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Oxbow picnic reservations

Places and activities  ›  Places to go  ›  Oxbow Regional Park  ›  Oxbow picnic reservations

Enjoy your next company picnic or family gathering in a reservable picnic area at Oxbow Regional Park.

Thinking of having a gathering at Metro's Oxbow Regional Park? To find the perfect spot for your group, consider the following questions:

• How large is your group?
• Do you want a simple group of tables under the trees, an area with a canopy or a wooden shelter?
• Do you want to be able to drink alcohol? See policy below
• Will you have a caterer or amusement provider? See policy below

Take a look at the information below to see which areas fit your needs. Then choose some possible dates for your event and call Sue Lowe at 503-665-4995 option 0 or email susan.lowe@oregonmetro.gov to check availability.

Reservable picnic areas

Each reservable area includes shelter, tables, large barbecue, horseshoe pit, potable water, pit or flush toilets, parking area and turfed play area. Electricity is not available.

Vehicle fees

There is a vehicle fee of $5 per motorized vehicle and $7 per bus on all days. This fee is in addition to the reservation fees.

Area A – Alder Shelter

• parking adjacent to the shelter
• large turfed area for games
• trail leading down to the Sandy River
• playground within short walking distance
• 22' x 62' open air shelter with concrete floor
• up to 300 people; seating under shelter for 148 people
• $280 fee

Area B – Beaver Shelter

• playground within short walking distance
• large turfed area for games
• no direct river access
• 22' x 22' open air shelter with concrete floor up to 60 people; seating under shelter for 56
• $170 fee

Area C – Coho Shelter

• playground within short walking distance
• small turfed area for games
• no direct river access
• semi-secluded 22' x 38' open air shelter with concrete floor
• up to 150 people; seating under shelter for 96
• $215 fee

Area D – Dragonfly Shelter

• secluded picnic site with private access drive
• adjacent parking limited to 25 vehicles; additional parking nearby
• located just downstream from the boat ramp
• trail to the Sandy River
• small turfed area for games
• 24' x 40' open air shelter with concrete floor
• up to 100 people; seating under shelter for 64
• $260 fee

Area E – Eagle Shelter

• large turfed area for games
• no direct river access
• 24' x 40' open air shelter with concrete floor
• up to 100 people; seating under shelter for 64
• $260 fee

Weekday and off-season rentals

The prices listed above are for weekends between May 15 and Oct. 30. Non-holiday weekdays between May 15 and Oct. 30 are available at a 20 percent discount. All days from Nov. 1 through May 14 are available at 50 percent of full price.

Alcohol

Alcohol is allowed by permit only. For more information, call Sue Lowe at 503-665-4995 option 0 or email susan.lowe@oregonmetro.gov.

Catering and amusement providers

Have your picnic or event Oxbow Regional Park catered by an approved caterer or entertainment by an amusement provider (no personal inflatable equipment, dunk tanks, rock walls etc., allowed).

The reservation office has information available regarding special use permits, which may be required for dunk tanks, caterers, clowns or other special attractions. Other special arrangements must be approved by the Oxbow Park supervisor prior to the event date. In most cases, fees are not required for special use permits. However, a security deposit may apply depending on the type of event. Charcoal briquettes used in permanent park barbecue or wood ashes in fire pits should be left for disposal by park attendant.

Metro regional parks have a new policy for approved caterers and entertainment providers. Any caterer/amusement provider is welcome at Blue Lake or Oxbow with the required permit. The customer is responsible for ensuring payment and insurance requirements are submitted to Metro within the required timelines.

To obtain a permit, you are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance to Metro. This certificate must cover the following:

1. Insurance coverage shall be a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
2. Broad form comprehensive general liability insurance covering personal injury, property damage and bodily injury with automatic coverage for premises and operation and produce liability. The policy must be endorsed with contractual liability coverage. Metro, its elected officials, departments, employees and agents shall be named as an additional insured.
3. Vendor will be required to purchase and maintain $1,000,000 liquor liability insurance if vendor is serving and/or selling alcohol.
4. Automobile bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Metro, its elected officials, departments, employees and agents shall be named as an additional insured.

Fees are due when filing for this permit and will be paid on a flat rate basis depending on the amount of guests in your request. The fee schedule:

• Groups of 0 to125 guests pay $75
• Groups of 126 to 250 guests pay $125
• Groups of 250 or more guests pay $200

The caterer/amusement provider holding the permit is responsible for setup, cleanup and takedown of equipment. Garbage receptacles are provided in the park.

Permit and Certificate of Insurance must be received no less than seven days in advance of your event or the caterer/amusement provider will not be allowed to set up.

Your reservation will not be confirmed until Metro receives your signed permit, Certificate of Insurance and payment.

Customer is responsible for ensuring flat rate payment and insurance requirements are submitted in accordance with the timelines identified.

For more information or to obtain a permit, call Sue Lowe at 503-665-4995 option 0 or email susan.lowe@oregonmetro.gov.

Cleaning up after your event

Litter and garbage (including candy wrappers, cigarette butts, bottle caps, etc.) should be picked up and bagged or put into garbage cans at the end of the day. Sweeping or hosing of the shelter will not be required unless there are major accumulations of dirt or spilled liquids/foods. The permit holder will be charged for any damage to park facility rented or for any cleaning of litter, garbage or major accumulation of dirt or spilled liquids or foods.