Our pavilion reservation service allows groups or individuals to reserve a picnic pavilion or picnic grove for family reunions, picnics, wedding receptions, etc. Picnic groves are a reserved area of the park provided with four picnic tables, a park grill, and trash receptacle (no shelter, drinking water, rest rooms or electricity) on a cement pad. Six such groves exist in Palmer Park and three in Riverside Park. The fee for pavilion reservations varies with size, residency, and location. Please note, reservations are not available from October 15 to April 15 of each year with the exception of the Warming House at Traxler Park, which is available to reserve year round if available. Reservations are made in person on a first-come basis beginning in early January for Janesville residents, and mid January for non-residents.

To reserve a pavilion, stop by the Parks and Recreation Divisions office (18 N. Jackson St.), or online at https://activenet.active.com/janesvilleleisure. Online reservations may be made beginning mid-January for both residents and non-residents.  Use the following link to download an electronic copy of the Park Pavilion/Picnic Grove Rental Form. This rental form lists the pavilions and picnic groves, as well as their approximate capacity and fee.

Pavilion pictures and general information.

Click for a map of Palmer Park amenities or use the following link for a map of Riverside Park amenities.

Visit the FAQ  page for some frequently asked questions regarding the Park pavilions rental procedure.

Beer/Wine Permit

Beer/Wine permits may be obtained by permit only in conjuction with a pavilion reservation.  These include: Palmer Park Hilltop pavilion, Riverside Park North pavilion, Riverside Park South pavilion, Traxler Park Lions pavillion and Traxler Park Warming House. A beer/wine permit must be completed and accompanied with a $50 fee. This must be done at least 5 days prior to the date of your rental event. Visit the following link to download the Beer/Wine Permit Application.

Bonfire Permit

Individuals are able to have a bonfire at the Palmer Park Hilltop bonfire area with a permit. You must apply for a permit and pay $12 at the Parks and Recreation Divisions Office. The Fire Department will review your request and inform you of their approval. Use the following link for the Bonfire Permit application.

Steps to host a wedding in a City park:

1. Visit or contact the Parks & Recreation Office at (608) 755-3030 to check on availability of the park.
2. Complete the Park Wedding Permit Form
3. Pay the wedding permit fee of $15 (no park benches) or $60, which includes 10 park benches (additional benches are $5 each). The permit fee for a wedding at the Blain Gilbertson Heritage Bridge is $40 with no benches or $85 with ten benches. 
4. Reserve a pavilion, if applicable (and available), for the wedding reception or gathering.
5. Approval of permit does not provide for your exclusive use of the park.

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