Event Rentals in Wheat Ridge, CO

Wheat Ridge sits between Denver and the foothills in Jefferson County, with Clear Creek and its greenbelt running across the north side of the city. Park pavilions are reserved by calling the Recreation Center at 303-231-1300; Wheat Ridge residents can book starting January 2 and non-residents starting February 1. Neighborhood pavilions at parks such as Fruitdale, Panorama and Paramount seat about 30 (Randall Park's is for residents only), and the large pavilions are at Anderson, Discovery and Prospect parks, with Prospect listed for up to 150 people.

Group size brings its own permit. The City Code requires a permit for any group of more than 25 people in a park, and the Parks and Trail Special Use Permit form says a park permit is needed unless the group has rented a pavilion or athletic space with room for everyone. Parks are open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., while greenbelt areas, Johnson Park and Wheat Ridge Historical Park close at sunset. Public address systems and other amplification, and organized dances, need a permit from the Parks and Recreation director. The code allows beer to be consumed in parks when it's bought and consumed lawfully, but other alcohol needs a special event permit, and glass bottles aren't allowed.

The equipment rules are strict. Tents, canopies and inflatable devices can go up in a park only with the director's permit, and stakes may not be driven into the ground. The City's general park rules page goes further and says inflatable devices are prohibited in all Wheat Ridge parks, so plan a bounce house for a backyard rather than a pavilion. The City's Special Event Guide prefers pop-up tents, requires approval from the local fire district for any tent or canopy over 400 square feet, and requires a fire-retardant certificate for any tent used for cooking.

Bigger events use the Special Event Permit Application. The guide lists its triggers: a large impact on the City, an event four hours or longer, closing a street, park or trail, an exemption from the noise ordinance, significantly reducing public enjoyment of a public space, or serving or selling alcohol. New and returning events start with a review meeting and apply at least 90 days ahead. Bleachers, stages and other structures need a Community Development inspection and permit, and the event coordinator contracts portable toilets directly. Qualifying nonprofits selling alcohol apply to the City Clerk at least 30 days ahead, and a public notice is posted at the site for at least 10 days.