City of Ithaca - Park Pavilion Rentals
2025 Pavilion Rental Season 4/12/25 - 10/19/25
To use any City of Ithaca park pavilion for a group function, party, or event—whether private or public—you must have:
How to Reserve a Pavilion
Submit Your Completed Form By:
Reservation Processing Order
On Opening Day of Reservations:
All forms are processed first come, first served based on full payment and completed paperwork.
General Rental Information
Park Rules & Hours
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is allowed if:
Permit Requirements
Permits may be required for the following:
Special Event Guidelines
Your event requires a Special Event Permit if it:
Or call (607) 274-6579
Reservation Changes & Refunds
Changes to your reservation:
Responsibilities & Liability
Pavilions Available For Rent
Cass Park Large Pavilion "Kish Pavilion"
The Cass Park Large Pavilion is located right off Route 89 across from the inlet. There are a few picnic grills available near the pavilion, bathroom, drinking fountain, and playground located right near the pavilion. There is no electric service at the pavilion. There are approximately 18 picnic tables which seat 6-8 people and can accommodate up to 110 people maximum. Cass Park Large Pavilion Reservation Form
- An approved and paid reservation, and
- All required permits submitted and approved in advance.
How to Reserve a Pavilion
- Download the correct Pavilion Reservation Form (each pavilion has its own form).
- Complete all sections of the form and answer every question.
- Check fees on page 1 of the reservation packet.
- Pay the rental fee at the time of reservation.
- Include a credit card number (required even if paying by check/cash – used in lieu of deposit).
- Determine any permit needs based on your event plans.
- Sign and date the form.
- Submit any permits or supporting documents before your event.
- Expect a call from staff to confirm your reservation, review rules, and finalize any permit needs.
Submit Your Completed Form By:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: (607) 273-2817
- Mail or In Person:
Ithaca Youth Bureau
1 James L. Gibbs Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Reservation Processing Order
On Opening Day of Reservations:
- In-person forms are processed first
- Then emailed and faxed forms (in order received)
- Then mailed forms
All forms are processed first come, first served based on full payment and completed paperwork.
General Rental Information
- Phone reservations are not accepted
- You must reserve all pavilions and green space you plan to use
- Each pavilion has a maximum group capacity
- Rentals must be made for full-hour blocks
(Example: For an 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM event, list 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Park Rules & Hours
- Park hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Cass Park and Stewart Park)
- Carry In / Carry Out:
You must remove all trash, food, decorations, and recyclables - Clean-up violations may result in fees:
- Minimum $100 fee
- $50 per hour for staff time
- Dogs: Allowed on leashes (not allowed in bird sanctuaries)
- Parking: Only in designated lots — do not park on lawns or fields
- Prohibited items and activities include:
- Space heaters, propane/kerosene heaters
- Kiddie pools, bounce houses, dunk tanks
- Unauthorized vending or fundraising
- Only use painter’s tape or non-damaging adhesives
(Staples, nails, tacks, and glue are not allowed) - Keep picnic tables inside the pavilion and return them to original locations after use
- You are responsible for all set-up, clean-up, and garbage removal
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is allowed if:
- You complete the Waiver of Liability and Release Form
- You are not selling or serving alcohol via ticket, voucher, or caterer without additional approval
- You must obtain:
- Written permission from the City
- NYS Liquor License
- Liquor liability insurance
- A fenced-in and controlled alcohol service area
Permit Requirements
Permits may be required for the following:
- Amplified sound (music, movies, speakers):
Noise Permit → https://cityofithaca.org/528/Noise-Permit - Tents and canopies:
Tent Permit Form → https://cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/77/Tent-Permit-Form-PDF?bidId=
For tents larger than 20’x20’ call (607) 274-6508
You or your tent vendor must contact Dig Safely NY → Call 811 or visit https://newyork-811.com - Blow-up movie screens:
Allowed with a tent/membrane permit, liability insurance, and waiver
Apply → https://ithacacityny.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1071/record-types/1006538 - Food trucks:
Must have a Department of Health certificate and City permit - Vendors using propane:
Must obtain a permit from the Ithaca Fire Department — call (607) 272-1234
Special Event Guidelines
Your event requires a Special Event Permit if it:
- Includes 3 or more of the following:
- Use of Amplified Sound
- Use of Green Space
- Vendors
- Selling or Providing Alcohol
- Use of Tents
- Is a public event such as a parade, race, festival, fundraiser, concert, etc.
- Submit your application up to 6 months in advance
- Applications are due 12 weeks before your event
- Larger or first-time events should apply as early as possible
Or call (607) 274-6579
Reservation Changes & Refunds
Changes to your reservation:
- Only one change is allowed (time or date)
- Must be made 3 weeks before the new date
- $20 change fee applies
- Changes depend on availability
- $20 processing fee deducted from all refunds
- Full refund (no fee) only if:
- City cancels or reschedules the reservation
- Pavilion becomes unusable
- If you cancel, you must do so at least 45 days in advance in writing/email
Responsibilities & Liability
- You are responsible for knowing and following all rules
- You may be charged for:
- Physical damage to the pavilion or park property
- Excessive garbage or cleanup
- City staff time for repairs or cleaning
- The City may require a security deposit or bond for future rentals
- The City may cancel or adjust a reservation if needed (e.g., for safety or maintenance)
- By reserving a pavilion, you agree not to hold the City liable for accidents, injuries, or losses related to your event
Pavilions Available For Rent
Cass Park Large Pavilion "Kish Pavilion"
The Cass Park Large Pavilion is located right off Route 89 across from the inlet. There are a few picnic grills available near the pavilion, bathroom, drinking fountain, and playground located right near the pavilion. There is no electric service at the pavilion. There are approximately 18 picnic tables which seat 6-8 people and can accommodate up to 110 people maximum. Cass Park Large Pavilion Reservation Form
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Cass Park Small Pavilion "Lions Pavilion"
The Cass Park Small Pavilion is located right off Route 89 across from the inlet and is next to the Cass Park Large Pavilion. There is a BBQ grill outside the pavilion, bathroom, drinking fountain, and playground located near the pavilion. There is no electric service at the pavilion. There will be approximately 3 picnic tables and can accommodate up to 20 people maximum.
Cass Park Small Pavilion Reservation Form
The Cass Park Small Pavilion is located right off Route 89 across from the inlet and is next to the Cass Park Large Pavilion. There is a BBQ grill outside the pavilion, bathroom, drinking fountain, and playground located near the pavilion. There is no electric service at the pavilion. There will be approximately 3 picnic tables and can accommodate up to 20 people maximum.
Cass Park Small Pavilion Reservation Form
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Stewart Park Large Pavilion
The Stewart Park Large Pavilion is in the heart of Stewart Park just off the exit on Route 13. It is located near the front of the park beside the lake on the right as you enter. There are approximately 25 picnic tables inside the pavilion and several around the outside of the pavilion which seat 6-8 people each. There are also several picnic grills surrounding the pavilion. There is a ramp on the park entrance (northeast) side of pavilion. There are bathrooms located right inside the pavilion building. If you wish to use the BBQ Pavilion you must also rent it to utilize both of them.
Stewart Park Large Pavilion Reservation Form
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Stewart Park BBQ Pavilion
The Stewart Park BBQ Pavilion is in the heart of Stewart Park just off the exit on Route 13. It is located near the front of the park beside the lake on the right as you enter. There are approximately 7-8 picnic tables inside the BBQ pavilion and can accommodate up to 40 people maximum. Bathrooms are accessible at the park maintenance building on the east side of the building. This pavilion has no electric service or water hook ups.
**PLEASE NOTE**: If you wish to use the BBQ Pavilion and the Stewart Park Large Pavilion, you must rent them both to utilize them.
Stewart Park BBQ Pavilion Reservation Form
The Stewart Park BBQ Pavilion is in the heart of Stewart Park just off the exit on Route 13. It is located near the front of the park beside the lake on the right as you enter. There are approximately 7-8 picnic tables inside the BBQ pavilion and can accommodate up to 40 people maximum. Bathrooms are accessible at the park maintenance building on the east side of the building. This pavilion has no electric service or water hook ups.
**PLEASE NOTE**: If you wish to use the BBQ Pavilion and the Stewart Park Large Pavilion, you must rent them both to utilize them.
Stewart Park BBQ Pavilion Reservation Form
Stewart Park Small Pavilion
The Stewart Park Small Pavilion is in the heart of Stewart Park just off the exit on Route 13. It is located toward the back of the park in the playground area. There are 9-12 picnic tables inside the pavilion and several around the outside of the pavilion which seat about 6-8 people each. The pavilion can accommodate up to 95 people maximum. There are also several picnic grills surrounding the pavilion for your cooking needs. Bathrooms are accessible at the park maintenance building on the east side of the building. There is electric service available but no water hookup. There is a wheelchair ramp on the west side of the pavilion from the parking lot.
Stewart Park Small Pavilion Reservation Form
Stewart Park Small Pavilion
The Stewart Park Small Pavilion is in the heart of Stewart Park just off the exit on Route 13. It is located toward the back of the park in the playground area. There are 9-12 picnic tables inside the pavilion and several around the outside of the pavilion which seat about 6-8 people each. The pavilion can accommodate up to 95 people maximum. There are also several picnic grills surrounding the pavilion for your cooking needs. Bathrooms are accessible at the park maintenance building on the east side of the building. There is electric service available but no water hookup. There is a wheelchair ramp on the west side of the pavilion from the parking lot.
Stewart Park Small Pavilion Reservation Form
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Field Rentals
Cass Park fields and facilities may be reserved depending on availability and field conditions. Reserving groups will be required to pay the appropriate reservation fee and present a certificate of insurance with the City of Ithaca listed as "Additionally Insured." Learn more about field rentals.
