FAQ

Are dogs allowed?

We know it’s a bummer, but your sidekick may not join you at the party. While we love dogs, our insurance policy doesn’t allow for pets on the property. We will begrudgingly ask guests who arrive with dogs to take them home, so please don’t make us be the bad guys & be sure to alert your group of our NO DOGS (or any critters) policy.

can we take a tour?

Yes! We would be happy to set up a time to show you around. Call or email us to make an appointment! Please note that winter is not a good time to see the place, as the grass is dead, projects are underway, and we are closed for the season. Check out our photos to see Shady Springs looking her best!

PLEASE, do not drop by - our property is also our home and nobody likes surprise visitors!

Can we use an outside caterer or bring our own food?

Yes! We allow self-contained/self-sufficient caterers and food trucks. You may also bring your own food. Please know that we don’t have an oven, freezer or microwave - only commercial refrigerators - and we don’t supply any serving items or utensils, cups, napkins, etc. Please bring everything you will need. We do have ice & a few large coolers available for your use. Let us know what you’d like to do!

what are your rates?

Our rates vary, but the current weekend minimum starts at $3,500 + tax for a 5-6 hour event (including set-up & clean-up). The price can go up from there. Factors we consider are the number of people, day/time/month, other events going on, and the various activities & extras you want to bring in. Some of our dates are “prime”, and some are reserved for repeat customers and larger events. We typically offer two time slots for events on Saturday to accommodate both daytime parties like company picnics as well as evening events like receptions & graduations. (Full-day rental may be available on certain dates.) We can offer reduced rates Tuesday-Thursday and some Fridays. We require a non-refundable $500 deposit to secure a date. There is an additional refundable security deposit that ranges from $200-$1,000 depending on the size of your event. We do not accept credit cards. Please contact us about your event and we can work through the details!

Note: We do not book events from the end of December til the end of March.

what all is included with the rental?

The pool (w/ lifeguard), the grounds, the barn, horseshoes, sand volleyball, basketball, wading pool (no lifeguard, watch your kids), small playground… Please scroll our amenities page for a more detailed description of what’s included.

Other things to note: We have predetermined set-up and take-down times for each event that will be discussed in advance. (typically 30 min on each end, with some exceptions) We provide trash cans & liners and expect you to pick up after yourselves. We are not a full-service facility anymore and prefer to leave you alone during your event once you’ve settled in, though we do check in and are always nearby and available for questions. Staying longer than your allotted time or not cleaning up may result in forfeiture of security deposit (partially or in full).

How many people can you host/seat?

We’ve had less than 75 and well over 1000, but 150 to 300 people seems to be the most common and comfortable number. Most people mill around, swim and play, but for seating we have 40 eight-foot wooden picnic tables with benches, 15 of which are inside the pavilion, as well as several 8’ folding tables and chairs. Our barn can seat 200 people comfortably at tables, and even more can be inside with standing room.

What if it rains?

Events are rain or shine. Please keep seasonal weather patterns in mind when booking, as it is beyond our control. If torrential downpours and flooding are undoubtedly expected during a large event (over 400 people), then we will make the call week-of and see if we are able to offer you a rain date. To avoid this, we avoid booking large events during typically rainy months. And since we only have dates to sell, we are extremely limited and cannot guarantee any alternate dates will be available, so please plan and prepare accordingly!

What’s the alcohol situation?

We don’t have a license to sell alcohol, and alcohol consumption of your guests is your responsibility & liability. You may BYOB, but we do require you to get TABC bartenders for anything more than just beer or wine. We have a simple bar area in the barn with a big fridge and small bar sink for your use. Please do not bring individual glass bottles. Plastic cups and cans only. Remember, whether you provide alcohol to your guests or tell them to bring their own, the liability is still yours. Please be safe and encourage the use Lyft/Uber if your event will be boozy.

Do you have A/c or heaters?

Everything is open-air around here, so there is no AC. However, our green grass, giant shade trees, and setting for frequent breezes mean we always feel a little cooler out here than in the city. We have several large free-standing commercial fans that can be moved around inside the barn. And we have a unique sprayer system to keep our junior-Olympic sized swimming pool nice and cool.

We’re closed for most of winter except for holiday events in December, when we “winterize” the barn (seal the patio with plastic covering) and turn up our gas heaters to keep you cozy. We have a designated fire pit outside if you want to bring s’mores and share stories.

What’s parking like?

Our main lot can pack in around 180 cars (with parking attendants—there are no designated spots, it’s a large field), and we have another large field on the other side of our property for overflow parking if needed (~75 cars). There is no street parking; we’re on a one-lane country road. We recommend carpooling with family, coworkers or friends when possible, especially for larger groups. And, due to our close proximity to the airport, ride shares arrive quickly! We have several designated accessible spots close to the Barn; the main lot is about 200 yards away.

Do you offer camping or overnight events?

We think that’s a cool idea in theory, but we are for private day-use only.

what else can we bring?

Whether you go minimal or do it up, Shady Springs can be what you make it.

For example: blankets, folding chairs, extra tables and chairs, pool toys, yard games, coolers, drinks (no glass), food/snacks/desserts (with your own plates and utensils for them), decorations (take down whatever you put up), DJ and/or bands, booze (bartender required for liquor), extra entertainment (balloon art, face painters, petting zoo, field/sport games, etc.)… Please note anything large that requires electricity needs to come with its own generators. (bounce houses, giant movie projectors, etc)

There are some other logistics and limitations to consider, so please check with us early on so we can approve and help coordinate your ideas.

what can’t we bring?

PETS, glass bottles, firearms or weapons, fireworks, raw eggs for egg tosses (ew)…

Again, just please check with us first, and we’ll let you know!