The heritage oak tree at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site provides a lovely backdrop for weddings and other events.
NPS Photo
About the Great Meadow and Heritage Oak
This venue may not have coverage for the elements, but it can be perfect for large gatherings such as weddings, reunions, and company events. It is close to East 5th Street, where street parking is available.
Due to the size of this meadow, we ask that you provide a plan of use for the area prior to a permit being issued. Also, the nearest restroom is the Visitor Center and only during hours of operation.
Venue-Specific Information
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, just north of 1115 East Fifth St., Vancouver, WA 98661.
This area can accommodate events with up to 300 attendees.
The venue is open ground and not wheelchair accessible. The nearest accessible restrooms are located at Pearson Air Museum (open Tuesdays through Saturdays) and the Visitor Center.
Approximately 3-5 picnic tables are located in the area. Electricity is not available. As a large, open area, it is available on an as-is basis; no additional equipment is provided. A children’s play structure is located directly south of the Visitor Center and Visitor Center Annex.
Street parking is available along East Fifth Street. Street parking is also available to the public and cannot be guaranteed. During business hours, parking is also available at the Visitor Center and Fort Vancouver parking lots.
To apply for a permit to reserve the Great Meadow and Heritage Oak Tree area for your event, please complete an application form and return it to the park along with a $100 application fee (see below). Learn more about obtaining an application form here.
Application Fee
A $100 application processing fee is due with the application. This fee is non-refundable and may be paid by credit card, cashier's check, or check (made payable to National Park Service) only.
Recovery Fees
Reservation fee during regular park hours: first 2 hours included with $100 application fee, $25 for each additional hour.
Reservation fee during park non-operational hours and holidays: first hour included with $100 application fee, $50 per hour for each additional hour.
Management Costs
Management costs are incurred by the park through expanding park hours of operation, monitoring, supporting, cleaning up, or restoring a resource after event use. They are recovered at a rate of $50/hour per employee per hour.
General Guidelines
Your Special Use Permit does not grant exclusive access to the grounds surrounding the Great Meadow, including the playground, the Pearson Air Museum parking lot, and public parking areas on East 5th Street. For increased privacy, it recommended that you schedule your event early or after hours.
Due to the archaeological significance of the site, ground disturbance, including staking, is not allowed.
The releasing of balloons, doves or butterflies and throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or other natural or artificial material is prohibited.
Due to the natural terrain of the area, set-ups such as chairs, carpet runners, arches, trellises, podiums, organs/pianos, loud music instruments or related items are not allowed. Certain flowers are permitted as long as they arrive and depart with the permittee. Please indicate on the application.
Torches, fires, grilling, cooking, and other sources of open flame are prohibited.
Balloons are prohibited.
Music, both amplified and non-amplified (acoustic), may be permitted upon request and must be managed at a level not to exceed 85 dB measured at the perimeter of the event.
Freestanding directional signs related to the event are permitted and are to be removed immediately by the event. Affixing directional signage to government property is prohibited. Any posted signs will be removed. Please coordinate with park staff on the placement of event signs.
Inflatable play structures, including but not limited to bounce houses and slides, are prohibited.
Vehicles, including, but not limited to, horse-drawn and electric carts are prohibited outside of paved roadways.
The sale of all merchandise, including, but not limited, to T-shirts, clothing, and arts and crafts, and vending of food/beverages on parkland is prohibited.
Fundraising or requests for donations are prohibited
Serving and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
No gum, Jellybeans, or gummy types of candy, e.g. gummy bears, Swedish Fish, licorice, or any other type of product that would stick to the floor, walls, or furnishings in a building.
Before and immediately following the event, a National Park Service and permitted representative will complete a Facility and Equipment Checklist indicating the condition of the Bandstand.
Nailing, taping, hanging of items or hammocks are prohibited. All decorations and trash must be removed from the park within the permitted time period. If park staff must clean up or repair damage upon your departure, the permittee will be billed additional fees.
Additional documents may be required, including a Certificate of Insurance, a performance bond, and a permit from the City of Vancouver. The National Park Service staff member facilitating your request will discuss these with you as necessary, depending on the size, scope, and type of activity proposed.
Contact Information
Mailing address: 800 Hatheway Road Building 722, Vancouver, WA 98661 Email:Office of Special Park Use Phone: (360) 816-6241
Apply For a Permit
Learn more about the application process for permitted events at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
