Lawrence Parks and Recreation offers parks and facilities to rent for weddings and special occasions.
| 2016 Q2 | story by MEGAN GILLILAND, Communications Manager, City of Lawrence | photos City of Lawrence
South Park
Within Lawrence’s extensive parks system, there are numerous opportunities to find a special place to celebrate. Whether you’re looking to say “I do” in the iconic South Park gazebo or celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary in Centennial Park, Lawrence Parks and Recreation has space to fill almost any need.
“We are here to serve the community and try to provide an affordable option when planning an event,” says Tim Laurent, recreation operations manager for Lawrence Parks and Recreation.
Depending on the size and type of space needed, Parks and Recreation has many options.
Shelters and gazebos may be reserved from April 15 through October 30, weather permitting. There are three gazebos in the park system available for rent: one at Watson Park, one at South Park and one at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum. Gazebos rent for $50 for a half-day or $90 for a full day.
Shelters for rent are located at Broken Arrow Park, 2900 Louisiana St.; Burcham Park, 200 Indiana St.; Centennial Park (on both the east and west sides of the park), 600 Rockledge Rd.; Clinton Lake Outlet Park, 1316 E. 902 Rd.; Clinton Park, 901 W. 5th St.; Dad Perry Park (on both the north and west sides of the park), 1200 Monterey Way; Hobbs Park, 702 E. 11th St.; Holcom Park, 2700 W. 27th St.; Lyons Park, 700 N. Lyon St.; and Prairie Park, 2811 Kensington Rd. Shelters rent for $45 for a half-day and $75 for a full day.
Stone Gate Park
There are also shelters available on a first-come-first-serve basis that are not on the reserve list. These shelters are located at Deerfield Park, 2901 Princeton Blvd.; John Taylor Park, 200 N. 7th St.; and Brook Creek Park, 1200 Brook St.
“We also offer park space for large events,” Laurent explains. “We recommend organizers call us with plenty of advance notice to reserve a park and check availability.”
For indoor events, the city provides rental opportunities in the Carnegie Building, 200 W. 9th St.; the Community Building at 11th and Massachusetts streets; the East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St.; Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.; the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr.; and the Lawrence Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. 2nd St.
Since it’s renovation in 2011, the Carnegie Building has been a popular spot for weddings, receptions and events.
“The Carnegie is a beautiful, historic building. Its architecture alone, with its columns and high-arch entryway, are a thing of the past,” Laurent says.
Depot
All of the current facility rental fees are online at lawrenceks.org/lprd/facilityrental.
The city offers online reservations for facilities and shelters. Visit lawrenceks.org/lprd/recreationfacilities/shelters to reserve a location. Reservations can also be made in-person at any of the community recreation centers, including the Community Building, East Lawrence Recreation Center, Holcom Park Recreation Center, the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center and South Park Recreation Center.
Contact Lawrence Parks and Recreation at 785-832-7920.