Ben Hawes has 3 open-air shelter that may be rented. Rental fee is $65 (beginning July 1, 2022) per shelter per day. Shelters are available for use April 1-October 31. To secure a shelter, you may come to the Parks office at 1530 McJohnson Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42303 or call 270-687-8700.

  • No reservations can be made by voicemail.
  • All reservations must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.
  • No changes can be made within 2 weeks of the date of reservation.
  • No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 14 days from the date of the event.
  • There will be a $5 Administrative Charge applied to all refunds.

Reservations are taken for shelters beginning the 1st Monday of November for the upcoming season. Shelters are available for reservation during the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily. For more information on reservations or inquires about available dates and times, call the Owensboro Parks & Recreation Administrative Center at 270-687-8700 during business hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

When making your reservation, have the following information available:

  • Name of Park
  • Date (Preference and Secondary Dates)
  • Time (Please include set-up and clean-up)
  • Type of Event
  • Number Expected
  • Usage of Inflatables
  • Your Name
  • Your Mailing Address
  • Daytime Phone Number

Shelter Rules and Regulations

  • Shelter may be reserved by calling 270-687-8700
  • Please clean up after yourselves. Dispose of trash in receptacles.
  • Adhere to your shelter reservation hours. If you vacate the shelter early, please inform the parkkeeper.
  • You are allowed to bring grills to the park. We ask that you not dump hot coals out anywhere in the park. Please have a grease catch can on your grill. No fryers or grills are allowed inside the shelter or on the concrete next to the shelter. If you bring a grill, the parkkeeper will show you were it can be set up.
  • Vehicles are prohibited in the park.
  • Portable heaters are prohibited in the shelters.
  • Gender reveal confetti cannons and/or smoke bombs.
  • Sound must be moderate and controlled.
  • Alcohol is prohibited in the parks.