FAQs

What are the reasons for denying Special Events Permits?: Permits for special events protected under the First and Fourteenth Amendments are subject to reasonable exercise of public control or limitation in the interest of public health, safety, morality, and welfare.

For all other permits, applications will be denied if the proposed activity disrupts traffic beyond practical solution; interferes with access to fire stations and fire hydrants; causes undue hardship to surrounding residences or businesses; requires the diversion of so many public employees that service is denied the public at large; endangers the public health, safety, or welfare; or the applicant fails to provide complete and accurate information or comply with the terms of the permit; is unlawful, or fails to comply with applicable legal requirements.

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Parks & Recreation - Park & Facility Reservations

1. Are boats allowed on Lake Tye?: No gas-powered motors of any size and no electric motors in excess of 1 ¾ HP, including model boats, are allowed on Lake Tye, unless otherwise approved by a special event permit. MMC.9.28.110.

Dogs are welcome in our parks; however, the following rules apply to ensure a great experience for all:

Dogs must be under control at all times by leash or verbal command
Dogs are not allowed in lakes, streams, playgrounds or athletic fields
Dog’s waste must be picked up and disposed of in trash receptacles. Dog waste bags are available at most parks and trailheads.

Wiggle Field is a designated area where your dog can freely run at-large with others but please observe Wiggly Field rules.

3. Are there guidelines and rules for a special event?: Yes, please refer to our special event application here for more information.

4. Are there rules the City of Monroe’s parks?: Yes please click here for a list of our rules.

5. Do I need insurance for a special event?: The city may require you to provide commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence with the city named as an additional insured on the policy for the duration of the special event. If insurance is required, you will have to provide the city with a certified copy of the policy naming the city as an additional insured.

6. How deep is Lake Tye?: The Lake Tye water level fluctuates by approximately 3 feet seasonally. A bathymetric survey was done on the south half of the lake in 2012. At that time, the lake at its deepest point was approximately 29 feet. Certified city staff consistently monitors water levels to ensure the proper functioning and environmental health of the lake.

7. How do I obtain a permit for my special event?: Submit a completed Special Event Application to the city for approval, 90 days in advance of the proposed event.

8. How do I rent a picnic shelter?: To guarantee a spot at a covered picnic shelter, you need to reserve them by visiting our online reservation system. You should be able to find everything you need here, including pricing, availability, and accommodations. If you need assistance navigating the system or have further questions, please contact the Parks Administrative Assistant, Makenna Ohlsen at 360-863-4559. If there is not a reservation at the facility, then it is first come first serve.

9. How much will a Special Event Permit cost overall?: This depends on the type of special event. All special events will require a non-refundable application fee and fees to provide special city services necessary for public health, safety, and welfare may be identified through the review process. For example, additional fees may be required to provide traffic control, emergency services, sanitation, etc.

10. Is camping available at any of the city parks?: No, however there are several different campgrounds in our area, including: Eagle Park RV Park, Flowing Lake, The Evergreen State Fairgrounds Campground and Thunderbird RV and Camping Resort.

12. What are the reasons for denying Special Events Permits?: Permits for special events protected under the First and Fourteenth Amendments are subject to reasonable exercise of public control or limitation in the interest of public health, safety, morality, and welfare.

For all other permits, applications will be denied if the proposed activity disrupts traffic beyond practical solution; interferes with access to fire stations and fire hydrants; causes undue hardship to surrounding residences or businesses; requires the diversion of so many public employees that service is denied the public at large; endangers the public health, safety, or welfare; or the applicant fails to provide complete and accurate information or comply with the terms of the permit; is unlawful, or fails to comply with applicable legal requirements.

13. What are the requirement for being able to fish at Lake Tye?: Although fishing is allowed year-round, you must have fishing license per the Fish & Wildlife guidelines.

14. What can I do if I feel my permit has been unfairly denied?: You may appeal to the City Council by filing written Notice of Intent to Appeal within three business days of notification of denial of permit.

15. What else should I consider as I apply for this permit?: Depending on the scope of your proposal, you may be required to make arrangements for notification to affected businesses, residence, sanitation facilities, barricades, electrical inspections (by the State Department of Labor and Industries), county health department inspections, first aid stations, traffic control, etc. City staff will assist you in identifying these needs. However, the applicant has sole responsibility for obtaining required permits and complying with the city's special events ordinance.

16. What is a special event?: A special event is defined as any kind of activity that is out of the norm for activities typically occurring in the area where the event is proposed to take place, or an activity that may impact public places, areas, or facilities. Events involving 100 people or more at Lake Tye Park and Sky River Park, 50 people or more at Lewis Street Park and Al Borlin Park, and 30 people or more at Traveler’s Park and neighborhood parks require a Special Event Permit.

17. What is the Distance of the cement walking/run loop around Lake Tye?: One lap is equal to 1.63 miles. 2 laps around the loop is equal to the distance of a 5k.

18. What is the Distance of the parameter cement walking/run loop around Skykomish River Park?: One lap is equal to .75 miles.

19. When do I pay the fees?: All fees are to be paid prior to the issuance of the permit unless otherwise provided in the conditions for approval. A performance deposit, based on estimated costs, may be required.

You need to apply for a special event permit:

To assure that an activity meets legal requirements of the use of public rights of way
To enable the city to ensure that adequate services such as public safety, traffic control, and sanitation are scheduled
To alert the city to any unusual event that should be known to the providers of the emergency services

21. Why is the mesh fencing at Wiggly Park removed each year?: The mesh fencing is removed each year between the months of October – April due to annual flooding. This particular fence was designed to withstand the damage of annual floods.

22. Who is responsible for the Lewis Street Boat Launch?: Lewis Street Boat Launch is owned and maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.