Park Reservations

John Ball Park Reservations

Thank you for your interest in reserving one of the 7 different picnic areas in John Ball Park. We will begin taking park reservations online in February of 2014. If you are interested in discussing a reservation with us for 2014 before then, please call 616-336-4310.

More information about the different sites can be found below. Choose a date from the calendar below to see what is available. Dates highlighted in blue are those with availability. Reservations must be made at least two weeks ahead of your desired date. Reservations for Picnic Acre require a special event permit to be completed, so online sales are not possible but availability for the site can be seen.

Once you have found an available space you would like to reserve, please click the checkbox to the right of it and then click on Book Now to proceed with your reservation. "Ticket Sales Closed" indicates a space that is available but cannot be purchased online. All reservations can start as early as 10:00am but you can specify the start and end time details for your event/reservation during the online reservation process.

Select :

March 2014

Sorry, there are no tours available for this date. Please select another date.

Additional Information about each location

1 - Fulton View

• Picnic area is shaded by mature park trees
• Located near the open brick shelter, overlooking the duck pond
• Area seats 128 people (16 picnic tables)
• Two charcoal grills available for use
• Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
• There is NO electricity available at this site
• Rental Fee: $110

2 - Hilltop Pavilion

• Open-sided stone pavilion seats 120 people (15 picnic tables)
• Overlooks John Ball Park
• Access is on the park's south side off Butterworth Avenue just opposite the Kent Trails Bike Path
• Electricity included in reservation fee
• Drinking fountain with potable water available
• Single charcoal grill available for use
• Restrooms and playground are all within walking distance
• Located at the top of John Ball Zoological Garden. This open-sided stone pavilion covers 15 picnic tables.
• Fees: Monday - Thursday....$320.00 Friday - Sunday....$425.00

3 - Pond Pavilion

• Open brick shelter house overlooks a charming duck pond, home to a variety of waterfowl
• Pavilion seats 96 people (12 picnic tables)
• Electricity included in reservation fee
• Potable water available
• Restrooms located inside shelter
• Parking and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
• Rental Fee: Monday – Thursday: $320.00; Friday – Sunday: $425.00

4 - Picnic Acre

This picnic area is used for larger events in the park.
• 50 picnic tables available
• Large shade trees along edge of large open space available for event use
• Playground, restrooms building, and basketball court are nearby
• Accessible via paved pathway to Kent Trails
• Electricity included in reservation fee
• Potable water available
• Use of Picnic Acre requires a Special Event application prior to reserving this site. Please click here to fill out the pdf. Email or fax in your request to 616-336-3907, kkemp@jbzoo.org or call with questions, 616-336-4310.
• Rental Fee: Monday – Thursday: $320.00; Friday – Sunday: $530.00

5 - The Grove

• Shady area seats 96 people (12 picnic tables)
• Located just east of the LV Eberhard Zoo Administration Building
• Two charcoal grills available for use
• Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
• There is NO electricity available at this site
• Rental Fees: $110

6 - Valley View West

• Picnic area is shaded by mature park trees, and is adjacent to a large playground
• Area seats 80 people (10 picnic tables)
• Located between south parking lot and Valley St
• Single charcoal grill available for use
• Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
• There is NO electricity available at this site
• Rental Fee: $110

7 - Valley View East