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- Group Picnic Shelter - Hovander
Group Picnic Shelter ~ Hovander Park
To Check Availability or Request a Reservation
Fill out a Reservation Request Form
To Cancel a Reservation
Call 360-778-5850 or email
parks@co.whatcom.wa.us
Description
This 30'x60' covered picnic area is surrounded by open fields and near the historic orchard. The capacity is 150 guests. Learn more about Hovander Homestead Park.
Hours
8am-dusk
Hours change based on sunset time and are posted at the park entrance and at the parking lot.
Features
- Stone Fireplace (firewood available)
- 10 Picnic Tables
- Two 3'x3' Grills (1 wood, 1 briquette)
- Electric Stovetop
- Electrical Outlets
- Sinks with Running Water
- Additional items available for a fee include:
- Volleyball Set
- Stock Tubs for beverages
Daily Rental Rates
Whatcom County Residents: $295
Non-Residents: $315
Non-Refundable Reservation Fee: $13
Optional Add-On Fees
Alcohol Use Fee: $60
Waste Removal Fee: $20
Additional 100 People (250 max total): $200
Sports Equipment: $10
Stock Tubs: $10/each
Address
5299 Nielsen Road
Ferndale, WA 98248
Map
Directions
From I-5 (North or South)
Take I-5 Exit 262
Turn west onto Main Street, toward downtown Ferndale
Immediately after the railroad underpass make a sharp left onto Hovander Road
Turn right onto Nielsen Avenue and follow the signs to Hovander Park
Parking
The Group Picnic Shelter has a dedicated parking area for 50-75 cars on the grass to the north of the shelter. Overflow parking is in the main Hovander parking lot.
Can I bring my own BBQ grill?
Yes, you can bring your own grill but you are responsible for the safe operation of your grill.
Can I bring my dog(s)?
Yes, but dogs must remain on a 6' (maximum) leash at all times.
Can I bring my own pop-up canopy?
You may put up your own pop-up canopy as long as it is within the confines of your rented picnic area and you do not stake it into/damage the ground. If a canopy impedes park enjoyment for others or becomes a safety hazard due to high winds the ranger may request that you remove the canopy. You are responsible for any injury or damage caused by a tent/canopy blown away in the wind.
Can I decorate the facility?
All sites must be left in a "leave no trace" state. Users can use decorations, confetti, etc., but everything needs to be picked up before you leave.
Can I use a sound system?
Sound systems are allowed insofar as they do not inhibit park enjoyment for other users. Content must be appropriate for all ages. The ranger recommends that speakers face toward the river.
Do I still need a "Liquor License" if I've paid the $60 Alcohol Use Fee to Whatcom County Parks?
The Alcohol Use Fee charged by Whatcom County Parks is not a liquor license. To find out if you need a State of Washington Banquet Permit please check here. It is your responsibility to research and follow all laws pertaining to alcohol use at your event.
Clean-Up Policy
Customers are required to leave the facility in the same condition as when they arrived. Cleaning supplies are provided. Garbage and recycling must be removed from the premises (must be taken from the park) unless the customer has paid the optional waste disposal fee.
Determining Whatcom County Residency
- The credit card billing address is what determines resident versus non-resident.
- If the credit card is not in Whatcom County but the customer is a county resident, they can provide a utility bill to get the resident rate.
- If the credit card address is not in Whatcom County but the customer owns property in Whatcom County, the customer can provide property tax info to get the resident rate.
Cancellation Policy
- Reservations cancelled 30 days or more prior to the scheduled arrival date are entitled to a refund of all fees except the reservation fee.
- Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the arrival date, no refund.
- Only the person whose name is on the reservation may cancel the reservation.