Rental Information

All organizations/leagues/groups are required to request use of a field/park or indoor center prior to use. Rental request forms and rules are listed under quick links on this page.  Parks, Gazebos and indoor spaces can also be rented for family gatherings, picnics and events. Interested in renting an area and not sure of the best location? Please call the office and talk with Dominic at 603-225-8690 or recreation@concordnh.gov

Fields should not be used when the ground is frozen, frosty, snow covered, very wet or if the grass is not activity growing. If in doubt call the office at 603-225-8690.

When does spring field maintenance begin?

Once the fields are dry and grass growing, our Parks Maintenance crews perform seasonal maintenance to help with the growth and sustainability of fields, ensuring a safe playing surface for our 45,000-plus residents. Until these steps occur, fields are not ready and will not be released for permitting. Historically, we permit fields for use from the third to the fourth week in April.  

This timeline is all weather and subsurface driven. Additionally, each field is different by location and subsurface. Some fields dry faster than others due to subsurface drainage and soil compaction; while other fields take longer to dry and reestablish following the winter freeze. Throughout all this, our infields and sand/clay surface also require time to properly drain and dry in preparation for the season. This too is subject to weather and subsurface temperatures.

Tennis and Pickleball Courts are not opened until the snow has melted and the frost has completely left the ground. The exact timing varies each year depending on weather conditions, but nets are typically installed on the tennis and pickleball courts in early April.

All our Athletic Fields close by early November to allow our Parks staff time to aerate and slice seed all fields before winter sets in.

Several of our outdoor courts around the city have lights that are turned on mid April each year and off early November and will be useable until 10 p.m. The following parks have lighted courts: 

Rollins Park: One basketball and one combo tennis/pickleball
White Park: One basketball court
Rolfe Park: One basketball court and six pickleball courts
Merrill Park: Three tennis courts (also lined for pickleball)
Keach Park: One basketball court and one soccer mini pitch

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

  • Please carry in and carry out your trash.
  • No overnight parking or camping allowed in parks.
  • All parks are closed 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Permits are required for any organized event or game on all courts, open areas and fields. We typically do not issue permits for events and field use more than four to five months in advance. However, for large tournaments and events we do request you submit rental paperwork as soon possible. Please review the scheduling priority information at the bottom of this page. 
  • The following parks have porta toilets from end of April to the end of October: Rollins, Martin, Memorial Field, Keach, Merrill, Beaver Meadow and Rolfe. White Park has a porta toilet year round as this park is used for outdoor ice skating and sledding. These porta toilets are intended to be used by regular park users. For events, groups may be required to provide their own porta toilets at their own expense.
  • Dog owners are require to "scoop the poop." Pick up and remove your dog waste. Dogs are also required to be on a leash. (Code of Ordinances 6-1 and 12-1)
  • No metal detecting in any city parks.
  • No alcohol allowed in parks without written approval and permits issued by the City of Concord. Approval process can take over 45 days and we do not issue alcohol permits if youth events are part of your request or if youth sports are scheduled in the park during the time of your event. No BYOB allowed at anytime. Please note several parks per their deed are not allowed to host alcohol events.
  • Renter/organizations are required to follow all local and state laws and supervise all participants.
  • If a rental is canceled within three weeks of the rental, there is no refund for rental fees paid unless it's a weather related issue. 
  • Please review the park rules handout under Quick Links for additional rules.
  • If your league, organization or family has rented an outdoor location and weather effects your rental, please contact us before or day of your rental as we will refund you if it's weather related.
  • If the city closes the parks and fields due to weather or poor conditions, we will contact the person who rented the area and they will need to contact their participants. If we cancel due to weather or poor field conditions we will not charge you for your time.
  • Please do not use any time of paint or spray chalk on any paved surfacing. Please use signs or regular sidewalk chalk.

You can also rent a gazebo, an area of a park for birthday parties, family picnics or even fitness classes. Our athletic fields host games from three local high schools, many youth baseball/softball/soccer/lacrosse leagues and numerous adult leagues. Several parks also host annual several road races and community special events. If a rental is canceled within three weeks of the rental there is no refund for rental expense. Please read the Park Rules under Quick Links on this page.

To reserve a Park or Athletic Field please email rentals@concordnh.gov. If you are unsure of which park best suites your event's needs, please feel free to call or set up a meeting with us. Depending upon the size and scope of your event, additional permits may be required by the Code Division (for example – food vendors, road closures, large tents, etc.).  We recommend requesting park use at least 60 days prior whenever possible. 

In addition to all rental paperwork filled out and signed, all organized groups and businesses (leagues, special events, meetings, fundraisers etc.)  will be required to show proof of liability insurance and submit a copy of their Insurance Certificate and name the City of Concord as additionally insured. Our park rental fees for groups and leagues are based on whether a group is Concord/Penacook group or a non-resident group/league. We use the business address that is listed on your certificate of insurance. We do not allow PO boxes to show if a group is based in Concord or not. Community Center rental rates are based on resident or non-resident status.

If you are planning a large event in one of our parks we also may require our staff to be onsite (fee), police detail (fee) and require you to bring in extra porta toilets (fee) etc.  Extra porta toilets are required for groups over 75 people-groups are required to provide one porta toilet per 75 people. If you are planning a new event to be located in a city park, we recommend talking with us five to six months before the date of the event. Events having food vendors or items to sell are required to get permits from the Code Division. This will allow time to confirm a location and any additional needed permits. Please review our special event planning outline: Event Planning 

All park rental requests that require city staff to work overtime will be charged a minimum of 3 hours of staff time. If the event/game is canceled due to weather within 7 days and the department is notified on or before the event date (via email to rentals@concordnh.gov) the OT fee will not be charged.  If canceled within 7 days and it is not weather related, 3 hours of OT will still be charged.

All new leagues or outdoor special events must submit their facility use request at least seven (7) months in advance. This advance notice allows sufficient time for staff to review the request and determine if space is available.

Please note that existing leagues and previously established events are given priority during the scheduling process. New leagues and events will be considered only after returning leagues and events have been accommodated.

Rental Rates for Community Centers, Parks and Fields

All rental rates are based on groups located in Concord or Penacook. Please note that city staff are unable to waive or reduce approved rental rates.

If your organization would like to request a fee waiver or reduction, please submit an email to the Parks and Recreation Director. Your request should include the reason for the reduction and all relevant event details (such as the requested date, time, and facility). Please note that the majority of our renters, especially within our parks, are nonprofit organizations serving the community.

The Director will first review the request to confirm that the facility is available for the requested date and time. The request will then be forwarded to the City Manager for consideration. If the City Manager does not approve the fee waiver or reduction, your organization may choose to submit a request for consideration by the City Council.

Please note that the review process may take up to three weeks, and possibly longer if the request must be reviewed by the City Council or a City Committee. When submitting your request, please clearly explain the reason for the fee reduction. The majority of our facility rentals are for nonprofit organizations, and fee waivers or reductions are typically not approved unless there is a very compelling reason.

Using a City Community Center

Community Center Rental forms, rules and rental rates are listed in the Quick Links section of this page. For additional information on the city's four centers, please follow this link:  Community Centers. 

Please note several of the centers require city staff to be onsite to open and supervise the buildings. Please request rentals at least 30 days prior to allow time to coordinate staff for the rental. When planning your event, please be aware your rental time needs to include time to set up as well as clean up after you are done.

To reserve space at the West Street Ward House or the Green Street Community Center please contact email John Dennett or call 603-225-8690.

To reserve space at the new City Wide Community Center or Merrimack Lodge please email rentals@concordnh.gov. 

  • We typically do not issue permits for community center use more than three months in advance. However, if you are looking to host a large workshop and indoor event we do request you submit rental paperwork as soon possible.   
  • Renter/organizations are required to follow all local and state laws and supervise all participants.

In addition to all rental paperwork filled out and signed, all organized groups and businesses (leagues, special events, meetings, fundraisers etc.)  will be required to show proof of liability insurance and submit a copy of their Insurance Certificate and name the City of Concord as additionally insured. Community Center rental rates are based on resident or nonresident status. We use the business address that is listed on your certificate of insurance. We do not allow PO boxes to show if a group is based in Concord or not.

If you are requesting a date for a center please submit the Rental Request Form, once a request form is received staff will get back to you within 3 business days. Please note we recommend placing a rental request at least 30 days in advance.

The scheduling priority of City of Concord Athletic Fields is as follows:

The Policy for the Cooperative Use of Facilities and Recreational Area between City of Concord and Concord School District states the following:

USE OF FACILITIES:

1. The property, buildings and non-expendable equipment of the School District shall be available for the use of the City Recreation Department when there is no conflict with regular school activities.

2. The property, buildings and non-expendable equipment of the City of Concord shall be available for the use of the School District when there is no conflict with regular Recreation Department activities.

3. Each agency will make a request in writing, email or by phone to the appropriate party for use of both indoor and outdoor facilities at least fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of the requested usage.

4. Facility maintenance will be carefully scheduled to avoid program conflicts. Non-routine maintenance involving removing a facility from service for more than a seven (7) day period will be coordinated by both agencies, giving a 60-day notice whenever possible.

5. School programs that are extracurricular or co-curricular will have priority in the use of school facilities. Reasonable notification to other scheduled groups is expected.

6. When the City of Concord or the Concord School District consider new programs, activities or events which will require use of the other’s fields or facilities, there will be reasonable notification and a review process to determine the availability and cost implications involved. Agreement on the allocation of fields and facilities and the incremental cost created will be reached before new programs, activities or events are scheduled.

7. The City of Concord and School District may charge user fees for adult programs.

 SCHEDULING:

1. Memorial Field: Due to the unique nature of the Memorial Field facility, the following specific conditions apply. During the school year, during school hours, the Memorial Field complex is scheduled exclusively for School District physical education activities. Recreation Department or other community requests during these times will be coordinated with the School District. Memorial field is also scheduled for School District athletic events and activities

2. Everett Arena: This facility is available for use by the School District, however, it is intentionally not made part of this policy. The fact it is funded through an enterprise account creates different parameters. The Everett Arena Advisory Committee makes recommendations on an annual basis regarding scheduling, finances and facility usage.

3. Beaver Meadow Golf Course: This facility is available for use by the School District, however, it is intentionally not made part of this policy. The fact it is funded through an enterprise account creates different parameters. The Beaver Meadow Golf Course Advisory Committee makes recommendations on an annual basis regarding scheduling, finances and facility usage.

4. Indoor Facilities: Each entity shall have priority in scheduling their activities at their facilities. Other users will be scheduled, when not in conflict, based on the following priorities:

• Concord School District Youth Programs
• Concord Recreation Programs
• Other Community Youth Programs
• Concord School District Adult Programs
• Other Community Adult Programs

5. Outdoor Facilities: Each entity shall have priority in scheduling their activities at their facilities. Other users will be scheduled, when not in conflict, based on the following priorities:

• Concord School District Youth Programs 
• Concord Recreation Programs
• Other Community Youth Programs
• Concord School District Adult Programs, and;
• Other Community Adult Programs

6. Other Considerations: Priority will be given to sports and activities conducted during traditionally established seasons on fields and gyms for which they were designed.

This process has been in place since 2001 and has been approved by the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, Concord City Council and the Concord School Board.

Quick Links