For rentals such as weddings, celebrations of life, meetings, and showers where only invited guests will be attending.
Parks and Pavilions
Peterborough offers over 100+ parks, ranging from neighbourhood parks up to regional parks. The trails are extensive and you can walk and bicycle to many places. Visit the City's interactive map to find a park or playground near you!
Rentals and Permits
Regional parks including Del Crary Park, Millennium Park and Quaker Foods City Square are a great location to host a community event or festival.
Pavilion Rentals: The City has three covered pavilions (Beavermead, Nicholls Oval & Heritage) that are ideal places to host family reunions, company picnics, anniversary celebrations, weddings, rehearsals, showers, birthday parties and other special occasions. Pavilions must be rented for a minimum of 3 hours.
Rates
| Number of Participants | Up to 7 hour rental | 8+ hour rental |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Individuals | $20.62 per hour | $17.52 per hour |
| 101 to 249 Individuals | $29.10 per hour | $24.30 per hour |
| 250 to 499 Individuals | $36.44 per hour | $30.51 per hour |
| 500 or more Individuals | $73.45 per hour | $60.74 per hour |
| Commercial Rate | $146.00 per hour | $121.76 per hour |
The above rates include HST, hydro, and water where applicable.
Pavilion Rentals
2025 Availability of Pavilions
Last updated April 25, 2025
| 2025 Dates | Beavermead Pavilion | Nicholls Oval Pavilion | Heritage Pavilion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, May 17 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, May 18 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, May 24 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, May 25 | Available | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, May 31 | Available | Available | Reserved |
| Sunday, June 1 | Available | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, June 7 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, June 8 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Saturday, June 14 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, June 15 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Saturday, June 21 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, June 22 | Reserved | Reserved | Reserved |
| Saturday, June 28 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, June 29 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Saturday, July 5 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, July 6 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Saturday, July 12 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Sunday, July 13 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Saturday, July 19 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, July 20 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Saturday, July 26 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Sunday, July 27 | Available | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, August 2 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, August 3 | Available | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, August 9 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, August 10 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, August 16 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, August 17 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, August 23 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, August 24 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Saturday, August 30 | Available | Available | Available |
| Sunday, August 31 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Saturday, September 6 | Reserved | Available | Reserved |
| Sunday, September 7 | Available | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, September 13 | Reserved - tentative | Available | Available |
| Sunday, September 14 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Saturday, September 20 | Reserved | Available | Available |
| Sunday, September 21 | Available | Available | Available |
| Saturday, September 27 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
| Sunday, September 28 | Reserved | Reserved | Available |
This pavilion is located at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.
The pavilion features:
- a covered top with one side enclosed with a wall barrier
- 32 picnic tables available for use
- water source attached to pavilion
- hydro available
- washroom facilities
The park has an accessible playground, beach, soccer fields and beach volleyball courts.
Note: rental of the pavilion does not include the sport fields or beach volleyball courts. They can be booked for an additional fee, if available.
The pavilion is located in Nicholls Oval Park, 725 Armour Rd.
The pavilion features:
- a covered top with one side enclosed with a wall barrier
- 32 picnic tables available for use
- water source is available at the washroom building
- hydro available
- washroom facilities
- pavilion is 2,800 square feet
The park also has an accessible playground, rugby field, walking trails and a splash pad.
Note: rental of the pavilion does not include the rugby field. The field can be booked for an additional fee, if available.
Heritage Pavilion in Ashburnham Memorial Park
The pavilion is located in Ashburnham Memorial Park beside the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. Located near the famous Peterborough Lift Locks and Parks Canada Visitor Centre. This site provides a beautiful setting for weddings and special events.
The pavilion features:
- covered roof and open wood sides
- 15 large picnic tables
- hydro available
- nearby playground
- A portable washroom is available at this site. Access to the Museum and Archives is limited to pre-scheduled visits only.
Picnic tables are provided at the pavilions, however they are chained up in long rows. If you wish to move them around, you will need a key to unlock the chain. Once you have booked and paid for your rental you can pick a key up at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre front desk no earlier than three (3) days prior to your event. You must bring your contract/permit with you and show it to the front desk receptionist (digital copy is fine). You will be charged a deposit of $25, that will be returned when the key is returned.
The tables must be put back in a row and chained back up at the end of your rental. They key then must be returned to the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre no later than two (2) days after your event.
Note: you must return and lock the tables in their original location at the end of your event.
Neighbourhood Parks and Green Space rentals
Green spaces within a park can be rented for events such as picnics, fitness classes, weddings and more.
Small private gatherings of up to 20 people a permit is not required if the event does not include any high-risk activities. High risk activities include BBQ’s, alcohol, animals, inflatables, vendors, tents larger than 10 x 10, programming, fitness classes, fireworks etc. This small gathering will be considered general use of the park and attendees are required to share the space with others.
If your private gathering will be more than 20 people or include any high risk activities you are required to complete a Private Event Application and obtain a permit for the event.
Green Space Rental Rates, 2025 (includes HST)
- Up to 7 hours: $17.50 per hour
- 8+ hpurs: $14.97 per hour
Regional Parks
Beavermead Park
2011 Ashburnham Drive
Beavermead Park is located on the southeast shore of Little Lake offering stunning views, nature areas, trails, playground with accessible features, a beach, soccer fields, beach volleyball courts, a pavilion and an outdoor gymnasium created through a partnership with local Rotary clubs. At 53 acres, it's one of the largest parks in the City. Parking is available. Washrooms are open seasonally during the spring and summer.
The Beavermead Campground is a family campground located in the heart of the City. It is operated by Otonabee Region Conservation Authority. Canoe and kayak rentals are available through the campground. It is located next to the GreenUP Ecology Park.
Del Crary Park
100 George Street North
Del Crary is an open green space on the west shore of Little Lake. It is a short walk from downtown and home to the Pathway to Fame. It features a Marina, several picnic tables and a covered stage that is used for concerts, events and festivals. During the summer months, the Peterborough Musicfest concert series takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Rotary Victoria Day Family Fireworks, Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Festival and Multicultural Canada Day are a few of the major events that take place in this park. Parking is available. Washrooms are open seasonally during the spring and summer.
Dogs are not permitted in this park from May 1 to October 31 (with the exception of Service Animals).
Millennium Park
270 Water Street
Millennium Park features a landscaped walking path along the Otonabee River that connects to the Trans Canada Trail and features sculptures, extensive flower beds, a butterfly garden, grassy areas and benches. The boathouse is home to the Silver Bean Cafe (who also manage the event room). The park is a wonderful venue for weddings, fundraisers, festivals, outdoor music and theatre events. Washrooms are available in the park during the spring and summer.
Other features include the Irish Monument, the Steve Chaisson Pond, and the Nogojiwanong Project.
For information about the Butterfly Garden Our Children Remembered please contact the Bereaved Families of Ontario.
Quaker Foods City Square
215 Charlotte Street
The Quaker Foods City Square is located in Peterborough's downtown core and hosts a number of community events, such as the weekly farmer's market. During the winter months, the park turns into an outdoor skating rink for community use. Operational dates are weather dependent. Washroom use is available at the Peterborough Public Library, please visit their website for hours of operation.
This location is perfect year round for large community and public events.
Riverview Park and Zoo
1300 Water Street Peterborough
Located on 55.5 acres of riverside property at the north end of the City. This is the only accredited, free admission zoo in Canada It features 25+ exhibits with over 48 species, an accessible playground that happens to be the largest, opportunities for disc golf, picnic pavillions, and a splash pad.
Regional Parks
Beavermead Park
2011 Ashburnham Drive
- A/V Equipment
- Location/Acreage
- Available for private rentals
- Beach
- Beach volleyball courts
- Campground
- Canoe and Kayak launch
- Canoe and Kayak rentals
- Nature Area
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
- Sports Field
- Public Washroom (available seasonally)
- Waterfront
Del Crary Park
Millennium Park
270 Water Street
- Available for Private Rentals (Contact City for Park Rentals; Contact Silver Bean Cafe for Event Room Rentals)
- Canoe and Kayak Launch
- Canoe and Kayak Rentals
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Public Art and Gardens
- Restaurant On-Site
- Public Washroom
- Waterfront
Quaker Foods City Square
215 Charlotte Street
- Available for private rentals (including festivals and events)
- Farmers' Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (May to October)
- Outdoor refrigerated ice skating rink (winter; weather dependent)
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Public washrooms available at the nearby Peterborough Public Library
Riverview Park and Zoo
1300 Water Street
- Canada's only CAZA accredited, free admission zoo
- Located on 55.5 acres of waterfront parkland
- 25+ animal exhibits with over 48 species
- Disc golf
- Nature area
- Picnic pavillion
- Picnic tables on ite
- Playground (including accessible playground)
- Public washroom
- Waterfront
Community Parks
Ashburnham Memorial Park
- Located next to the Peterborough Museum and Archives on Armour Hill and near the Peterborough Lift Lock
- 50 acres of park land
- Pavillion is available for private rentals
- Rube Brady Ball Diamond
- Basketball Court
- Nature Area
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground (including accessible playground)
- Public washroom available in the Peterborough Museum and Archives during operating hours
Bonnerworth Park
- Pickleball Court
- Skateboarding
Bonnerworth Park is temporarily closed for redevelopment.
Bowers Park
Confederation Park
- Located across from City Hall, contains the Cenotaph War Memorial, Brown Memorial
- Pathways are located throughout the park
Eastgate Memorial Park
Hamilton Park
- Basketball Court
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
Inverlea Park
- Basketball Court
- Playground
Jackson Park
- An oasis in the city a long meandering green space along a section of Jackson Creek, integrated along the Trans-Canada Trail. Enjoy wooded areas, pond, historic Pagoda Bridge, and meandering green spaces.
- Nature Area
- On-Site Parking
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
- Public Washroom
- Trails
James Stevenson Park
- Adult Baseball and Soft Ball Diamond with Lights
- Basketball Court
- Scoreboard
- On-Site Parking
- Playground
- Public Washrooms available at the Lions Centre
Kawartha Heights Park
2229 Kawartha Heights Boulevard
- Basketball Court
- Playground
King Edward Park
- Basketball Court
- Bocce Ball Courts
- Neighbourhood Rink
- On-Site Parking
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
- Splash Pad
- Soccer Field
- Public Washroom
Kinsmen Park
- Located beside the Kinsmen Arena
- Premiere Level Ball Diamond
- On-Site Parking
- Playground
- Splash Pad
- Youth Soccer Field
- Public Portable Washroom (Available Seasonally)
Knights of Columbus Park
- Youth Ball Diamond
- Basketball Court
- Legacy Bowl Arena
- On-Site Parking
- Public Portable Washroom (available during the summer season)
- Wading Pool
Milroy Park
- Two Youth Ball Diamonds
- Two Adult Soccer Fields
- On-Site Parking Available
Nicholls Oval Park
- Basketball Court
- On-Site Parking
- Outdoor Track
- Picnic Pavillion
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
- Splash Pad
- Adult Rugby Field
- Public Washroom
R.A. Morrow Memorial Park
- Located between the Memorial Centre and the new Miskin Law Community Complex
- 20 acre green space
- Ball Diamond
- On-Site Parking
- Public Washrooms open seasonally
Rogers Cove Park
- Lakeside Grassy Area with Beach
- Boat Launch
- On-Site Parking
- Picnic Tables on Site
- Playground
- Splash Pad
- Trails
- Public Washroom
- Waterfront
Rotary Park
- Runs alongside the Otonabee River
- Offers paved trail through the park (connected to the Rotary Greenway Trail)
Sherbrooke Woods
- Youth Ball Diamond
- Two Basketball Courts
Neighbourhood Parks
Neighbourhood Parks
Barnardo Park
- Youth ball diamond
- Basketball court
- On-site parking
- Playground
- Splash pad
- Two tennis courts
- Trails
- Public washroom available during summer season
Bridlewood Park
- Playground
Broadway Park
- Basketball Half Court
- Playground
- Trails
Centennial Park
- Playground
- Sports field
Dixon Park
- Playground
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
Earlwood Park
- Playground
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
Fairbairn and Poplar
- Youth ball diamond
- Basketball court
- Playground
Grove Park
- Basketball Court
- Playground
John Taylor Memorial Park
- Playground
- Wading Pool
Keith Wightman Park
- Cricket practice pitch
- Playground
- Youth soccer field
Kiwanis Park
- Basketball court
- Playground (fully accessible)
Northland Park
- Youth ball diamond
- Basketball court
- Playground
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
- Tennis court
Roper Park
- Basketball court
- Playground
- Tennis court
Sherbrooke Park
- Playground
- Basketball court
Simcoe and Bethune
- Playground (with accessibility features)
- Two premier basketball courts
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
Stacey Green
- Playground
- Youth ball diamond
- Two tennis courts
- Basketball court
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
Stewart Park
- Playground (with accessibility features)
- Basketball court
Stillman Park
- Playground
- Tennis courts
- Basketball court
Turner Park
- Playground
- Basketball court
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
- Wading pool (summer)
- Portable washrooms (summer)
Union Park
- Playground (with accessibility features)
- Basketball court
Valleymore Park
Walker Park
- Playground
- Basketball Court
Wallis Heights Park
- Playground
- Basketball court
Waverley Heights Park
- Playground
- Basketball court
Wedgewood Park
- Playground (with accessibility features)
- Two youth soccer fields
Weller Park
- Basketball court
- Playground (with accessibility features)
- Neighbourhood rink (winter; weather dependent)
Shared use and public enjoyment of City parks
The City has a Parks and Facilities By-Law that sets minimum standards for the shared use and the protection of the natural environment in public parks. It requires a permit for certain activities such as selling items and services, allows City staff to set rules for other activities in parks such as launching boats and swimming, and prohibits other activities such as disturbing wildlife and damaging City-owned property. Tenting in parks is prohibited except where specifically designated for that use.
Shared use and enjoyment of parks
City Council approved a Parks and Facilities By-Law on August 12, 2019. The intention of the Parks and Facilities By-Law is to balance uses to ensure the shared public use and enjoyment of public parks and facilities and the protection of the natural environment. The By-law clarifies the expectations for shared used and enjoyment of parks, putting them into a legal document.
View the staff report from August 12, 2019
Some key points in the By-law
When the lights go out (Section 10)
Lights in public parks are normally scheduled to automatically turn off at 11 p.m. Basically, parks close at 11 p.m. – as much as any open space can really be closed. The by-law states that parks are closed between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., except for approved events or when people are passing through a park on a trail or pathway.
Activities requiring a permit (Sections 12 and 13)
Exclusive use of a sport field or court: Organized league play is an exclusive use of a public space for a period of a time. It’s an appropriate use of parks and facilities, but it needs to be scheduled and regulated. And there are times when people shouldn't be on sport fields, such as when they're too wet in the spring and could be damaged by heavy use.
Exclusive use of a pavilion or park: Events requiring exclusive use of a portion of a park, or a pavilion requires a permit. Depending on the activities for the event, additional documentation and insurance requirements also must be met.
Events with alcohol: Events that will include alcohol requires adherence of both municipal and provincial guidelines. A permit is required to access the space.
Events with BBQs or grills: Events that include cooking on a BBQ or a grill requires a permit and proof of insurance.
Fireworks and open air burning:
- Fireworks are not permitted on municipal property. Commercial grade fireworks are only permitted to be discharged from the Fireworks Barge on Little Lake.
- Open air burning is not permitted within the City of Peterborough. Special consideration may be granted for educational or ceremonial purposes.
Large speaker systems: Someone using a large speaker system in a public park is likely affecting someone else’s enjoyment of that public space. Before they go setting up that public speaker system, they would need to get permission.
Sales of food, drink, or merchandise: Anyone wanting to sell or advertise food, drinks, merchandise, and services in City parks and facilities requires a vendor permit.
Temporary structures: Setting up a structure, hut or tent in a public park also requires permission from the City. A structure, hut or tent occupies, either temporarily or longer term, space that’s for the shared use or enjoyment of the public.
Visit the Facility Booking page to review the application process and request a permit.
Activities subject to specific rules (Section 14)
The City may establish conditions or restrictions for some activities that take place in public parks to ensure their shared use and enjoyment and to protect the natural environment.
Section 14 of the by-law lists activities that are permitted but that may be subject to conditions or restrictions for the benefit of all who use parks and to protect the natural environment. Here are some examples of activities and reasons that the City may consider putting in place conditions or restrictions on those uses of parks:
- Taking a boat through a park, launching a boat, or putting your boat on the shore or beach in a park but avoiding areas where people swim;
- Playing sports, which could include designating some areas for sports while other areas of parks are for passive use for other people;
- Riding a bicycle, for example bicycles shouldn’t be used on sport fields;
- Skateboarding, rollerblading or roller skating, which could be designated activities in some park areas and prohibited in other park areas;
- Swimming, wading or bathing, such as where and when those activities can occur in public parks;
- Using a motorized vehicle but restricting their use to parking lots and driveways; and
- Using a model airplane, helicopter, drone, rocket or boat but restricting the hours during which they may be operated, the places where they can be operated and other potential conditions and restrictions for their safe operation.
These activities can take place in public parks but could be subject to conditions and restrictions.
Smoke-free parks
All City parks are smoke-free. Fines are applicable. Peterborough Police and Peterborough Public Health enforce the by-law.
Litter Action
Keeping our streets, sidewalks, and green spaces safe and clean for everyone to enjoy is our priority. Help keep our streets, sidewalks, trails, parks and green spaces clean by properly disposing of waste. Reducing litter protects local ecosystems, wildlife and our drinking water.
To report a garbage issue in a City park, please contact Recreation and Parks Services at 705-742-0050 ext. 2205#.
Contact Us
City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9
Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
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