Van Cortlandt Park Rules

NO

  • Alcohol
  • Amplified sound 
  • Attaching anything to fences or trees 
  • Balloons/balloon arches 
  • Bounce houses or inflatables 
  • Cars/driving inside the park
  • Confetti or glitter 
  • DJ/DJ equipment/external speakers
  • Dogs off-leash
  • Firepits/bonfires/fireworks 
  • Generators
  • Glass bottles/containers 
  • Hookahs
  • Kiddie pools 
  • Motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters 
  • Propane or gas 
  • Piñatas
  • Performers/vendors (clowns, magicians, musicians, face painters, etc.)
  • Rented chairs, tables, etc. 
  • Selling anything on Parks property 
  • Smoking tobacco or marijuana
  • Ticketed events 
  • Trampolines

YES

  • Battery operated, small portable speakers 
  • BBQs in designated areas only
  • Blankets 
  • Dogs on leashes
  • One (1) picnic table per group
  • Picnics
  • Portable grills 20” or smaller (in designated BBQ areas)
  • Tents (10’ x 10’ or smaller – no stakes – 1 per group)
  • Take your trash with you
  • Respect Parks staff and other visitors

Park rules are consistent throughout NYC Parks and are meant to ensure that all visitors have a safe and pleasant experience. Failure to comply with NYC Parks rules may result in a summons and/or removal from the park. This list is not exhaustive. When in doubt, leave it out!

Permits 

  • Gatherings of 20+ require a permit.
  • Parties of 50+ require written permission from the Park Administrator.
  • Apply for a permit: nycgovparks.org/permits