Permit Information

The agency's permit program authorizes uses on Park District land that provide a benefit to members of the community and protect public and natural resource values.

If you are considering one of the Miami County Parks for one of the below activities, you will need to apply for a permit. It is imperative that you plan early as our activity schedule fills up fast.  Please be aware the Miami County Park District is a tax-supported public body and that its primary obligation is to serve the general public at large. As a public body our responsibility is to place the welfare of the general public before that of any special interest group. Accordingly, decisions made regarding all applications and components thereof are based on this premise at the sole discretion of Miami County Park District. 

A permit is not valid until approved and issued by a Miami County Park District staff. Please read about permits below if you still have questions send an email to ProtectingNature@miamicountyparks.com or call our office at (937) 335-6273 to get this process started.

PERMITS MUST BE OBTAINED FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

Weddings

Small wedding ceremonies (maximum of 10 people) may be held at most Miami County Parks. See a full listing of the Parks by visiting the Parks tab. You may also hold a small reception or wedding ceremony in a reservable shelter (see shelter rules and regulations/permitting). Visit the Weddings page for more information on how to obtain a wedding permit.

Photography

Photographers must receive permission to shoot portrait and commercial photography or video productions in our facilities.

• Single Use Permit (good for 7 days) - $25
• Annual Permit (1 calendar year) - $100
• Daily Video - $50
• Not sure if you need a permit? View our Photography Policies.

If you determine that you need a permit please register and complete the Commercial Photography Permit Application.  If you have questions concerning photography permits, please email ProtectingNature@maimicountyparks.com or call our administration office at 937-335-6273. 

Photography Location Maps

The below aerial maps will show you areas that are restricted from off trail photography use due to sensitive plant material and/or delicate historical structures.

• Charleston Falls Preserve                              
• Garbry Big Woods Reserve
• Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area       
• Lost Creek Reserve
• Stillwater Prairie Reserve 

Special Event, Public Program, or Private Program

To conduct any of the following events you will need to apply for a permit and charges may apply:

• festival
• competition 
• ticked event
• community gathering
• meeting
• training
• outing with more than 50 people
• public class
• sporting event
• performance
• organized recreations competition (5k, etc.)

Please complete an activity/event application to find out if your event can be held in a Miami County Park District Park.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at protectingNature@miamicountyparks.com or call us at 937-335-6273 Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00. 

Geocaching

Geocaching is a great way to take gaming adventure outside. If you are interested in placing a geocache in a Miami County Park District Park please read the geocaching instructions and fill out an application.  

Research

Any individuals or entities wishing to conduct research or collection on properties owned and/or operated by the Miami County Park District, must complete a Research & Collecting Permit Application.  This application must be completed and submitted to the Park District Executive Director at least 14 days before any research or collection will commence.  Upon application approval, a letter, signed by the Executive Director, will be mailed to the applicant, detailing the approved research or collection and any usage restrictions.  As a requirement of the Miami County Park District research permit the applicant/permittee shall submit research progress/results to the Miami County Park District by January 31^st of the following year.  To conduct scientific research in any Miami County Parks please complete a research and collecting permit. 

Mushroom/Berry Picking

Mushroom and Berry Collecting Permit applications are available on the first business day of each year online, beginning at 8 a.m. No mail-in, email or voice message requests will be accepted.  Mushroom & Berry Permits are granted only to Miami County residents. Permits are available for Stillwater Prairie Reserve, Charleston Falls Preserve and Lost Creek Reserve and are limited to 30 Miami County residents per park, per year.  Only one permit per household allowed.

Please follow this link to complete the registration and application for a mushroom or berry permit: Mushroom and Berry Permit Application link. When registering/applying please be sure you are applying for the park you would like to mushroom or berry pick in!

More Information

For more information or to make a reservation please contact us at 937-335-6273 or send an email including information regarding your requested booking (activity, date, time, number of people, location). Permits are NOT valid until approved by a Miami County Park District staff.

Information Request

If you would like to request information from our Ranger and Safety division, please fill out this form and return to the Lost Creek Reserve Administration Office.

Your Feedback Is Important

In an effort to provide the best possible customer care, we would like to hear how you think we are doing. If you have a complaint, please use this form. You can return it by emailing it to ProtectingNature@miamicountyparks.com or you can mail or drop off the form to: Miami County Park District - Administration Office, 2645 E. St. Rt. 41, Troy, Ohio 45373. 

If you have a positive experience you would like to share, please email us at ProtectingNature@miamicountyparks.com or call 937-335-6273.  Thank you for helping us to serve you better!