Recreation permits and fees
You will need a permit to reserve the the Borough's parks and recreational facilities for sport activities, picnics, events, and photography sessions.
Need to know
Review the permit fee schedule to see how the fees listed below are applied to individuals, groups and organizations.
How to apply for a permit
- Contact Kathy Gerndt to ask if a specific park or facility is available
- If there is availability, Kathy will confirm the fees and send you an application form. She will also confirm if you need to provide proof of insurance.
- Email Kathy the application form and any required documents.
- You will receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. Kathy will notify you if we need more time to review your application.
Fees
Fields - general use
The fields are available for up to 2 hours, for sport activities, like baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball and kickball.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups |
| $30 | $30 | $40 | $60 |
Fields - seasonal and special interest
A monthly permit is required to use the fields up to 3 times per week.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups |
| N/A | $250 | $350 | $500 |
Fields - tournaments
Groups should email KGerndt@SomervilleNJ.org to ask about using the fields for tournaments
| Somerville residents | County agencies and non-profits | Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups | |
| Daily - per field | N/A | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Additional field | N/A | $60 | $70 | $80 |
Fields - lights
We charge an additional daily fee for lighting at each field.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups |
| $30 | $30 | $30 | $30 |
Courts - pickleball and tennis
Groups may request a permit to use the pickleball and tennis courts for up to 2 hours. Individuals, including residents, may not reserve the courts for personal use.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups |
| N/A | $100 | $150 | $200 |
Private events
You may host a party or picnic at one of our beautiful parks. We have open picnic areas and covered pavilions with picnic tables. These fees are for a 2-hour period.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups | |
| Up to 30 people | $30 | $40 | $50 | $60 |
| 31 to 50 people | $50 | $60 | $75 | $100 |
Special events
The parks are available for larger events, usually hosted by organizations. Special events may require approval from the Borough Council.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups | |
| 51 to 100 people | $125 | $150 | $200 | $250 |
| 101 to 300 people | $200 | $250 | $300 | $350 |
Ellsworth Van Fleet Gardens and Gazebo
Photography: You may reserve the gazebo, for your outdoor photos, for up to 1 hour.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups |
| $25 | N/A | N/A | $50 |
Events: The gazebo is a perfect spot for smaller gatherings, like birthday parties and weddings. These fees are for a 2-hour period.
| Somerville residents |
County agencies and non-profits |
Other non-profits | Non-residents and for-profit groups | |
| Up to 10 people | $50 | N/A | N/A | $100 |
| 11 to 30 people | $75 | N/A | N/A | $150 |
How are fees used?
Fees help offset the larger costs incurred for the maintenance and preparation of the fields, including: aeration, mowing, topdressing, re-seeding, irrigation, dragging infields and lining fields.
Additional maintenance includes: trash collection, recycling and maintenance of bleachers, fence backstops, goalposts and bathrooms.