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Facilities and Rentals

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Iowa City Parks and Recreation rents out many of its facilities for all kinds of occasions and functions. If you are hosting a birthday party, family reunion, wedding, business meeting, community meeting, a picnic, or pool party we have you covered. Whatever the occasion, chances are we have a facility right for you. For information on available rental facilities, park shelters rentals, and community recreation centers, as well as pricing information, see the facility descriptions below.

If you have any questions, please contact the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Customer Service desk at 319-356-5100, reception@iowa-city.org, or stop by our customer service desks at either recreation center during normal business hours.

Park Shelters and Athletic Field Rentals

Iowa City Parks and Recreation offers reservations for park shelters and athletic fields. Reservations may be made as early as one year in advance, but no later than 5 days in advance of intended use. If you desire to use a shelter but missed the 5-day advance reservation cut-off, open-air shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment is required at the time of reservation. Fees vary according to the size of the shelter. Shelters are available for rent year-round; however, restroom and water facilities are only available May-October, barring any weather-related setbacks to that timeline. Enclosed shelters are only available May-October. Online Athletic Field reservations go through the system first as a request, pending supervisor approval. Refund and reservation changes must be requested 3 business days in advance of the reservation. Refunds will not be issued in the event of inclement weather.

Reserve a park shelter or athletic field online or call 319-356-5100.

You are required to fill out an additional form if your event includes any of the following:

  • More than 100 people in attendance
  • Amplified sound
  • Use of large equipment including but not limited to inflatables, staging equipment, generators, etc.
  • Use of surrounding streets or trails

Call 319-356-5034 for instructions on how to access the public assembly form and schedule your event.

Community Garden Plots

Renting a community garden plot is a great way to get outside, meet your neighbors, and grow your own food.

Garden plot registration typically opens in April. For more information visit the Community Garden Plots page.

Rentable Facilities

Choose one of the following facilities to see rental details.

The Environmental Education Center was built in 2011 and is also home to the Friends of Historic Preservation’s Salvage Barn, the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, ReStore and Furniture Project, and a comprehensive recycling drop-off area. The Environmental Education Center is certified as a LEED® Platinum facility, showcasing waste reduction and recycling, stormwater management techniques, energy reduction, and renewable energy and green building practices.

The Environmental Education Center is a 1,250 square foot all-season event venue. The location is the perfect size for a meeting, company gathering, family reunion, or other functions. The venue can accommodate around 50 guests at tables or classroom-style seating or up to 75 in an informal reception setting. Sixteen 6’ x 2’ rectangular tables and 50 chairs are provided. The upper outdoor patio is 700 square feet and the lower patio seating area is 400 square feet.

The site includes a 1/3 acre stormwater bio-cell system planted with native Iowa flowers, grasses, and shrubs. Signage is provided to educate guests about various stormwater management practices, alternative energy, and other site features. Guests are invited to explore the plantings but must stay on the grass and designated walkways.

For more information or to check availability, contact Customer Service or call 319-356-5151.

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