
(Fee to be paid at time of application and separate from any event costs.)
Please note: Commercial (for profit business) applicants, in an addition to the special event application fee, will also be responsible for outdoor event venue rental fees. (302 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 4.02)
1. Small event (100-500 people) $250 per day
2. Mid-size event (501-1,500 people) $1000 per day
3. Large event (1,501-10,000 people) $2000 per day
How to apply Apply for a state parks special use permit
Visit the new EEA ePLACE Permitting Portal
Next steps for Apply for a state parks special use permit
-
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will review your online application.
If your event requires DCR staff, equipment or services, there will be event costs. You will be notified by the DCR of the estimated event cost and you will be responsible to pay the estimate before your permit will be issued.
Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI)
You must submit a certificate of liability insurance (COI) at least 14 days before the event. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation must be named as additional insured for the date and location of your event with a minimum amount of 1 million dollars ($1,000,000) in liability. This is required for all special use permits and your permit will not be issued without the certificate.
More info for Apply for a state parks special use permit
Need help with the new ePLACE system?
A quick guide is available to download for help with the registration process. Need more help? Call the ePLACE Help Desk at (844) 733-7522 or (844) 73-ePLAC between the hours of 7:30 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday.
Downloads for Apply for a state parks special use permit
Open PDF file, 1.7 MB, DCR Quick Guide for ePLACE Permitting (English, PDF 1.7 MB)Open PDF file, 1.25 MB, DCR Special Use Permit EEA ePLACE Instructions (English, PDF 1.25 MB)Contact for Apply for a state parks special use permit
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
Related