Rentable Facilities

Community Centers are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

All centers are closed on Sundays.

Below is the schedule of user fees for reserving a Community Center for a function or special event:

1. Events held at a Community Center from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, cost $25.00 per hour.

2. The renter’s hourly reservation must include time for event setup and takedown.

3. A $75.00 refundable cleanup deposit is required for all events. This deposit must be paid and submitted with the Reservation Agreement prior to the event date. For the reservation to be complete, all forms must be signed by both the renter and a center employee.

4. Events that exceed the reserved time will incur an additional charge of $25.00 per hour. This fee will be deducted from the renter’s cleanup deposit.

5. Renters will receive an original receipt and a copy of the signed rental reservation reflecting full payment of all fees. If the renter does not receive an original receipt or a signed rental reservation agreement, they should contact the Administrative Office at 318-329-3394 or the Director of Community Centers at 318-539-8093.

6. Employees are prohibited from accepting anything of economic value (including money, favors, or gifts), soliciting organizations or patrons for money, or accepting tips, as outlined in the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. Violations of this policy will result in the termination of the employee.

Note: Rental fees may be negotiated for long-term or recurring events.

1. All tables and chairs must be taken down and put back in the designated areas as agreed upon between the center supervisor and organization/patron.
2. Trash must be removed from the kitchen, restrooms and reserved area.
3. Garbage in trash cans must be dumped in the exterior green City of Monroe garbage containers located outside of the facility. All electronic equipment, microphones, chairs, tables, piano, and portable stage must be taken down and returned to the designated area or as instructed by the center supervisor.
4. Stoves, countertops, microwaves, refrigerators, and sinks must be cleaned.
5. Restrooms, kitchen, and reserved facility area(s) are to be mopped and left cleaned.
6. Patrons are not allowed to cook at Community Centers. However, they may warm food they have brought to the facility. Any violation of this policy could result in automatic termination of original contract and forfeit of cleanup deposit.
7. Center employees are not obligated to set-up events for an organization or patron. The organization/patron is required to set-up events on his/her own time as specified by the center supervisor.
8. Guests of patrons are to remain in the reserved area.
9. Grease is not to be poured down sinks, drains, or restroom commodes. Failure to follow this rule will result in termination of original contract and forfeit of cleanup deposit.
10. After the event, the patron and an employee will conduct a walk-through to inspect the facility for cleanliness.

When planning an event to be held in the City of Monroe, you must contact the proper officials and obtain necessary permits, rental information and learn the rules and regulations concerning the use of specific sites. The following are general guidelines that will give you the information you need to plan a successful event.

1. You must contact the person responsible for rental reservations for the area you plan to use. Here are some general numbers. Specific contacts are listed below.

2. You must contact the Monroe Police Dept. to obtain the necessary permits that may be required for assembly and traffic control.

3. You must contact Taxation & Revenue Dept. for all necessary permits and an occupational license(s).

4. For alcohol or beer sales that may be allowed, you must contact the Alcohol & Beverage Control Board (ABC) for a special permit. You will also need a letter from the City of Monroe Legal Dept. to get a temporary permit from the ABC Board. Certain facilities may reserve the right to sell all concessions including alcohol. Start as early as possible.

5. Restroom Facilities

Unless permanent restrooms are on site and determined adequate to serve the expected attendance, you will be required to rent portable units. Companies that provide this service are listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book.

6. Litter Cleanup

Arrangements must be made for litter cleanup. How this is accomplished will be determined by the agency controlling the site/property that is being used for the event.

7. Utilities

You must meet on-site with the agency personnel in charge of the area to determine if utilities available are sufficient to satisfy the needs of the event and/or necessary actions if additional services are needed.

8. Food

If concessions are being sold, you must make sure that all required permits, licenses and insurance is obtained by the vendors. (Health permits, occupational license ($1,000,000 insurance, etc.)

9. Insurance

All special events are required to have a minimum of one million dollars liability insurance coverage and should list the City of Monroe as additional insured. Civic Center special events personnel are available to discuss event requirements such as technical needs, sound and lighting, stages, ticketing and merchandising for all special event venues. The following contacts are provided to assist you in a variety of ways, including technical aspects, marketing and advertising.

Community Affairs Department

Centers & Programs

Monroe Civic Center

Parks & Beautification

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Masur Museum of Art

Chennault Park Golf Course

Johnny Myers Memorial Golf Course

Mayor Friday Ellis, Director of Community Affairs and the entire staff of the Department of Community Affairs for the City of Monroe are delighted to provide this information to you. We are here to help you get started in planning a successful special event. Please feel free to contact any of the above-named individuals concerning any questions you might have.