FAQ's
I tried to submit my application, but the link isn’t working! Why is that?
A: If this is being asked before April, it is because the application is intentionally not working. We do not accept applications before the season has opened. If it is AFTER April, please contact the Pavilion Coordinator directly by email at nwprentals@manchesterct.gov
Can you reserve a date for me before I pay and submit an application?
A: No. There are about 100 residents who apply each year for the Pavilion and that doesn’t include the Town using the space as well for events. The only way to hold or reserve the Pavilion is by paying the full rental fee and completing the Application and Rules form.
I rented last year; do I have to fill out the application and rules again?
A: Yes. The rules and application process changes, so every year, you need to resubmit all of your information for new events.
I’m renting for our non-profit, why am I being charged the more expensive Resident/Non-Resident fee?
A: You need to contact the Main Office at 39 Lodge Dr in Manchester (860-647-3084) and check your non-profit status. You may need to resubmit paperwork.
I’m throwing a work picnic; can we bring some beers?
A: No. Your party will be immediately shut down if alcohol is present, and if it is unsafe, the local authorities will be called. If alcohol use is hidden, but the Pavilion coordinator finds evidence (beer bottles, empty drink containers, visually witness a member of your group drinking), you will also be penalized. Alcohol consumption at a Pavilion event leads to the immediate end of the party, a loss of deposit refund ($200), and a ban from using Manchester facilities.
Can I bring a DJ/Speakers?
A: That is fine as long as the volume is at a reasonable volume and you are playing appropriate music. Northwest Park is a Public Park with lots of children and families. If the town get’s a complaint about loud or inappropriate music, it will be shut down.
Can I bring a food truck?
A: Yes, if you want to rent a food truck for your event, you must make the Pavilion coordinator aware so they can direct you/them where to park.
FOOD TRUCKS CANNOT PARK NEXT TO THE PAVILION. EVER.
Food trucks will be parked in the Cul-de-sac closest to the Pavilion, and patrons of the party can walk to the food truck parked on the road.
Can I bring a bounce house/slip and slide?
A: No. The Town of Manchester will occasionally have events at Northwest Park, including at the Pavilion, where bounce houses are used. This is after proper approval from the Director of Parks and Recreation and insurance is provided. Slip and slides unfortunately can ruin the grass in front of the Pavilion, and the town hosts events in that area as well. There is no spigot for water outside.
Why can’t I use balloons/water balloons/confetti/party poppers?
A: Balloons and Water Balloons get left behind and when it’s hot in the summer, the rubber sears to the blacktop and concrete. The wildlife of the park, as well as the people who have to clean it, do not benefit for excess trash created by confetti, balloons, etc.
Is it okay if we end our party a little later then 8pm?
A: No. The park closes at 8pm every night. Your party should be cleaned up and your group should be ready to leave and be inspected by 8pm. The job of the Pavilion Coordinator is to lock all the doors and turn off the lights by 8pm. If you are not finished cleaning up, your focus is the bathrooms and kitchen so the Pavilion Coordinator can lock up and turn off the lights and leave. This could result in loss of deposit.
I reserved the 8am – 1pm timeslot, but I think our party might run a little late, can we do 8am – 3pm?
A: If there isn’t a party reserved during the 2pm – 8pm timeslot, yes! However, you will be charged another $XXX depending on your fee schedule (resident, non-resident, non-profit). If you do not want to be charged, the Pavilion Coordinator will need to lock up the bathrooms and kitchen by 1pm.
Last year for my event, I was allowed to do X, Y, Z. Why can’t I do that now?
A: There are a lot of changes to the rules and a lot of learning experiences for the Pavilion Coordinators every year. Some things that were allowed last year, or years prior, will not be allowed in the season of 2023. This isn’t to say you can’t ask the Pavilion coordinator or try inquire, but if the answer is “no” to something, there is a reason.
I don’t need the kitchen or bathrooms, do I still need to pay for the Pavilion?
A: It depends! If you want to reserve the pavilion space, under the roof with the tables, you will still need to pay the full fee. If you want to roll the dice and see if no one is using it and use the space yourself, you are welcome to! It is a public park, and the Pavilion area can be used by anyone! However, if an event has been rented and another group has paid for it, your party/event will need to IMMEDIATELY evacuate for the party that has paid for the space.
What do I have to do to get my $200 deposit refunded back to me?
A: Follow all the rules. The most common cause of loss of deposit isn’t damage to the Pavilion, but groups leaving trash. It is not the Town’s nor coordinator’s job to clean up after your event. The Town is responsible for making sure everything is clean and ready BEFORE your event. The second most common loss of deposit is use of Alcohol. If any alcohol is found being used by you or a member attending your event, you will lose all $200. The third most common loss of deposit is disrespecting/not listening to the Pavilion coordinator on duty. If they ask the group to clean up an area or ask them to wrap up, and it is met with anger or they are ignored, the deposit will be lost.
Please scroll back up for more information on the rental process, payment, and deposits