Special Events

Federal regulation allows for special events such as “public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events” to occur within the boundaries of Independence National Historical Park (Independence NHP) provided those events:

• Do not cause injury or damage to park resources; or

• Are not contrary to the purposes for which the natural, historic, development and special use zones were established; or do not unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones.

• Do not unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service; or

• Do not substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners or contractors; or

• Do not present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety; or

• Do not result in significant conflict with other existing uses.

A permit issued by the superintendent is required for these types of activities. Applications for a special use permit for a special event are accepted no more than one year in advance of the first set-up day of the proposed event. Applications are considered on a first-come, first served-basis.

Submission of as much detail about the proposed event as possible as early as possible will assist the park with timely processing. Examples of items to include to assist with processing:

• Chronological schedule of proposed events

• Comprehensive list of proposed equipment

• Schematics/drawings/maps of proposed infrastructure/stage/etc.

• Emergency response plans

• Crowd management plans

• Any proposed onsite, event-related food preparation and/or service

• A detailed request for any potential area closures

• Portable toilet placement plans

• Refuse removal plans

• Traffic/parking plans

• Any permits required/secured from other entities (i.e. City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia P.D./F.D.)

• Any proposed donor/sponsor recognition

Applications will be considered against all applicable authorities, laws, regulations, and policies to ensure the proposed activity is allowable within Independence NHP.

Applications must be signed and submitted with the appropriate non-refundable application and administrative fees to be considered complete and receive consideration.

Electronic submission of the completed application and application fee payment is preferred. Applications may be submitted to e-mail us.

Special events are subject to cost recovery authority (54 USC 103104), meaning the federal government may recover all costs associated with the acceptance, review, issuance (or denial), and onsite monitoring of a special use permit. Applications requiring extensive review may be subject to cost recovery beyond the application and administrative fees. Permitted events requiring onsite monitoring will be subject to cost recovery for the time the monitor spends assigned to the event. These costs will be billed at the actual hourly rate of the employee assigned.

Note: First Amendment and filming, still photography, and audio recording activities are NOT considered special events. Please click on the appropriate link to learn more about applying for these special parks use activities.

Questions?

• Special Park Uses Office
  via e-mail us
  Phone: [phone]