Interior of Old Church                                 Gazebo

PARK RENTALS

The City encourages private rental activities that are consistent with the variety and beauty of the site.  The Historical Park is pleased to offer the 1891 Church, 1937 Dodson House, Gazebo/serving kitchen, and grounds which include the meadows and/or Rose Garden for the use and pleasure of those renting the facilities for events such as weddings, family reunions, and meetings.  Reservations for the 2008 calendar year are currently being taken. Reservations for the 2009 calendar year will be taken beginning Monday, August 4, 2008 at 8 a.m.  Reservations will be made only after the renter has read, agreed to abide by, signed the contract, and paid the rental fee and security deposit, or provided documentation of meeting hotel/motel requirements and paid security deposits. Restrictions may apply; see rental policy or contact park staff for more information.  Rental of the grounds and its facilities does not mean exclusive use of the entire Historical Park grounds and its facilities.

Reservation Policy and Procedure 

(The following policies and procedures are effective as of October 1, 2003)

Farmers Branch Resident, Business, and Organization Rentals:

·        Individuals must be residents of the City of Farmers Branch and show proof of residency when making reservations.  Residents are subject to rental fees and security deposits.

·        Businesses, organizations, and non-profits must be based within the Farmers Branch city limits.  Deposit and rental payment checks from businesses and organizations must have the Farmers Branch address imprinted permanently on the face of the check.

·        Farmers Branch based non-profit organizations are subject to all security deposits and rental fees (applicable for after hours rental).  Proof of Farmers Branch residency and non-profit status is required.

·        Individuals who are residents of the City of Farmers Branch and businesses, organizations, and other for-profit groups that are residents of Farmers Branch will pay the security deposit and one-half the rental fees if using a minimum of $1,000 worth of business at a Farmers Branch hotel/motel in conjunction with Historical Park use.  Business can include room nights, catering and room rentals.

·        The first and third weekends, Friday through Sunday, of each month the Church, Dodson House and Gazebo/serving kitchen will be set aside for the exclusive use by and through Farmers Branch hotels/motels.   Hotel/motel weekends will be opened for other reservations meeting policy requirements sixty days (60) preceding the date in question. 

 Non-Resident Rentals:

·        Non-Farmers Branch residents must use a minimum of $1,000 worth of business at a Farmers Branch hotel/motel (Hotels/Tourism) to qualify for use of the Historical Park.  Business can include room nights, catering and room rentals.

·        Non-Farmers Branch residents are liable for all security deposits, one-half the rental fee and caterers’ insurance requirements, if applicable.

·        Reservations will be confirmed with the Farmers Branch hotel/motel within 48 hours after paperwork and payment has been received at the Historical Park; those not completed within 48 hours will result in forfeiture of the reservation date.

·        Farmers Branch residents making reservations for non-resident individuals, businesses, or other groups will make reservations in their individual names and pay all security deposits and rental fees.

  Structures Available for Rent 

Old Church

            Weddings and meetings

            Climate controlled

            Capacity - 75–100 people

            Pews - 16–8 on each side

            Center Isle - 63” x 30” to inside door & 63” x 40” to outside door             

Dodson House

            Receptions, parties, and meetings

            Climate controlled

            Capacity - Depends on reception style

            Kitchen - 2 bread warmers, 2 microwaves, refrigerator, and commercial dishwasher

Gazebo and Patio Area

            Capacity - Depends on reception style

Grounds (includes meadows and/or Rose Garden)

            Capacity - Depends on ceremony and/or reception style 

Fees

One of the following structures, Old Church, Dodson House, Gazebo area, or grounds (includes meadows and/or Rose Garden):

            3-hour minimum at $150.00 per hour in addition to $200.00 security deposit.

Any combination of the following structures, Old Church, Dodson House, Gazebo area or Commercial Kitchen (caterers only) and/or grounds (includes meadows and/or Rose Garden):

            4-hour minimum at $250.00 per hour in addition to $300.00 security deposit. 

·        The security deposit is a separate fee and is deposited.  It is refundable seven to fourteen working days after the scheduled reservation and/or when all conditions of the contract are met: non-damage to facility or museum property, cleaning, trash removal, decorating requirements, rental equipment removal, and the time constraints of the park.  Reservations taking place outside normal park hours are subject to an attendant fee of $25.00 per hour out of the security deposit.

 General Regulations

• No alcoholic beverages of any sort are allowed in the Historical Park

• Parking is free and is limited to a capacity of 63 cars.  Space is provided inside the park.  No parking is allowed on pathways. 

• The City of Farmers Branch is not responsible for weather and recommends having a back up plan for outdoor functions, including rental of an indoor facility like the Dodson House.  Refunds will not be given if indoor facilities are rented but not used. 

• Use of tacks, staples, tape, or adhesives of any kind is prohibited. 

• Open flames are not permitted, including candles. 

• Birdseed may be thrown outside but not rice or confetti. 

• Renter is responsible for all set up and clean up. 

• No smoking inside the structures.

Contact Us

Please contact Kim Jolly Chapman at (972) 406 – 0184 or kim.chapman@farmersbranch.info for a copy of the rental policy in its entirety or for more information.