Reservable Picnic Area Policies
poReservations
Persons reserving a picnic area must be at least 18 years of age or older, assumes responsibility for their group and condition of the area after group has left the premises. Picnic area is reserved for the exclusive use of the reserving group. Areas may not be opened to the public and collection of fees is prohibited.
Picnic Table Placement
Tables under picnic shelter and reserved area are not to be moved or dispersed.
Refunds & Rescheduling
Refunds will be issued only if the cancellation is made at least 30 days prior to the reservation date. Reservations may be rescheduled with 30 days or more notice. Refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer, liquor and wine are permitted by reserving groups within reserved area only. If alcohol is being served, the guest must comply with applicable liquor laws. If alcohol is being sold, in any manner, the guest is to contact the State of Ohio for applicable liquor permit requirements. If a permit is required, in advance of the reservation, the guest must provide Great Parks in advance of the reservation with a copy of the permit and proof of liquor liability insurance listing Great Parks as an additional insured.
Rerserved Conduct & Bylaws
All Great Parks’ bylaws and regulations apply to reserved picnic areas. Great Parks’ Rangers may terminate occupancy or remove individuals from the area with no refund or credit at their sole discretion. Conduct that could endanger the welfare of others or infringe on other’s enjoyment will not be tolerated.
Decorations
Only tape, string or wire may be used to affix decoration to shelters or tables (nails, staples and push pins are not permitted), and all must be removed at the end of the event.
Checkout & Clean-Up
Reserved picnic areas must be vacated by dark. The reserving group will be held responsible for cleanup of the area prior to departure. All garbage must be placed in the provided receptacles and any decorations taken down. Person/Group reserving the area will be invoiced for any damages to the area or for excessive amounts of litter.
Signs
Great Parks will post a sign at the reserved area indicating the group that is scheduled that day. All other signs are prohibited within Great Parks, including at the entrances.
Vendors, Rental Equipment, Amplified Sound
The following must be pre-approved by Great Parks at least 15 business days prior to event date: inflatables, bounce houses, carnival games, game trucks, live animals/petting zoos, entertainers, etc. (NOTE: WATER ATTRACTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED); food trucks; on-site catering; DJs/live music; Portable restrooms; equipment deliveries; event tents, etc.
Deliveries must be made during period of occupancy with a member of reserving group present. All equipment, containers, etc. must be removed from the premises before final departure. NOTE: Electricity is not available at picnic shelters. Click HERE for the Permission for Vendor/Rental Equipment/Amplified Sound Form.
Music & Sound
Noise or amplified sound (any sound which can be heard more than 20 feet from its source) is prohibited without prior approval, is only permitted at designated shelters, and must not disturb or interfere with any other activity outside the reserved area.
For approval of amplified sound consisting of speakers, microphones, amplifiers, etc., email a detailed request to [email protected] for review. Electricity is not available at picnic shelters.
For approval of DJs, Live Music, etc., refer to the policies for VENDOR, RENTAL EQUIPMENT, AMPLIFIED SOUND.
Conservation, Fires & Firewood
Fires are permitted in grills, fire rings or fireplaces only. Fires should not exceed three feet in height. Do not leave your fire unattended. Be sure that your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area. Charcoal should remain in the grill. Use of chain saws is prohibited. Cutting or chopping of trees, limbs and vegetation, collection of natural materials, and molesting wildlife is strictly prohibited. Garbage or any other materials that will emit excess sparks, including fireworks, may not be burned.
Our region is under a firewood quarantine to help prevent the spread of invasive insects that threaten our forests. These pests spread primarily through movement of firewood. For that reason, movement of firewood in or out of the area is prohibited. Campground Offices at Miami Whitewater Forest and Winton Woods offer approved firewood for sale; otherwise, only store-bought bundled firewood may be burned within Great Parks.
Smoking Policy/By-Laws
All public indoor spaces are “non-smoking.” All Great Parks’ by-laws and regulations apply to the area. Park Rangers may terminate, upon just cause, any occupancy at any time without a refund.
Private Security
The use of private security by any guest or reserving party is prohibited at all Great Parks locations, facilities and private events. If you have security needs or questions leading up to your event, please contact Guest Relations at 513-521-7275.
Motor Vehicle Permits
Reservation fees include park entry for all invited guests.
Restroom Availability
Picnic Area restrooms are closed and winterized from November 1 - April 15. During this period weekend rental rates are reduced. Visitor Center and Harbor restrooms remain open year-round where heat is available.