Picnic Shelters

Picnic Shelter at Bolivar Park

Lakewood residents and Lakewood community organizations may reserve picnic shelters for outdoor gatherings. Proof of residency required.

All picnic shelters are covered and include picnic tables and barbecue grills. Some shelters have sinks and a preparation table.

There is no charge for residents and Lakewood community organizations to reserve a shelter.

Reservation requests must be completed in person at the park for which the reservation is desired.

NOTE: Electricity is not available in the shelters.

Reservation requirements

1. Reservations must be made in person at the park where the desired facility is located. Shelter permit requests will be accepted at 4 p.m. for reservations two months from the current date. If multiple residents are present and requesting the same shelter and date, a lottery will be held. A Community Services Supervisor must approve all shelter reservation requests.

2. Shelter applications will not be accepted more than two months in advance and no less than 72 hours in advance.

3. Reservations shall be granted only to Lakewood residents/Lakewood groups on weekends and holidays only. Groups include churches, schools and businesses. Groups must make their request by letter on the group’s professional letterhead.

4. Permit applicants must be 21 years of age or older. Identification and proof of residency is required. A California Driver’s License or Identification, and a current utility bill or lease/rental agreement will be accepted to prove residency.

5. Shelters can be reserved for one time slot.

6. Each shelter has a maximum capacity. The total number of expected guests must not and cannot exceed the maximum capacity. The maximum capacity of the picnic shelters vary by park. NO shelter permit will be issued to a group whose total number of guests exceeds the maximum capacity of the shelter.

7. Use of facilities shall be limited to each resident/group on a once-a-month basis.

Rules for use

1. Shelter permittee must be present during reservation hours and check in with park staff prior to set up in the shelter.

2. If a reservation group does not appear within 30 minutes after the time specified on the reservation, the permit may be considered void.

3. All shelter permittees and their guests must abide by the park rules and those rules set forth by the shelter reservation.

4. Please leave the picnic area in a clean condition at the conclusion of your reservation. 

5. Please be courteous of other park patrons and our neighbors while using the park facilities. 

6. It is unlawful to remain in any park or recreation area when ordered to leave. (LMC 4220.2) 

Prohibited at Parks

  • No intoxicants, narcotics or alcoholic beverages, nor persons under the influence of the same, shall be permitted on the premises. (LMC 4500) 12. It is unlawful to use or possess any portable barbecue, grill, smoker, cooking equipment, apparatus, fire pit or hibachi. (LMC SECTION 4220.H)
  • Profane language, gambling, quarreling, loud music, or similar actions will not be tolerated. (LMC 4220.J)
  • Dogs are prohibited at city parks except at Rynerson Park and the Nature Trail. (LMC 4222). Dogs must be restrained on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at Rynerson Park and the Nature Trail. Pets, animals and reptiles are also prohibited. (LMC 92-9)
  • No vehicles are allowed to drive onto the park. (LMC 4220.1)
  • No inflatable bouncers, carnival rides, pony rides, generators or camping tents allowed on the park. (LMC 4220.J)
  • To keep the park enjoyable for everyone, please do not rope off areas with pennants, tape, etc. (LMC 4220.J) 21. If you are planning on using a piñata, please contact the park staff.
  • It is unlawful to remain in any park or recreation area when ordered to leave. (LMC 4220.2)

Failure to observe any of these rules or regulations shall result in cancellation of existing permits and may result in denial of future requests for use of facilities. 

 

Apply

Step 1.Go to the park office where the shelter is located.

The earliest day and time you can reserve is at 4 p.m., two months in advance of the date you want to reserve. 

Reservations can be made at the park any time during normal business hours. 

Step 2.If multiple residents want the same date and time, a lottery will be held.

However, if the shelter is not booked at that time, it may still be reserved up to three days (72 hours) before the selected date.

Example: 

  • You want to book the picnic shelter at Bolivar Park for Saturday, May 21, 2022. 
  • For the best chance to reserve it, go to the Bolivar Park office at 4 p.m. on March 21, 2022 to request the May 21 date. 
  • OR...anytime between March 22 and May 18, go to the park office to see if the shelter is still available for booking.

Step 3.Review the rules and complete the application to reserve the shelter.

Reservations are granted only to Lakewood residents or Lakewood groups on weekends and holidays.  

There is no charge to reserve the picnic shelter.

Hours

Business hours for each Lakewood park change during daylight savings time.

November to March:

Monday-Friday: 3 - 5 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 12 - 5 p.m.

March to November (during daylight savings time):

Monday-Friday: 3 - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sundays and holidays: 12 - 6 p.m.

Park Contact Info

Call your neighborhood park to confirm availability of a picnic shelter for your family gatherings.