Permit Day is
March 27, 2010

Our picnic shelters provide excellent settings for family picnics and gatherings throughout the year.

Beginning January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, reservations are now being accepted to rent various enclosed park shelters. These popular shelters, located in Banksville Park, West End Park, and at the West End/Elliott Overlook, will also continue to be available year-round and each subsequent calendar year. (Previously the permits for these particular shelters could only be obtained starting in March, and from that point on, and that was the only time allowing for reservations.) The other 23 rentable shelters are only available for purchase starting on Permit Day in March and thereafter. Payment for the enclosed rental sites must be made in full, by money order only, within five business days after contacting the Permit Office.

Permit Day is held at the City-County Building on a designated Saturday in March. A public notice will be advertised when the seasonal shelter rental is to begin. Only City residents may apply for permits at this time.  Proof of residency and age will be required (driver's license, voter registration, current year's tax receipts, etc.).  Many of the popular shelters are completely taken at that time.

After Permit Day applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests from City residents will be given priority. Applications for picnic permits can be made in person or by phone at:

Department of Public Works
611 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-255-2370

All applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee in the form of a cashier's check, certified check, or money order made payable to the Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh.  (Cash will only be accepted on Permit Day.) No fee shall be returned unless the Department of Public Works receives request of cancellation of a permit at least 30 days prior to the date for which the permit is issued.  A $10.00 handling fee will be deducted from all refunds. In the event of an emergency, the Director of the Department reserves the right of final decision.

Weather is not considered due reason for cancellation of a permit or a refund. 

All shelters require a mandatory alcohol permit.  Current fee is $75.00.

The City of Pittsburgh reserves the right to extend priority to programs which are sponsored by City Departments.

For more information, call (412) 255-2370, Monday-Friday,
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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