Full course description
Course summary:
This course introduces parks and recreation staff to the variety of activities that require formal permits in many public agencies. These can include special events, commercial filming and photography, vending, and other activities. The course introduces the basic elements of a special use permit and follows a fictitious permitted event from the application stage to post-activity reporting.
The course is designed for those who are responsible for administering special use permits, including administrators and staff who review applications, approve permits, or monitor events.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Explain what special use permits are.
- Summarize the permit process.
- Define the components of a permit.
- Define monitoring.
- Outline closeout activities after an event.
- Define what constitutes an administrative record.
- Explain permitting considerations for filming and photography, news gathering, and large public events.
- Describe the best practices in managing news gathering activities.
- Describe the recommended considerations for first amendment rights activities.
- Define how to craft conditions for a commercial film or still photography permit.
- Define aspects of intellectual property rights that impact permit conditions.
Course topics include:
- Special Uses and Permits
- The Permit Process
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University with significant contributions from the National Park Service.
Recommended background
This course is an introductory course and is suitable for any parks and recreation employee interested in understanding the permitting process.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.