Public Gatherings

Exercising your first amendment rights at Discovery Green

Discovery Green has long recognized freedom of speech, press, religion, and public assembly. However, certain activities associated with exercising these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect Discovery Green’s resources and the public’s legitimate use of the park’s resources.

First Amendment activities may require a Special Use Permit in advance of the activity and the park may regulate the time, place and manner of the activity in accordance with law.

The necessity of a permit to conduct First Amendment activities is determined by the group size, event location and special needs.

As defined by Park Rules, Public Gathering shall mean a Special Use involving the congregation of twenty (20) or more people within a Park Area or Park Facility during a specified time period that does not involve

(1) the sale or distribution of food, drink or merchandise;

(2) amplified music or entertainment;

(3) admission fees or other charges to attendees;

(4) sale or promotion of commercial products or services;

(5) exhibition of products or artwork; or

(6) performances for the primary purpose of entertaining an audience.

3.1.2 SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUIRED

A Special Use permit shall be required prior to any use of the Park, Park Area or a Park Facility for the purpose of conducting special events, fund raising activities, Public Gatherings, commercial promotions and uses, programs, meetings, or any other function which impacts open and free recreational use of the Park by the general public and/or requires the rights for temporary exclusive use.

Groups of twenty (20) or fewer people

• No permit is required.
• The gathering must take place at the Speakers Corner (see map below).
• If the group does not want to move to the Speakers Corner, they will require a permit, (see application below) or will be asked to leave.
• No amplified sound and/or video displays are allowed.
• Handing out of material is allowed if the material and the group is not directly soliciting donations.

Groups exceeding twenty (20) people

• A permit is required. (see application below)
• Please allow up to five (5) business days for the application to be approved.
• The Conservancy may suggest an alternate time or place if necessary due to Conservancy schedule or other pre-planned events.
• No amplified sound and/or video displays are allowed.
• Handing out of material is allowed if the material and the group is not directly soliciting donations.

Complete park rules