Commercial Use of Parks (fitness, yoga, etc)

Download Permit Application Here

The City of Northampton Parks & Recreation Department regulates commercial use or professional instruction on public parks and recreation property. All Commercial Operators using public park and recreation property must obtain a permit through the Northampton Park and Recreation Department.

Commercial Operators include but are not limited to boot camps, fitness classes, yoga, or other similar activities. The permit is $50 and is good for the term in which the permit is issued, a maximum of 8 months (winter months not usually allowed due to parks being closed).

The purpose of the permit application process is to provide City of Northampton staff an opportunity to review the Commercial Operator’s proposed plan for its impacts on the general public’s regular use and enjoyment of the facility as well as maintenance and operations. The proposed activity’s potential impacts on parking, other scheduled city programs and/or events, other scheduled field use, size of the group, time of day, day of the week, number of days, and location; will also be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

In addition to the application, Commercial Operators must submit a copy of the following:  - a certificate of liability must be submitted with the City of Northampton named as additionally insured for $1,000,000.

Should you wish to request to operate a business on city park and recreation property, please complete the enclosed application and submit the items listed above, along with your $50 permit application fee, to the Northampton Park and Recreation Department. Application submittal does not guarantee that you will be allowed a permit. You will receive a refund if denied. Allow 30 days for processing.

Please contact Northampton Park and Recreation Department at (413) 587-1040 or email recreation@northamptonma.gov with any questions or if you need additional information.