Special Activity Permits
Metroparks Special Activity Permits are required for Community Led Events or Activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large, require some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest, and are not prohibited by law or regulation.
Special Event/Activity Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may also require general liability insurance and/or other insurance requirements.
Requests for Special Events/Activities are accepted up to one (1) year in advance and until 45 days prior to the date of the event/activity.
Do not advertise your event/ activity until you have received a confirmed permit.
Special Activity Permits for Community
Led Events – APPLY HERE
Metroparks Special Activity Permits are required for Community Led Events or Activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large, require some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest, and are not prohibited by law or regulation.
Examples of activities that may require a permit from Metroparks include community led concerts or festivals, weddings, bicycle or foot races, fishing tournaments, or group activities with more than 10 participants.
After Hours Commuter Permit – APPLY HERE
Regional trails are used for commuting as well as recreation, fitness and enjoying nature. Because trail hours are the same as the Metroparks - 7 a.m. until dark every day of the year - it limits some commuters' options. For example, someone bicycling to work, school or church during open hours would be unable to return on the same trail after dark.
For this reason, Metroparks issues special permits for after-hours commuting on the University/Parks and Wabash Cannonball trails.
Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Permit
for Westwinds Metropark – APPLY HERE
Unmanned aircraft, including drones and remote control models, may be flown only at Westwinds Metropark with a permit. For more information call (419) 407-9701.
Click Here for safety guidelines
Geocaches in the Metroparks
All existing and new geocaches within any Metropark requires a permit. Please download and return a completed permit application. Completed applications can be submitted by email.
For more information please call 419-407-9700
Click Here to download the permit application
Research Permit
A permit to conduct formal scientific research projects in the Metroparks. This also includes all projects involving the collection of soils and/or rocks and minerals, and (living or dead) plants, animals, insects and their parts. To request an application please email Karen Menard at karen.menard@metroparkstoledo.com or call (419) 407-9705.
Click Here for more information
Access Permit
A specially issued short-term permit given to educators or independent researchers who need to access off-trail areas or other areas that are seasonally closed in order to get GPS points, utilize park areas for a class session, and/or to collect observational, short-term species/weather data. For a permit request, please email Karen Menard at karen.menard@metroparkstoledo.com or call (419) 407-9705.