Access Permits
Some parks require certain recreation or business access permits to ensure everyone can safely enjoys Milwaukee County Parks.
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Photography
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Vendors
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Geocaching
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Boat Launches
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Disc Golf Courses
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Dog Parks
Formal Photography and Filming
A formal photography permit is required for all wedding, engagement, family and school pictures or any other posed session that uses a park location as a backdrop and/or requires special attire. All permits are subject to tax.
Location |
1-Hour Permit |
Each Additional 1/2-Hour |
Where to Request |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens Formal Photography (Family/School) |
$35* |
N/A |
Boerner Photo Permit Request |
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens Wedding Photography |
$160 |
$80 |
Boerner Photo Permit Request |
|
Mitchell Park Domes Formal & Wedding Photography |
$70* | $35 | Domes Photo Permit Request |
|
Wehr Nature Center Formal Photography |
$35** | N/A | |
|
Wehr Nature Center Wedding Photography |
$70** | $35 | Wehr Photo Permit Request |
|
All Other Milwaukee County Parks Locations |
$70 | $35 | Parks Photo Permit Request |
|
MKE Parks Photography Membership |
$250/yr | N/A |
Commercial Photography & Filming
A Wisconsin tax exemption form, permit and certificate of insurance are required for all commercial and advertising photography and videography. All permits are subject to tax
Location |
3-Hour Permit |
8-Hour Permit |
Each Additional Hour |
Application Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens |
$350* |
$900* |
$120 |
|
|
Lakefront Parks: |
$350 |
$900 |
$120 |
Parks Photo Permit Request |
|
Mitchell Park Domes |
$395* |
$900* |
$120 |
Domes Photo Permit Request |
|
Wehr Nature Center |
$250** |
$650** |
$85 |
|
|
Wilson Ice Arena |
$350* |
$900* |
$120 |
Parks Photo Permit Request |
|
All Other Milwaukee County Parks Locations |
$250 |
$650 |
$85 |
Parks Photo Permit Request |
Media Filming and Photography
Media are asked to contact Milwaukee County Parks in advance if filming involves circumstances that could impact park operations, public access, or visitor experience, including but not limited to:
- Use of drones (prior approval required)
- Large-scale or obstructive equipment
- Exclusive or restricted use of a park area
- Activities that may significantly impact public use of the space
Guidelines for use of media:
- Photos or video captured in Milwaukee County Parks may not be used in a manner that implies endorsement by Milwaukee County Parks or its employees.
- Parks staff reserve the right to modify or suspend filming activities if they interfere with public safety, park operations, or public access.
Contact Milwaukee County Parks in advance to review filming plans and determine next steps.
Vendor Permits
A Vendor Permit is required to operate a food and beverage, retail, recreational or other service-oriented concession, to collect donations, or to host a raffle or silent auction on Milwaukee County Parks property.
Fees
- Downtown & Lakefront Park locations: various
- Standard park and parkway locations: various
- Separate Fee structures are used at Boerner Botanical Gardens, Mitchell Park Domes and Wehr Nature Center
In addition to the base fee for a Milwaukee County Parks Vendor Permit, the vendor is responsible for fees for
- Services provided by Milwaukee County Parks (such as utilities, trash removal, etc.)
- Additional expenses (such as cleanup, repairs, landscaping and restoration, signage etc.)
- Additional permits required by Milwaukee County
- Municipal permit, license or inspection fees
How to Apply
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Submit your application at least 30 days prior to your requested event date below.
Note that submission of an application is separate from the decision to award a permit. We will notify you of the results of the initial review, which checks availability of your requested location and date/time. If there is no conflict, your application will continue through the review process. If there is a conflict, we will suggest alternative dates/times or nearby locations.
FAQs
I have a license/permit issued by the City of Milwaukee. Will I still need a Milwaukee County Parks Vendor Permit?
Yes, Milwaukee County Parks issues vendor permits for its property. If you sell food, commodities or services on any Milwaukee County Parks property without a vendor permit, you may be subject to a fine and confiscation of your products and/or equipment. Additional licenses from local municipalities may also be required by the Milwaukee County Parks.
What type of insurance is required? Certificate of Insurance (COI):
Many applicants are required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance” in the amount of $1,000,000 of general liability coverage naming Milwaukee County Parks as an additional insured. Milwaukee County Parks must be listed as the Certificate Holder with the address listed as 9480 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53326.
Can I operate my business during a Special Event in the Park where I am permitted?
Vendors cannot sell during Special Events in the Park unless approved by Milwaukee County Parks and the event organizer. This includes July 3rd and July 4th events in all Milwaukee County Parks.
I have additional questions, who may I contact?
Special Events Office Contact: [email protected]
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular outdoor "scavenger hunt" that uses a global positioning system (GPS) device and internet-published coordinates to locate a virtual or physical cache. A virtual cache may be an amazing view; a physical cache may be a trinket or log book in a plastic container hidden under some leaves. Geocaching is an acceptable activity in the Parks when all the guidelines are followed.
To place a physical or virtual cache, you must have prior written permission from the Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas Coordinator. For each cache location, complete a separate Geocache Permit Application and provide a map (a Google Earth or similar map).
Boat Launch Permits
Daily and seasonal boat launch permits are good for use at any of the Milwaukee County Parks launch sites, during the Official Boating Season, May through October.
Learn More About Launch Sites & Get Permits
Included Launch Sites:
- McKinley Marina
- Bender Park
- Riverfront Launch
- South Shore Park
Disc Golf
Buy a single-day Disc Golf Pass an annual (calendar year) pass, or take out a full permit to host a tournament on all Milwaukee County Disc Golf Courses.
Learn More About Disc Golf Courses & Get Permits
Included Disc Golf Courses:
- Brown Deer
- Dineen
- Dretzka
- Estabrook
- Madison
- Root River
Dog Park Daily & Annual Passes
Buy a pass to enjoy unlimited visits to all Milwaukee County Dog Parks!
Learn More About Dog Parks & Get Passes
Included Dog Exercise Areas:
- Bay View
- Currie
- Downtown
- Estabrook
- Granville
- Warnimont
- Roverwest