Park Information

As Salisbury’s most significant downtown green space, Bell Tower Green is the place where our community gathers to celebrate, connect, and engage.

This 3-acre park hosts multiple leisure and entertaining areas to accommodate virtually any type of activity or event. From play spaces to entertainment sections to lush green expanses, Bell Tower Green is the park for you!

Reservations

Park spaces may be reserved for events by completing a Request for Park Use application no later than 30 days before the preferred event date. For larger community events, it is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible, but no earlier than one year in advance of the preferred event date. To make a reservation, complete this application (PDF) and submit to our admin office at play@salisburync.gov or in person at 217 S. Main St. Salisbury NC, 28144.

Circle Lawn & Amphitheater

Circle Lawn & Amphitheater

CAPACITY: 4000 people

FEATURES: S. Church St. / W. Fisher St. / S. Jackson St. access, Electricity, USB Connections, Public Restrooms

The Circle Lawn & Amphitheater is the ideal atmosphere to host largescale music performances and plays, weddings and other community events.

 Promenade

Promenade

CAPACITY: 375 people

FEATURES: Electricity, USB Connections, Public Restrooms

The Promenade, bordering W. Innes St. is the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream cone or a quaint stroll down Innes St. This area is well suited for lunch parties, small receptions, and family gatherings.

 Bell Tower Garden & Gazebo

Bell Tower Garden & Gazebo

CAPACITY: 900 people

FEATURES: S. Jackson St. Access, Electricity, USB Connections, Public Restrooms, Accessible Lift

The Bell Tower Lawn and Gazebo offers an intimate space surrounded by greenery and trees with the Historic Bell Tower backdrop. This space is great for small performances, weddings, and garden parties.

 Playground, Mini-Amphitheater and Splash Pad

Playground, Mini-Amphitheater and Splash Pad

CAPACITY: 275 people

FEATURES: W. Fisher St. / S. Jackson St. Access, Electricity, Public Restrooms

The Natural Play area offers a variety of play features and attractions for young and old alike to explore. This area is adjacent to the small amphitheater at the rear of the water wall and the splash pad on the face of the water wall. The Natural Play area is perfect space for birthday parties.

 Garden Trellis

Garden Trellis

CAPACITY: 285 people

FEATURES: S. Church St. / W. Fisher St. Access, Electricity, Public Restrooms

The Garden Trellis along the southern edge of Bell Tower Green weaves through beautiful greenery and under magnificent arches. This space is perfect for small gatherings, art and vendor expos and much more.

 Entire Park

Entire Park

CAPACITY: 5000+ people

FEATURES: S. Church St. / W. Fisher St. / S. Jackson St. Access, Electricity, Public Restrooms

Enjoy all that Bell Tower Green has to offer with access to the Circle Green, Bell Tower Lawn, Amphitheater, Promenade, Playground, Splash Pad, and Garden Trellis. A BTG whole park rental is perfect for a community festival, concert, and other activities and allows the opportunity to create a private atmosphere for ticketed or invite-exclusive events such as company picnics and weddings.

Event Rental Process

Start your application today! Park spaces may be reserved for events by completing a Request for Park Use Application no later than 30 days before the preferred event date. For larger community events, it is recommended that applications be submitted as soon as possible, but no earlier than one year in advance of the preferred event date.

Event date and location requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The requested date will be held only after the Request for Park Use Application has been submitted with appropriate fee.

How it works

The applicant will receive a call from a Parks and Recreation representative within three working days to arrange an in-person meeting regarding your park use application. Depending on the type of event you or your organization are hosting, the process may vary. As we begin reviewing and processing your materials, we will be in contact with you to provide updates, recommendations, and/or requests for additional information. This process is a collaboration between several City departments and you or your organization may be contacted individually by these departments if they have specific questions or concerns about your event.

Depending on the request, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete. The earlier a request can be submitted the more time Parks and Recreation staff will have to work with you to provide feedback and meet your needs.

Signed application and a refundable damage deposit along with 100% of the total rental cost must be received by Salisbury Parks and Recreation at the time of the in person meeting. Dates cannot be reserved on the calendar without this payment and signed agreement.

Certificate of Insurance (if applicable) will be due no later than 2 weeks before the event date.

Following the event without incident, the damage deposit will be returned as a check by mail no later than two weeks after the event.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made with at least 14 days notice will forfeit 30% of the park rental fee. Damage Deposit will be refunded.

Cancellations made within 13 days notice will forfeit all rental fees but will be eligible for a refund of the damage deposit.

Application Submission

Request for Park Use Application can be printed online or picked up and submitted to:

Attention: Park Use Application
Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department
130 S. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144

All communication may be directed towards our Parks and Recreation Administration office at (704) 216-PLAY or play@salisburync.gov.

Pricing

Location Capacity County Rate County (Add. Per Hour) Non-County Rate Non-County (Add. Per Hour) Damage Deposit
Circle Lawn & Amphitheater & Promenade (5 hrs)4000$750$100$1000$200$300
Circle Lawn (3 hrs)4000$300$50$500$100$100
Promenade (3 hrs)375$200$50$350$100$100
Bell Tower Garden & Gazebo (5 hrs)900$300$50$500$100$100
Playground, Mini-Amphitheater and Splash Pad (2 hrs)275$100$25$200$50$50
Garden Trellis (3 hrs)285$300$50$500$100$100
Whole Park5000$4000$250$1000
Concert/Whole Spectator Event (8 hrs)$2000$150$500

Specials & Discounts

Non-Profit Organizations—with proof of tax-exempt status submitted with application, will receive a 50% space rental discount.

Monday through Friday Day Rates—rentals held Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am-5:00 pm will receive a 75% discount from the original space rental fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer any discounts?

We do! We offer a discount for non-profit organizations and week day/business hour reservations.

What do you do about rain?

For weddings and other events that cannot have alternate dates, SPRD can recommend several area companies for large tent rentals.

I'm looking to host a private event. Can the park be closed to the public?

Some, but not all, areas of the park may be closed to host a private event. It is important that certain park features remain open to public use, such as play structures and restrooms.

I saw something about insurance. What kind do I need?

Every event requires a Certificate of General Liability Insurance additionally covering the park in case of incident. We can help answer any questions about this process upon completing an application.

Do you help with marketing for my event?

Marketing for events is up to the event organizers.

What is your refund policy in case I need to cancel?

Cancellations made with at least 14 days notice will forfeit 30% of the park rental fee. Damage Depos-it will be refunded. Cancellations made within 13 days notice will forfeit all rental fees but will be eligible for a refund of the damage deposit.

Can I leave my set up overnight and/or host my event outside of park operating hours?

Any equipment dropped off early or remaining after an event incurs an additional fee and must be pre-approved by the Parks and Recreation staff. Security for equipment left overnight is the responsibility of the event organizer. Events can take place outside of normal park operating hours, and additional fees to cover off-hour staffing are incurred.

Do I need security for my event?

We recommend that any public community event ensures additional security will be present. SPRD requires any event with alcohol and/or a projected attendance of 250+ to have either off-duty police officers or other hired security present.

Are there any rules for performance or film content at my event?

Due to the proximity of child-centered spaces in the park, we require all musicians, comedians, and speakers to perform only clean sets. No screening of films are allowed by anyone other than the Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department. Decibel range must be compliant with both city ordinances and park policy, as measured by SPRD staff.

What is the policy for photo/video and media converage at the parks?

SPRD does have a flat fee for flexible photo/video shoots at the parks if any monetary exchange or benefit may be made with the use of images/footage. However, event rentals do not incur this additional fee for photography/videography for the duration of the event. Drones may only be operated by a licensed drone operator with the pre-approval from the SPRD director, and no drones may be flown around the Bell Tower or water wall. SPRD requests that administrative staff be made aware of on-site press and media companies covering events.

Do I need to go through any other process to make my event happen?

SPRD will do our best to assist you with all aspects of your park reservation, however, additional permitting may be required. ABC permits are required for the sale or giveaway of alcohol. Permits from the local fire department are required for tents larger than 200 sq. ft. Other permitting may be required depending on the scope of the event. SPRD must be given a copy of all permits prior to the start of the event.

Does the park have any other rules?

To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, SPRD does have general park rules, as well as event policies and regulations, which are included in the Request for Park Use Application. General Park rules may also be found on our main page, www.salisburync.gov/government/parks-and-recreation.