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Facility Use Fees effective March 10, 2008

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Athletic

Banquet &
Weddings

Civic Auditorium

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& Barbecue

Louden Nelson Center

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Banquet & Wedding Facilities

City Hall Courtyard

From an informal outdoor ceremony to a large banquet--the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department has a facility to meet your special needs. Choose anything from a lovely courtyard to a full-service auditorium. Reserving is easy. Just select the facility that's right for you. Complete the application process and the space is yours for your special occasion. Choose from the following facilities.

Facilities
 
Harvey West Park Clubhouse & Scouthouse - Indoor Facility Application, Conditions of Use
326 Evergreen Street (152 seating capacity)
A rustic and comfortable setting for your wedding or banquet--the recently remodeled Clubhouse and Scouthouse offer combined seating indoors and out, a lovely deck area, a full kitchen, 4 barbecue pits, 2 wet bars, an indoor fireplace and private restrooms. Easy load-in and accessible parking help make the Clubhouse and Scouthouse a convenient as well as a scenic spot for your special occasion. Located within Harvey West Park, adjacent to children's play area and public swimming pool. Call 420-5270 for more information.

Civic Auditorium
307 Church Street (2000 house capacity)
The largest facility in Santa Cruz County and centrally located in downtown Santa Cruz, the Civic Auditorium offers a full-sized industrial kitchen, dressing rooms, box office, reserved parking and excellent service. The art-deco exterior and spacious interior make the Civic an excellent choice for your large banquet or party. To reserve the Civic Auditorium call 420-5240.

Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center Street
Dining Room (127 seated capacity) and Auditorium (235 seated capacity) The Center's sunny dining room or the lovely Spanish-style auditorium may be just what you need for your special party or banquet. The Center offers a full commercial kitchen, easy load-in, and accessible parking. Call 420-6177 for more information.

City Hall Courtyard - Special Event Application, Conditions of Use
809 Center Street (200 standing capacity)
Manicured gardens, lovely mission-style architecture and a convenient downtown location make the City Hall Courtyard a wonderful choice for your special ceremony or buffet reception. Call 420-5270 for details.
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Mission Plaza - Special Event Application, Sound Permit, Conditions of Use,
103 Emmett Street (3000 capacity)
This picturesque park near downtown Santa Cruz is a perfect setting for your wedding. A central fountain, shady and sunny areas, along with electrical power make Mission Plaza a wonderful place for your ceremony. Call 420-5270 for details.

Lighthouse Point Lawn Area - Special Event Application, Conditions of Use
701 West Cliff Drive (200 capacity)
Overlooking Steamer Lane and the gorgeous Monterey Bay, Lighthouse Point is a spectacular setting for your wedding or special ceremony. The lawn area adjacent to the Surfing Museum is available for booking. Call 420-5270 for details.

Cowell's Beach
Located on the west side of the municipal wharf, just in front of the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel, this area is suitable for a weddings, picnics, and private or corporate parties. Ideal for smaller gatherings ranging from 1-400 people. Portions of the beach are close to restrooms, parking, and electricity. Amplified sound is allowed with an additional permit. ($33 fee)

Main Beach
Located in front of Beach Street and to the east side of the municipal wharf, Main Beach is ideal for larger events such as corporate gatherings or sporting tournaments. Framed between the ocean and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this 1000 yard stretch of sand is suitable for events 6000+ in attendance. Portions of the beach are close to restrooms, parking, and electricity. Amplified sound is allowed with an additional permit. ($33 fee)

How To Reserve:

1. Select facility. Call the phone number listed to check availability.

2. Request an application packet or pick one up!

   For reservations at: Civic Auditorium
   Pick up applications at:
   307 Church Street
   Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   9am-5:30 pm, Monday-Friday, 420-5240

   For reservations at: Louden Nelson Center
   Pick up applications at:
   Louden Nelson Center
   301 Center Street
   Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   8am-10pm, Monday-Saturday
   9am-5pm, Sunday
   420-6177
   
   For reservations at: Harvey West Clubhouse & Scouthouse, Mission Plaza, City Hall Courtyard & Lighthouse Point Lawn Area
   Pick up applications at:
   Parks and Recreation Office
   323 Church Street
   Santa Cruz, CA 95060
   8am-5pm, Mon-Fri, 420-5270

   For reservations for: Cowell's Beach and Main Beach
   Call Jill Bates, 420-5430.
   
   

3. Complete and return application(s) with fees to the appropriate reservation office.
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Fees:

PDF of facility use fees effective March 10, 2008. Prices listed are for city residents. Non-city residents add $20 to fee total (except Louden Nelson Center and the Civic Auditorium). Special events requiring Conditions of Use pertaining to insurance, parking etc add $50 to fee total. Day rate is for 8 hours. An hourly rate of $20/hr. is charged for each hour in excess of 8 hours (except Louden Nelson Center and the Civic Auditorium). Additional alcohol permit and sound permit fees will be collected when applicable. Parking fees are not included in facility reservation fees; metered parking will be enforced.

1. Event to begin and end on time.

2. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public facilities and on Cowell's and Main beaches

3. Decorations subject to rules and regulations of each facility.

4. Set up and clean up are the responsibility of the permittee (except at the Civic Auditorium).

5. See application packet for specific information on the rules and regulations at the facility you are reserving.
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Policies:

1. Reservations (and requests for bounce house and sound permits) must be made a minimum of 5 working days in advance.

2. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early reservation is recommended.

3. Alcohol is permitted at the Civic Auditorium, Louden Nelson Community Center, Harvey West Club/Scout House and other reservable areas except beach areas. Alcohol permits are required. ABC permits are also required for sale of alcohol.

4. Sales of any kind must be approved by City Council. (Non-profit groups may submit a written request for permission for sales from the Director of Parks and Recreation.) The City requires a percentage of gross sales.

5. A 5% admission tax is required for all events charging admission and/or booth fees.

6. Policies regarding insurance, deposits and cancellations vary by facility. Please check the application packet for the facility you are reserving.

7. Bounce Houses are allowed only at DeLaveaga and Harvey West Parks. Permits are required and limited in number. A stand-alone non-refundable permit fee is $40; with a picnic site reservation the fee is discounted to $25. Certificate of insurance is required.

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