Parks Facilities FAQs

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Park Facilites Frequently Asked Questions

What are the park hours at Tam O’ Shanter?

All city park shall be open from 6:00 a.m. to dusk, except the skate park which shall be open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. It is unlawful to enter or be in any park between dusk and 6:00 a.m. of any day, except when any park is opened between such hours by the director for a special occasion; provided, this section shall not prohibit persons from simply passing through any park. (Ord. 3794 § 2, 2013; Ord. 3717 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3676 § 5, 2008; prior code § 6.22.180)

What are the park hours at Rotary Park?

All city park shall be open from 6:00 a.m. to dusk, except the skate park which shall be open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. It is unlawful to enter or be in any park between dusk and 6:00 a.m. of any day, except when any park is opened between such hours by the director for a special occasion; provided, this section shall not prohibit persons from simply passing through any park. (Ord. 3794 § 2, 2013; Ord. 3717 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3676 § 5, 2008; prior code § 6.22.180)

What time of year can I rent the park facilities?

March – September 

When are the parks not available?

October - March

When is a reservation or Special Event permit required to use one of the picnic shelters?

  • The use of covered picnic areas in our parks is available on a first-come first-served basis for parties under 100 people, however water and electricity is not available when the picnic shelter is not reserved. Please check the City Calendar to see if the covered picnic shelter is already reserved for a certain day at www.kelso.gov.
  • Parties over 100 require an additional Special Events permit applied for at least 45 days in advance of the event and will need to provide proof of liability insurance for the event. 
  • For more information, see Special Events .
  • Scheduled reservations are posted on our City Calendar on our home page at www.kelso.gov.

What are the fees for a reservation or Special Event permit?

See the Park Facilities Fee Schedule below:

How far in advance do I need to reserve the covered picnic shelters?

45 days in advance

How many tables are at the large covered picnic shelter at Tam O’Shanter and how many people can it accommodate?

There are 12 tables and can accommodate approximately 72 people.

How many tables are at the smaller covered picnic shelter at Tam O’Shanter and how many people can it accommodate?

There are 8 tables and can accommodate approximately 48 people.

How many tables are at the covered picnic shelter at Rotary Park and how many people can it accommodate?

There are 8 tables and can accommodate approximately 48 people.

Are restrooms available?

In the Large covered area. Small covered area restrooms are available for special events

Is Water available at the covered picnic shelters?

Yes. But only will be provided with a park reservation.

Is Electricity available at the covered picnic shelters?

Yes. But only will be provided with a park reservation.

How do I know if the covered picnic shelter is already reserved? 

Please check the City Calendar to see if the covered picnic shelter is already reserved for a certain day at www.kelso.gov.

Are there barbeque facilities?

2 Small BBQ’s

Is alcohol allowed in the parks?

Alcohol is only allowed with a Special Event permit and proper liability insurance

Is there a fee to use one of the parks open fields?

There is a fee only if you want to reserve an open space area. Otherwise, it is first-come first served. See the Park Facilities Fee Schedule

Can the baseball or softball fields be rented to parties other than the leagues?

Only through each league president.

Is there a frisbee golf course at Tam O’ Shanter?

Yes 9 holes. (Will be under construction soon)