PARK USE

Organizations and groups may request to use the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park for events, programs, and gatherings. As a shared public space with a defined purpose, all uses should align with the Park’s mission and respect the experience of visitors.

The guidelines below outline the process for requesting use of the Park, along with important considerations for planning your event. Please fill out an application with your interest and we will get back to you shortly.

Park Use Policies

The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park is available for special event use by individuals or groups whose event is consistent with the purpose of the park and the park use guidelines. Individuals or groups are required to complete an application. Eligibility for use of the park is determined by the park Administration Committee. Although the park is open to the public, the park is located on private property, and park use or visitation may be restricted.

Sponsors of proposed special events shall fill out and submit a special event request form to the park’s Administration Committee outlining the plans for the event. Applications are to be submitted no less than 15 days prior to the event. The sponsor can request that the timeline be waived if there are special circumstances that justify expedited consideration. The 15-day requirement can be waived by the park’s Administration Committee at its sole discretion.

Approval of a park use application is not approval or endorsement of individuals or groups intending to use the park or the social or political cause that is advocated. The park provides the opportunity to bring awareness of social justice concerns, but does not take a specific stand on political and social justice issues or causes no matter how compelling the circumstance. The park is not available for partisan political events that support or oppose a specific candidate or political party.

This Park Use Policy and Guidelines are subject to change at any time.

Title of Event

Description of Event

Requested Date

Requested Time

Time

HoursMinutes

Number of Expected Participants

Electrical Access Needed?

Yes

Event Sponsor Name and Address

Event Coordinator Name and Contact Information (email, phone)

NOTE: Any approval of use of the Park does not include parking. To request use of the parking lot that adjoins the Park, a separate request must be made to the First Congregational Church, UCC at (614.228.1741) or home@first-church.org.

By signing this application you are declaring that you have the authority to represent the event Sponsor, that the Sponsor agrees to comply with the park use policy and guidelines, that the Sponsor will insure that event leaders and participants will follow Park requirements, and that the Sponsor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Park and the property owner against any and all claims, demands, actions or causes of actions, together with any and all losses, costs, or related expenses asserted by any person or persons for bodily injury, death, or property damages resulting from or arising out of the permitted use of the Park. By your signature, you also acknowledge that the Sponsor is required to provide a certificate of insurance that will apply to the proposed event, soon after the Sponsor has received notice of approval of this application but no later than one day prior to the event. Failure to timely provide the necessary certificate of insurance will result in withdrawal of approval of the Park use.

Signature

Today's Date

Park Use Guidelines

COVID-19 Requirements – The event host is responsible to insure that the current City and State of Ohio guidance related to community COVID standards for an outdoor gathering are followed by event participants. The park believes that compliance with the applicable standards are necessary to protect participants and the public-at-large from COVID-19 exposure. The host should be prepared to ask a potential participant to leave the event area until the intended participant can comply with applicable standards.

Insurance and Liability – Sponsor must have event insurance or arrange to have special event insurance coverage of $1,000,000 for use of the park to cover any potential liability damages related to an event held within the park. The Sponsor shall indemnify and hold harmless the park and the property owner against any and all claims, demands, actions or causes of actions, together with any and all losses, costs, or related expenses asserted by any person or persons for bodily injury, death, or property damages resulting from or arising out of the permitted use of the park.

Park Grounds – The Park is L-shaped and is located at the intersection of Cleveland Ave. and E. Broad St. The Park does not include the adjoining parking lot or church lawn. The Sponsor is responsible for keeping the park clean and free of debris and is responsible for any costs associated with restoring the premises to their original condition.

Park Operating Hours: Generally, the park is open from dawn to 10:00 p.m. daily.

Trash – All trash generated by the event must be removed by the sponsor promptly at the end of the event.

Parking – The park does not have designated spaces in the adjoining parking lot. If parking is needed, arrangements will need to be made with the church in coordination with any of its tenants.

Equipment – The park does not have equipment available for use (e.g. chairs, tables, tents, podium, audio-visual equipment). Sponsors must make their own arrangements for equipment needs.

Utilities – The park has outdoor electrical outlets that may be accessed at no cost by the Sponsor. The park at this time does not have water service connections.

Restrooms – The park does not have restrooms.

Tents/Canopies – Stakes cannot be used in erecting tents or canopies on Jeffrey Plaza.

Signs/Banners – The Sponsor can display signs and banners, but cannot tape or tie signs or banners onto any structure of the park (e.g. walls, light poles, railings).

Access - The Broad St. parking lot entrance on the east side of the park is to remain open during any use of the park. In addition, an event must ensure continuous access of adjoining public right of ways including sidewalks and streets.

Large Crowds – The Sponsor may be required to install temporary barriers (rope or caution tape) around plantings in the park for their protection when more than 200 participants are expected.

Alcohol – Alcohol is not permitted in the park.

Food Trucks – The park’s grounds cannot accommodate food trucks. Arrangements will need to be made with the church in coordination with any of its tenants for use of the adjoining parking lot.

City Permits – The Sponsor is responsible for knowing City regulations and obtain any necessary permits related to a special event.

Use Consideration – Generally, the public is permitted to visit the park during any approved use of the park. Park staff and contractors shall have the right to access and enter the event space for any reasonable purpose during the event.

Safety – The event shall not threaten the safety of any persons or threaten to damage any park facilities or landscaping. The Sponsor is responsible for providing any needed security for the event.

Noise – Music or audio amplification requires specific approval and must not disturb neighboring residents and property owners during its use.

Burning/Open Flames – Burning and open flames are not permitted in the park except for candlelight vigils.

Protection of the Environment - Sponsor must assure that activities associated with the event minimize any negative environmental impact.