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1. Where may I have alcohol in parks?

Only licensed staff may serve alcohol in parks, at certain locations. Park Board staff may serve alcohol at these locations:

• Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course
• Horton Smith Golf Course
• Rivercut Golf Course
• Jordan Valley Ice Park, only during college, semi-pro and professional events and private rentals.
• Cooper Tennis Complex, only during college, semi-pro and professional events and private rentals, only in designated areas.
• Dickerson Park Zoo, only during special events, in designated areas.
• Meador Baseball Stadium (does not include other ballfields at Meador Park).
• Licensed caterers may serve alcohol, with a Parks Alcohol Permit, during private rentals and special events at these locations, in designated areas:
• Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center and Gardens
• Lake Springfield Boathouse and Park
• Davis House and Property
• Jordan Valley Park
• Northview Center
• Greenway Trails
• Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
• Valley Water Mill Park
• Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center

2. Where is alcohol prohibited in parks?

Alcohol is prohibited in any park not listed above. In addition, no alcohol is allowed at School-Parks, youth sports events, family-themed events, neighborhood parks, playgrounds, pools and picnic pavilions, except where noted above.

3. May I bring my own alcohol?

No. You may not bring any alcohol onto any park property. Alcohol may be served only by Park Board staff or licensed caterers.

4. What's required to serve alcohol as part of a private rental with alcohol?

You must have an approved facility rental booking, a Parks Alcohol Permit, an insured caterer with a liquor license and Springfield business license, a $1 million General Liability Insurance certificate, a $1 million Alcohol Liability Insurance certificate, and event security.

5. How much does that cost?

Costs may vary. This is a base estimate:

• Parks Alcohol Permit: $250
• Facility booking: Varies, $250-$1,500
• Licensed caterer: Varies, contact your caterer
• City of Springfield business license (if needed): About $25, contact your caterer
• General liability insurance: About $175
• Alcohol Liability insurance: About $175
• Event security: Cost varies based on attendance and duration of rental.

6. How do I get a Parks Alcohol Permit?

Start by inquiring with your chosen facility, to check available rental dates.

• Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center and Gardens 417-891-1515
• Lake Springfield Boathouse and Park 417-891-1550
• Davis House and Property 417-874-2942
• Jordan Valley Park 417-874-2942
• Northview Center 417-837-5808
• Greenway Trails 417-864-1049
• Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 417-837-5949
• Valley Water Mill Park 417-833-3291
• Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center 417-833-3291

The facility manager will help guide you through the rest of the process, including applications and approval. You must provide details about your caterer on the application. All required documents and fees, including permit, booking and security, must be submitted at least 30 days before the event. Weekend dates book up quickly, and some details may take you several days to determine. Start your process early.

7. Who may serve alcohol at my event?

Only a caterer with a Missouri liquor license and Springfield business license may serve alcohol. You must book your own caterer for these locations.

8. May my friends, family, volunteers or employees serve alcohol?

No, not unless they are employed by your caterer and covered by your caterer’s insurance and liquor license.

9. May my caterer serve beer, wine or mixed drinks?

Yes, but the type of alcohol served at your event is defined by your caterer’s liquor license.

10. How do I get a certificate of insurance for my event?

Purchase general liability and alcohol liability insurance through the insurance carrier of your choice. Ask your insurance company, or purchase insurance through the City of Springfield TULIP (Tenant Users Liability Insurance Policy) Program.

11. Who provides security at my event?

The Park Board contracts with a private security company.

12. What if my event is canceled?

If you cancel your event 30 or more days before the event date, the Park Board will provide a 50-percent refund of facility booking fees, the Parks Alcohol Permit and security fees. If you cancel your event fewer than 30 days of the event date, no refunds will be made. Plan carefully before booking an event.

13. What if my event is impacted by weather?

Please plan carefully for how your event will cope with weather. For outdoor events, ask park's staff about booking tents. In the event of severe weather, Parks staff will be glad to assist and try to make accommodations. However, no refunds will be made due to weather.