Park Reservations

John Ball Park Reservations

Thank you for your interest in reserving a picnic area in John Ball Park. We will begin taking online park reservations beginning February 17th, 2015.

More information about the different park spaces can be found below. Park reservations can be made from May 1^st, 2015 through October 15^th, 2015. Dates highlighted in blue are those with availability. All reservations must be made at least two weeks ahead of your desired date.

Choose a date from the calendar below to see availability. 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 an unavailable space or the date you have requested is less than two weeks away. All reservations can start as early as 9:00am but please specify the start and end time details for your event/reservation during the online reservation process.

Please note, reservations for Picnic Acre require a park event permit to be completed, so online sales are not possible. If you are interested in this area, please inquire about availability at parkrentals@jbzoo.org. or call 616-336-4301 Ext 4003.

Rules and Regulations:

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the John Ball Zoo or Park without prior approval.
No animal rides are allowed.
The sale of merchandise or operation of merchandise or food concessions must be reviewed and approved by the CEO or his/her designee. This includes dunk tanks.
Inflatable equipment (space walks, bounce houses, slides, etc.) are not permitted withour prior approval.
No gambling or gambling devices are allowed.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the Park.
No hunting or trapping.
No disruptive behavior or drunkenness.
No posting of signs unless prior approval.
Fires are only permitted in grills for cooking.
Parking in designated spaces only. NO PARKING along roads or on grass.
Renter must possess a copy of the reservation confirmation and liability insurance (if applicable) at the event for which the permit is being issued.

Select :

March 2015

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: $125

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.
• Fees: Monday - Thursday....$330.00 Friday - Sunday....$450.00

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 pavilion
• Parking and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
• Rental Fee: Monday – Thursday: $330.00; Friday – Sunday: $450.00

4 - Picnic Acre (permit and approval required)

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 Park Permit application and approval prior to reserving this site. Please email parkrentals@jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4301 ex. 4003 for application.
• Rental Fee: Monday – Thursday: $450.00; Friday – Sunday: $600.00

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: $125

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: $125

7 - Valley View East