Picnic Shelter Reservations | City of Southfield

Plan the Party. We’ve Got the Park.

Planning a family reunion? Hosting a graduation party? In charge of this year’s church picnic or company outing?

Southfield’s picnic shelters are the perfect setting for large group gatherings all summer long. With five shelter locations across three beautiful parks, you’ll find the right space for everything from intimate birthday celebrations to 150-guest reunions.

Whether you’re reserving early on Reservation Day or booking later in the season, we’re here to help you secure your spot.

Child climbing on a large rock-style playground structure with slide attached, while adults supervise in a park setting.

Modern blue dome climbing structure on a playground with covered pavilion and trees in the background.

Child hanging from overhead ring climbers on a playground with rubberized safety surface and restroom building in the background.

Colorful playground featuring slides, climbing structures, landscaped areas, and wood chip surfacing in a park setting.

Picnic Shelter Reservation Opening Day

Saturday, March 14
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Southfield Pavilion

Picnic shelter reservations are available to Southfield residents and Business Leisure Card holders only.

How Opening Day Works
•   Please enter through the east doors of the Southfield Pavilion.
•   Doors will open at 8:00 AM for participants to begin lining up inside.
•   Staff will distribute numbered tickets as guests enter the building.
•   Reservations will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and will be processed in numerical order.
•   We do not recognize unofficial sign-in sheets posted by participants.

What to Bring
•   Valid photo ID
•   Payment method (payment in full is required at booking)
•   A few backup dates in case your preferred shelter or date is already reserved
•   Please come prepared — leaving the line to retrieve items may result in losing your place.

For additional information, contact the Parks & Recreation Information Desk at (248) 796-4620
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Southfield Picnic Shelter Reservation Day announcement for March 14, 2026, 8 AM–2 PM at the Southfield Pavilion, with families enjoying a picnic shelter in the background.

Children playing on a modern playground swing and zip-line style glider, with wood chip ground cover and trees in the background.

Picnic shelter surrounded by trees at Civic Center Park

Golfer teeing off at Evergreen Hills Golf Course with rolling greens, paved cart path, and trees showing early fall color.

Covered picnic shelter with picnic tables and permit-only signage, surrounded by trees.

How Reservations Work

Reservations for picnic shelters are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

Must be made in person by a Southfield resident or Business Leisure Card holder.
The permit holder must be present for the entire event and is responsible for any damages or repairs incurred during the rental period.
One permit per person, per day.

Important

All shelter rentals are final. No refunds will be issued.

Please review your dates carefully before booking.

Booking & Payment

Payment in full is required at time of booking.
Shelter rental hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Interior of a large wooden park pavilion with picnic tables and a central stone fireplace grill, overlooking an open grassy field.

Modern playground with rope climbing elements, slides, and shade structures on a rubberized safety surface under a blue sky.

Open grassy park field with volleyball net and covered shelter building in the background on a partly cloudy day.

Playground featuring green slide, climbing structures, and rubberized safety surfacing with open field and trees beyond.

Which Shelter Is Right for You?

From family reunions to summer birthday parties and company gatherings, our picnic shelters provide the perfect outdoor setting for your next celebration.

Each location offers different capacities and park features. Use the guide below to explore your options and find the shelter that fits your group size and event style.

👥 Smaller Gatherings (Up to 50 Guests)

Civic Center Park Shelter #2
Perfect for birthday parties, small reunions, and casual gatherings. Weekend rentals only.

View Shelter Details at Shelter #2 Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park Shelter #2, $100 per day, capacity 50 guests with 10 picnic tables. Weekend rentals only. Photos show the shelter near park ballfields and walking paths.

🎉 Medium-Sized Events (60–100 Guests)

Beech Woods Park Shelter #1
Civic Center Park Shelter #1
Great for graduation parties and larger family celebrations.

View Shelter Details at Shelter #1 Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park Shelter #1, $200 per day, capacity 100 guests with 15 picnic tables. Photos show the shelter located near the playground and Southfield Sports Arena.

View Shelter Details at Shelter #1 Beech Woods Park

Beech Woods Park Shelter #1, $150 per day, capacity 65 guests with 12 picnic tables. Photos show the shelter located in the north portion of the park.

🎈 Large Events (Up to 150 Guests)

Pebble Creek Park Shelter
Beech Woods Park Shelter #2
Ideal for reunions, company picnics, and larger community gatherings.

View Shelter Details at Shelter Pebble Creek Park

Pebble Creek Park Shelter, $275 per day, capacity 150 guests with 18 picnic tables. Photos show the shelter located northwest of the park near open green space.

View Shelter Details at Shelter #2 Beech Woods Park

Beech Woods Park Shelter #2, $400 per day, capacity 150 guests with 18 picnic tables. Photo shows a modern blue-roof shelter located next to the new playground.

Still unsure? Visit the park locations in advance or contact our office for assistance.

Parks & Recreation Information Desk (248) 796-4620
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tip: Consider proximity to playgrounds and restrooms when selecting your shelter, especially for events with young children.

Rental Policies & Additional Information

Please review the following policies before completing your reservation.

Important Reminder

All shelter rentals are final. No refunds will be issued.

Shelter reservations are held rain or shine. Weather conditions do not qualify for refunds or date changes.

Beech Woods Park Shelter #2 featuring a modern blue-roof design, situated beside a playground and scenic wooded area.

Event Changes

A $50 administrative fee applies to any change in event date.
All date changes must be made in person at the Parks & Recreation Office.
No changes may be made by phone or email.

Shelter Use Guidelines

The shelter is reserved exclusively for the permit holder’s group.
The surrounding park and its amenities remain open to the public.
The permit holder must have their shelter permit available during the event.
Shelter rental hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Decorations & Set-Up

No glitter or confetti.
No nails, staples, thumbtacks, or adhesives that damage surfaces.
No stakes or steel pins in the ground.
No pop-up tents or additional structures.
Signs and banners must be secured with string and removed at the conclusion of the event.
No driving or parking on grass areas.

Inflatables & Equipment

Inflatables (moonwalks, bounce houses, etc.) require a permit ($25 per item).
Proof of insurance naming the City of Southfield as additional insured (minimum $1 million coverage) is required.
Inflatables must be arranged through Park Services at least one week prior to the event.
No tents of any kind are permitted.

Vehicles & Parking

No vehicles are permitted past the gate at Pebble Creek Park.
All vehicles must remain in designated parking areas.
No driving on the grass.

Food & Cooking

No deep-frying permitted.
No grills may be placed on picnic tables.
No portable/additional grills at Beech Woods Park Shelter #2.
Alcohol is not permitted at any Southfield park.
Electricity is not available at picnic shelters.
Water is not available at picnic shelters.