On this page
Reservation information
The City of Guelph has picnic shelters at various locations to meet your recreation needs, which can be booked by submitting a Picnic Shelter Request Form. Please note a minimum of 72 hours is required for processing new or additional reservation requests.
Making a reservation request
Submit a request online
Requests to reserve picnic shelters can be made online at recenroll.ca, starting February 21. This is a quick and easy alternative that allows you to check the availability at each location and submit your request electronically. It will be reviewed by our team and a Booking Coordinator may reach out to you should they have any further questions related to your request. You will receive a copy of your contract and important rental information once your request has been approved.
Your payment is due at the time the reservation request is submitted. If your request is not fulfilled, you will be refunded.
Request by email
Download and complete the Picnic Shelter Request form then email it to [email protected].
Request by phone
Picnic shelter requests can be made over the phone or email. Please call the Facility Booking Team at 519-837-5678.
Contact information
Facility booking concerns
All facility booking concerns can be emailed to [email protected] or call 519-837-5678.
Non-emergency maintenance concerns and issues
All park maintenance concerns can be emailed directly to [email protected] or call 519-837-5626.
Parks emergency contact number
- Call for urgent issues in parks and outdoor facilities that require immediate action at 519-837-5678.
- Please have your permit number ready and be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the problem to the operator and a contact number for a return call.
Booking information
Riverside Park Small Picnic Shelter (Green roof, 35’):
- 16 picnic tables including 1 accessible
- Located closest to Evergreen Seniors Community Centre
- Access to water, electricity (15amp), charcoal barbecue, garbage cans
Riverside Park Large Picnic Shelter (Red roof, 60’):
- 21 picnic tables including 1 accessible
- Located closest to the playground
- Access to water, electricity (15amp), charcoal barbecue, garbage cans
Guelph Lake Sports-field Large Picnic Shelter (Red roof):
- 12 picnic tables
- Located closest to washrooms, in between the soccer and ball diamonds
- Please note that Guelph Lake Picnic Shelter availability may be limited due to close proximity to sports fields
Schedule of dates
Please note that the below dates are subject to change and a minimum of 72 hours is required for processing new or additional booking requests. Picnic shelter requests are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Please note: South End Community Park Picnic Shelter will not be available to book this season due to South End Community Centre construction.
- Wednesday, February 21: Picnic shelter applications accepted
- Wednesday, May 1: First day of picnic shelter bookings (water and electricity available)
- Monday, October 14: Last day of picnic shelter bookings (water and electricity shut off for Fall)
Fees
Please note that the below fees are based on the 2024 rates and fees (resident -Guelph address rate). Additional rates and fees may apply depending on the details around your request.
Small picnic shelters (Riverside Park)
- ½ day (lunch) (8 a.m.-2 p.m.): $82.23 + HST
- ½ day (dinner) (2:30 p.m.-dusk): $82.23 + HST
- Full day: $129.52 + HST
Large picnic shelters (Riverside Park and Guelph Lake)
- ½ day (lunch) (8 a.m.-2 p.m.): $109.50 + HST
- ½ day (dinner) (2:30 p.m.-dusk): $109.50 + HST
- Full day: $165.83 + HST
Reservation specific information
Barbecues and cooking equipment
- There is a charcoal barbecue at each shelter. Customers must supply their own charcoal.
- Barbecues (charcoal or propane) must not be placed under trees, tents, canopies or picnic shelters. They must also be located away from combustibles.
- Anyone using barbecues are required to have a multipurpose, class ABC extinguisher with a minimum of 2A10BC rating in close proximity during use.
- Propane Barbecue Usage: A soap test must be conducted around all connections prior to igniting a propane barbecue.
- For more information on propane-fueled equipment, flammable or combustible liquids, please contact the Guelph Fire Department at 519-763-8111.
Electrical equipment
- Hydro (standard outlet, 15 amp service) is available between May 1, 2024 and Thanksgiving.
- Simple plug and play devices (coffee pots, kettles, radios – see sound amplification guidelines) are permitted at the picnic shelters, however they must be either CSA or ULC approved, including extension cords. Equipment being used outdoors should be rated for outdoor use.
Sound amplification
- Amplified sounds need special permission at the Riverside Park picnic shelters due to their proximity to the enabling garden.
- Radio or music volume should be kept low as to not disturb other park users.
Inflatables and amusement rides
- Inflatables, bouncy castles, or amusement rides are not permitted at the picnic shelters.
Public events
- If you are hosting a community or public event, please complete the special event application form located at the Special Events web page.
- For an event attended by the public or an event where you do not know each attendee, you are required to contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health at the Public Health web page at least 60 days prior to your event if you are serving food at a public event. This does not apply to private events where it will be attended by your invited guests only.
- A hand washing station must be placed in close proximity when cooking or barbecuing food for public consumption.
Cancellation policy
- Refunds are given to users that provide written notice at least 15 calendar days advance of the reserved date.
- Refunds will not be given for rain or inclement weather.
Rental contract
You must have a copy of your facility contract with you on the day of your booking. It will clearly outline when you are permitted to be on site. Rental of the picnic shelters include the use of the shelter and immediate area only.
Contact information
Facility booking concerns
All facility booking concerns can be emailed to [email protected] or call 519-837-5678.
Non-emergency maintenance concerns and issues
All park maintenance concerns can be emailed directly to [email protected] or call 519-837-5626.