As a result of having a big family or your child has a bevy of buddies, there is probably a long list of kids to invite to your child’s birthday party. Because your backyard may be too small, consider this: a local park shelter is a great spot to accommodate large crowd for your child’s celebration if you’re not throwing the shindig at one of the mid-state’s traditional birthday party places.
PARK PARTY PERKS!
First of all, a park party is great for active kids who love burning energy. Therefore, when the sugar rush kicks in from the cake and ice cream, it’s fantastic to have a wide-open space for kids to run around. Consequently, most shelters have enough surrounding space for inflatable bounce houses or other party rentals, although an additional permit is typically mandatory. Another park party perk — no mess at home!
See also: Entertainers Keep Birthday Smiles Coming
Since some parks also rent ball fields, keep that in mind for your activity portion of the birthday party. So plan on a rousing game of kickball, softball/baseball, Wiffle ball, tee-ball or other sport. Also, take advantage of the space around the pavilion for Frisbee or traditional backyard birthday party games. Pavilions come with picnic tables, which are perfect for setting up food and refreshments as well as space for presents. Make things easier on you by recruiting a couple of your best pals who’ll be happy to help pull it all together. So you’ll want/need extra hands to help lug coolers, food, paper goods and other necessities. Most of all, you’ll be grateful for the additional help when things wind down, you’re tired and it’s time to clean up! Local parks and recreation departments throughout Middle Tennessee rent pavilions/shelters as well as ball fields. Here’s the scoop, broken down by county.
DAVIDSON COUNTY
Metro Parks & Recreation
615-862-8400 | nashville.gov/parks
Picnic shelters are $60 for a full day, $30 for half. Percy Warner Park shelter rental is $50 for a half day/$100 full day. Furthermore, additional permits are necessary for sound systems and extras like staging and inflatables. You can also rent ball fields for two hours. They cost $40 during the day, $60 at night. Rates listed are for Davidson County residents. Non residents pay more.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department
615-890-5333 | murfreesborotn.gov/parks
There are several pavilions for rent. Cost is $40 – $50 for half day, $80 – $240 full day. Options at the Patterson Park Community Center include a dining room with kitchen, game room, gyms, racquetball courts and a theater. Rentals range from $4 – $150 depending on what you reserve. The McFadden Community Center has a community room, game room, gymnasium and two meeting rooms available for rent for $15 – $40 per hour. In addition, The Lions Club at Cannonsburgh Village is available for rent.
Wilderness Station 697 Veterans Pkwy., Murfreesboro
615-217-3017 | murfreesborotn.gov/parks
A retreat room is available for $15 – $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum for up to 75 people. Furthermore, birthday party programs for kids are $3 per child.
Smyrna Parks & Recreation Department
615-459-9773 | townofsmyrna.org
Smyrna boasts several pavilion rentals, and they cost $30 half day/$50 full day. The Assembly Hall, Hilltop-Rosenwald Community Center and the Train Depot are available for rent for $75 half day/$150 full day for 50 – 100 people.
La Vergne Parks & Recreation
615-793-3224 | lavergnetn.gov The Bicentennial Park pavilion is available to reserve at no charge. The Multi-Purpose Building is available for $150 per day for up to 200 people. In addition, the two Veterans Park pavilions are available for $50 each per day.
SUMNER COUNTY
Gallatin Parks & Recreation
615-451-5911 | gallatinleisureservices.com/parks
Most pavilions and shelters in the parks system are free to use for Sumner County residents — just reserve in advance! The new covered pavilion by the brand-new pool behind the Gallatin Civic Center is $50.
Hendersonville Parks 615-822-3898 | hendersonvilleparks.org
There are three parks with 11 shelters available to rent in four-hour blocks, and they include grills. Standard shelters are $25, and the large one is $75.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
City of Brentwood
615-371-0080 | brentwoodtn.gov
Pavilions, shelters and athletic courts/fields are available for rent at Granny White Park, River Park, Owl Creek Park, Crockett Park, and Deerwood Arboretum and Nature Center. There is a $50 refundable deposit. Additional rental fees apply to ball fields, multi-purpose fields, tennis and volleyball courts. Call Mike Sallee for fees at 615-371-0080.
City of Franklin
615-794-2103 | franklintn.gov/parks
Pavilions, shelters and athletic fields are available at Jim Warren Park, Aspen Grove Park, Pinkerton Park, Liberty Park and Fieldstone Park. Pavilions are $100 – $125 for day rental, and athletic fields are available on a day basis.
Williamson County Parks & Recreation
615-790-5719 | wcparksandrec.com
Operates more than 30 parks and facilities in Williamson County. To see all facilities, go to the website and click on “facilities and parks.” To make an inquiry, call the main number above.
WILSON COUNTY
Mt. Juliet Parks & Recreation
615-754-2552 | mtjuliet-tn.gov
There are four pavilions and a gazebo at Charlie Daniels Park that are available for rent year round. Cost is $40/four hours for up to 75 people.
City of Lebanon Recreation Department
615-443-2839 | lebanontn.org
Don Fox Park has four pavilions available in four-hour blocks. Cost is $30 – $38.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
615-443-2769 | tnstateparks.com
There are three picnic shelters/pavilions available for rent for up to 80 people. Costs are $40 – $50.
