If you would like to hold a special event or activity in the park, you need to apply for a special use permit. A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required at the time of the application.
Special Use Permits authorizes short-term activities that benefit an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. These permits are issued and approved only after National Park Service staff determines that the activity will not impair park values, resources, and visitor enjoyment.
Special Use Permits are required for special events such as weddings and other ceremonies, meetings, gatherings, First Amendment activities for groups over 25, and other activities that are otherwise controlled or prohibited.
Note: This is an application only and does not serve as permission to use of of the park. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for your application to be processed.
For additional information about Special Use Permits at George Washington Carver National Monument, contact the Special Park Use Coordinator at 417-325-4151.
Special events, public assemblies, meetings, and other activities considered non-traditional, i.e., not a customary park visit or not related to the legislatively mandated purpose of the park, and special park uses which require a Special Use Permit (SUP) are subject to certain restrictions. These restrictions are set forth in 36 CFR 1.6, 2.50, and 2.51, National Park Service Management Policies 2006, and other specific requirements imposed by the Superintendent.
Activities requiring a Special Use Permit, include, but are not limited to:
First amendment rights-related activities
Public meetings
Non-NPS special events
Weddings
Receptions
Training using park facilities
Religious services or assemblies
Organized vehicle displays
Walk-A-Thons or equivalent
Commemorative ceremonies
The National Park Service encourages park uses that draw meaning from their association with, and have a direct relationship to, park resources. Conversely, the National Park Service discourages uses not consistent with the preservation and/or protection of park resources, visitors, and/or values.
The National Park Service may permit a Special Park Use if the proposed activity will not:
Interfere with normal park usage
Constitute a consumptive form of use
Have undesirable impacts on park resources
Compromise the historic scene or landscape including historic buildings
Present a danger to public welfare and safety, including safety of the participants
The time, location, and conditions for such activities shall be regulated by permit to avoid:
Infringement upon the enjoyment and rights of other park visitors
Traffic congestion
Injury to non-participants and damage to park property
Disruption of normal park operations
Unwarranted risk to participants due to inadequate equipment, lack of qualifications or supervision, weather, or other factors
Reservations: We accept reservations for up to one year in advance.
Special Use Permit Fees: A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required to reserve a date on the park calendar and must be enclosed with your Special Use Permit Application Form. A cashiers check, money order, or personal check should be made payable to the National Park Service with your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number noted on your check. Application Fees are not refundable.
The National Park Service will charge a fee and recover costs for special park use permits unless prohibited by law or executive order, or when the proposed use is protected by the First Amendment or involves another right and not a privilege. If administration of an SUP requires the park to incur additional costs, the Permittee will be assessed those costs in addition to application fee. Additional charges may be incurred for administrative services, overtime, repairing/restoring/cleaning resources, security, or similar costs associated with the event. Any additional costs will be required to be paid at the time of the issuance of the Special Use Permit. The Permittee shall pay the United States for any damage resulting from this use which would not reasonably be inherent in the use which the Permittee is authorized to make of the land described in this permit. Such damages would be billed to the Permittee after the event.
Applications: Complete the Application for Special Use Permit (Form 10-930). Please review and sign the Terms & Conditions below and submit them with your permit application. These terms & conditions outline the specific requirements and restrictions of the permit. The permit application requires that you include either a tax ID number or social security number. This number is required by Federal Code 31 USC 7701c from a person or organization doing business with the Federal government and can be used to collect and/or report delinquent debt. Mail the completed application as well as the signed terms and conditions document and the application fee of $50.00 to: George Washington Carver National Monument, Attn: Special Park Uses Coordinator, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840. Applications must be received at least two weeks prior to your requested date.
Permits: If your application is approved, a Special Use Permit will be prepared and mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, please review, sign and return the permit along with any additional cost recovery fees to our office for the Superintendent’s signature. After the Superintendent signs the permit, a copy of the permit as well as the signed procedures and conditions packet will be forwarded to you. The approved, signed permit copy must be in your possession at the time of your event.
Terms & Conditions: To maintain park natural and cultural resources and quality visitor experiences the following restrictions and requirements apply to Special Use Permits:
The Federal Government, its agents and employees, cannot be held liable for claims for damages or suits for any injury or deaths from any cause occasioned by the Permittee’s occupancy and use of the land and facilities included within the permit.
This permit may not be transferred or assigned without the consent of the Superintendent, in writing.
The Permittee is prohibited from giving false information; to do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation [Re: 36 CFR 2.32(4)].
The area will remain open to the public.
If required, all liability insurance policies are to name the U.S. Government, National Park Service, George Washington Carver National Monument as a co-insured and shall specify that the insurance company shall have no right to subrogation against the United States and shall have no recourse against the Government for payment of any premium or assessment. A certificate of insurance indicating that the required insurance is in effect shall be provided by the Permittee to the Special Park Uses Coordinator prior to the commencement of any activities authorized under this permit.
No personal monetary gains will be derived from the use of special use permits. The sale or free distribution of food to the public or participants is prohibited unless approved in the permit and all U.S. Public Health Service Standards are met.
Those conducting and participating in events shall maintain good order and proper decorum. Public safety and general welfare will not be endangered.
Special care must be taken not to damage any historic object or structure or natural feature.
Permits are issued only for the use of approved areas and during the designated times as outlined in the permit.
Park areas will be left in the same condition as before the event. All litter, trash, and equipment will be removed from park property by the Permittee upon completion of the event.
Activities will be conducted to minimize conflict with other park uses.
The Permittee and participants will comply with any instructions from an official representative of the park.
All traffic direction and crowd control will be the responsibility of the National Park Service. Reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the National Park Service in relation to the event may be required if so determined by the Superintendent.
All emergency vehicles and operations will be under the direction of National Park Service staff.
The Permittee and participants will not disturb, adversely effect, alter, damage or remove any natural/cultural resources, archeological or historic artifacts. Digging, scraping, chiseling or defacing natural features is prohibited.
Structures, including tents and portable pavilions may not be erected.
All vehicles (including motorcycles) must be parked in designated parking areas. Carpooling is recommended; parking may be limited in some areas. Handicapped parking restrictions will be enforced.
Erecting of banners, signs, etc. is prohibited.
In respect of other park visitors, amplified music is prohibited. Acoustic music will be considered. Exceptions may be made for portable tape decks, CD players, etc., if discussed in advance with the Special Park Uses Coordinator. Standing speakers, disc jockeys, public address systems or any other type of amplified device is prohibited.
To protect park lands and wildlife, throwing or scattering of rice, bird seed, flowers (to include flower petals, fresh or dried), confetti, streamers or other similar materials is prohibited. The release of animals including birds, butterflies, or other living things is prohibited. In addition, the use of bubble machines is prohibited.
Helium balloons may not be released within the park nor is the Permittee allowed using helium balloons as adornments to any park sign, structure, natural or cultural resource.
Serving of alcohol or any type of bar service is prohibited as a condition of the Special Use Permit conditions.
Fires, candles, tiki torches, and charcoal grills are prohibited. Sterno or gas grills are allowed.
No kitchen facility is available for use.
In accordance with Department of the Interior security policies, no Internet access is available.
Violation of the terms and conditions of the permit may result in the immediate revocation of the permit.
Other stipulations may be added depending on the specific nature of your request.
First Amendment Activities at George Washington Carver NM
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service (NPS) still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent conflict among park visitors. Therefore, the NPS establishes guidelines for setting the time, place, and manner (number of participants, use of facilities and type of equipment) for the events to occur.
By law, the NPS has established places in parks where First Amendment activities can be accommodated. These areas are visible to the general visiting public without interfering with the public’s enjoyment of the park. While the NPS regulates aspects of the activity to protect park resources, it never regulates the content of the message.
The map below reflects the designated areas for First Amendment activities as a “developed” zone. The authorized First Amendment activities area consists of the from inside the front entrance gate, north to the starting edge of the woodlands zone, west to the starting edge of the parking lot entrance, and south to the starting edge of all Prairie Zones. This area includes all the old administration/housing area of the park but stops at the starting edge of all Prairie Zones.
The following areas of the park are closed to First Amendment activities:
All Cultural Zone Areas
All Prairie Zone Areas
All Woodland Areas
All Persimmon Grove Areas
The picnic area is included in the designated First Amendment activities area.
Special Use Permits are issued for First Amendment activities, but there are no fees or costs, and no insurance is required for the activities.
Groups of 25 or fewer people may demonstrate or distribute or sell printed matter in the designated First Amendment area without obtaining a permit. Small groups may still apply for a permit in order to guarantee the use of a particular area within the designated area.
All requests for similar activities are treated equally. As long as permit criteria and requirements are met, no group wishing to assemble lawfully will be discriminated against or denied the right of assembly.
Types of First Amendment Activities
Religious services or ceremonies
Press conference
Voter registration
Collecting signatures on petitions or voter initiatives
Public demonstration, picketing, assembly, or rally for expressing opinion and views
Sale or distribution of printed material related to free expression of opinion
Type of Activities that are NOT covered by the First Amendment
Church picnic or social gathering
Wedding ceremonies or receptions
Political fund raiser or other invitation-only political activity or event
Solicitation of donations
Community parades, athletics, or sporting events
Scattering of cremated human remains (“cremains”)
Many of the non-First Amendment activities can be accommodated through the Special Use permit system for which a fee may be charged. Liability insurance may be required. Contact the Park Special Use Coordinator for more information.
Locations: The areas available for public assemblies and the sale and distribution of printed materials have been identified above and can also be found in the Superintendent's Compendium in Section 2.51 and Section 2.52.
Applications: Application for Special Use Permit. Please review and sign the Terms & Conditions below before submitting the permit application as they outline the specific requirements and restrictions of the permit. Mail the completed application and signed Terms and Conditions to: George Washington Carver National Monument, Attn: Special Park Uses Coordinator, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840. The completed application should be received at least 10 business days prior to the date the permit is needed. There are no fees or charges associated with a First Amendment application or permit.
Permits: If your application is approved, a Special Use Permit will be prepared and mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, please review, sign, and return the permit to our office for the Superintendent’s signature. After the Superintendent signs the permit, a signed copy of the permit will be forwarded to you. The approved, signed permit copy must be in your possession at the time of the activity.
Terms & Conditions: To maintain park natural and cultural resources and quality visitor experiences the following criteria apply to Special Use Permits for First Amendment activities:
The activity must not conflict with any scheduled NPS function or program.
The United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, will in no way be held responsible in the event of any personal injury, and/or loss of, or damage to, personal property during, or occurring from, the use of this area.
First Amendment activities will be conducted in designated areas as specified in the George Washington Carver National Monument Superintendent’s Compendium.
Permits are issued for no longer than a 14-day period. A permit is renewable for like periods upon completion of another application, and provided no other application has been received and no prevailing park use has been identified for the area requested.
The NPS reserves the right to immediately revoke the permit at any time should this become necessary in the interest of public safety, public health, and general welfare.
The person or group will comply with any instructions from a designated official representative from George Washington Carver National Monument.
Erecting of banners, signs, etc. is prohibited.
To protect park lands and wildlife, throwing or scattering of rice, bird seed, flowers (to include flower petals, fresh or dried), confetti, streamers or other similar materials is prohibited. The release of animals including birds, butterflies, or other living things is prohibited. In addition, the use of bubble machines is prohibited.
Helium balloons may not be released within the park nor is the Permittee allowed to use helium balloons as adornments to any park sign, structure, natural or cultural resource.
Serving of alcohol or any type of bar service is prohibited.
Fires, candles, tiki torches, and charcoal grills are prohibited. Sterno or gas grills are allowed.
The area used by the Permittee will be left in the same condition as found and all litter placed in trash receptacles. Any NPS property damaged by, or as a result of the Permittee, will be replaced or repaired at the cost of the Permittee.
Structures, including tents and portable pavilions may not be erected.
No items may be attached to NPS property (fences, trees, trash receptacles, etc.). Banners and signs which are hand carried are allowed and must not pose a danger to anyone else in the area.
Electrical power will not be furnished, nor will generators be allowed.
Any portable public address system being used will be so adjusted as to accommodate only those people in the immediate area.
Participants are to avoid language which implies any official connections to the NPS and its activities.
Good order and proper decorum shall be maintained by the person or persons conducting and participating in the event and the person or persons will leave the area at the conclusion time stated on the permit. It is prohibited for anyone engaged in activities covered under the permit to obstruct or impede pedestrians or vehicles or harass park visitors or misrepresent their purposes. Permittee agrees to maintain public access in the area.
The Permittee must provide their own equipment, chairs, etc.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the permit will result in its immediate revocation.
Other stipulations may be added depending on the specific nature of your request.
