Athletic Field and Facility Rentals

City of Fort Walton Beach Recreation Facility Rental Policy

The City of Fort Walton Beach has recreation facilities and amenities that are rentable based on availability. Examples of such facilities include baseball, softball, and soccer fields as well as basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts. Facilities like the Fort Walton Landing, the Ferry Park Disc Golf Course, and the covered pavilions at various city parks can also be rented. A list of facilities available for rent can be found under Related Documents at the bottom of this page.

Reservations can be made at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center, 132 Jet Drive NW. Please contact Recreation Coordinator Wendy Riggs at 850-833-9582 for availability and rental permit.

Recreation Department programs and events are scheduled throughout the year and take precedence over individual facilities requests. A list of priorities can be found below. All final decisions are made at the discretion of the Recreation Director.

Statement of Priorities

The Fort Walton Beach Recreation Department has scheduled events and/or leagues throughout the year that take priority over regular facility rental requests. These priorities are listed below:

1. City of Fort Walton Beach organized Programs/Events

Includes all recreation and sports programs that register through the Recreation Department
City Events such as Concerts in the Park, 4th of July at the Landing, etc.

2. Programs/events by other groups or organizations that are co-created (created with the City of Fort Walton Beach)

Includes events such as the Billy Bowlegs Festival, Musical Echoes, Mayfest, etc.
Sports Programs such as Emerald Coast Social Sports

3. Travel Tournaments/Rentals that have been multi-year commitments

4. Okaloosa County School Programs

Field Rental Special Conditions:

The scheduling of rentals may be limited based upon the condition and the projected impact on the field turf or the impact on the neighborhood. Considerations may be made for other events in specific areas of the park or on specific fields. Field rental will not be confirmed until contract is signed, insurance is provided and payment is made.

FAQs

How do I reserve a field or facility?

Reservations can be made at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive NW. Please contact Recreation Coordinator Wendy Riggs at 850-833-9582 for facility availability and to make a reservation. If the field or facility is available, she will create a permit form that must be filled out completely and paid for in advance of rental. Permit requests must be submitted 30 days prior to an activity (exceptions may apply).

How much does it cost to rent a field or other facility?

At the bottom of this page under related documents you can find detailed descriptions and fee schedules for athletic fields and other park facilities available for rent from the City of Fort Walton Beach.

Rates to rental city park fields, courts, pavilions and other facilities can be found here.

Rates to rent fields at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex can be found here.

Who gets priority in securing and reserving an athletic facility?

The Fort Walton Beach Recreation Department has scheduled events and/or leagues throughout the year that take priority over regular facility rental requests. These priorities are listed below:

1. City of Fort Walton Beach organized Programs/Events

Includes all recreation and sports programs that register through the Recreation Department
City Events such as Concerts in the Park, 4^th of July at the Landing, etc.

2. Programs conducted by other groups or organizations that are co-established with the City of Fort Walton Beach

Includes events such as the Billy Bowlegs Festival, Musical Echoes, Mayfest, etc.
Sports Programs such as Emerald Coast Social Sports

3. Travel Tournaments/Rentals that have been multi-year commitments

4. Okaloosa County School Programs

Is a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) required?

The City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department requires all users of athletic facilities to provide Comprehensive Liability Insurance with $1,000,000 liability limits and naming the City of Fort Walton Beach, 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 as additionally insured.

Providing liability insurance is not required for programs operated by the Parks and Recreation Department or single-use athletic facility rentals by individuals not associated with a user group so long as the group does not exceed 15 individuals.

Accident insurance is required for all youth leagues utilizing athletic facilities. Accident insurance for adult leagues not sponsored or under the direction of the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department is also recommended for all players on the roster.

Is the facility lighting included in the fee?

Lighting is NOT included in the field or facility use permit, but may be available at an additional cost, depending on the facility. See Related Documents at the bottom of this page for a list of city facilities available for rent and the costs.

Why are some fields locked?

The City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department secures certain athletic fields to minimize wear and tear on the fields caused by excessive non-reserved use and play.

Are pets allowed on athletic fields?

Pets are NOT permitted on athletic fields and facilities. This includes the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, the Oakland Heights and City Hall athletic fields, and the city’s pickleball facilities at both Holmes Boulevard and Mooney Road.

Pets ARE allowed at most city parks, provided they are on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed unleashed in the fenced dog park located at Liza Jackson Park. Signs regarding pets are posted at park entrances. If you have a question about a specific park, please contact the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at 850-833-9576. Owners must clean up after their pets.

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