Host Your Event at West River

Policies

Weather Policy –  There are no indoor facilities available in the event of rain or excessive heat. Should you decide to cancel your event due to extreme weather conditions, the deposit is non-refundable.

Arrival/Check-Out

Please call the West River office the week prior to your event to inform us of your estimated time of arrival. Be sure to check in with the staff person on duty in the office when you arrive. Check out is at dusk.

Pool

Pool is open from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for all West River outdoor groups.  Additional time may be purchased with advanced notice. The maximum number of persons allowed inside the pool enclosure at any time is approximately 100 people. The lifeguard(s) on duty may decrease this number as necessary to maintain a safe environment.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. The use of flotation aids by children is permitted only at the discretion of the lifeguards.

No diapers are permitted in the pool and children who use the pool must be potty-trained. In the event of an “accident” in which bodily fluids are introduced into the pool water, everyone must evacuate the pool while the water is sanitized. This generally requires closing the pool for the remainder of the day. Parents are advised to allow children an appropriate amount of time after eating before allowing them to enter the pool.

In the event of an approaching thunderstorm, the pool will be closed immediately.  No one may remain within the  pool enclosure during the storm.  The pool will reopen only after the storm has passed and there has been no lightning or thunder for a period of 20 minutes.

Recreation

West River has a hard-surface basketball court, large recreation field, beach volleyball court, frisbee golf course, gaga ball pit, 9-square in the air, and human foosball. Equipment is located at each area. Small watercraft are available for rent at an hourly rate.  The West River does not provide supervision for waterfront activities. Groups are expected to provide their own experienced water activity supervisors.

Outside Vendors

MOON BOUNCES ARE NOT ALLOWED, NO EXCEPTIONS. Other vendors: activities, caterers, etc. Groups wishing to bring vendors on-site as a part of their event are welcome to do so. There is an additional charge for those pieces of equipment requiring constant use of either water or electric. Please add $25 for each utility (water and/or electric) that must be supplied. 110 volt, 20 amp circuits are available. In addition, the vendor supplying the equipment shall submit a Certificate of Insurance naming the Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Church, Inc as co-insured in the amount of $1,000,000.

Caterers

Some groups prefer someone else do the cooking. Access to the pavilion and waterfront areas with larger grills and trucks is limited. Additionally, for any caterer wishing to use an electric griddle, fryer or other piece of electrical cooking or refrigeration equipment is subject to a $25 electric charge per piece of equipment. (110 volt, 20 amp circuit). A Certificate of Insurance is required from the caterer naming the Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Church, Inc as co-insured in the amount of $1,000,000.

Parking

Parking at West River is limited and we strongly urge you to carpool as much as possible. Parking is permitted only at the main lot located near the Ehlers Hall and at the pool for outdoor events. Parking or driving on the grassy areas is prohibited.

Rest Rooms and Changing Facilities

Restrooms are in Ehlers Hall and at the pool. Please do not use Ehlers Hall facilities for changing clothes.

Trash and Recycling Receptacles

Please make proper use of the trash receptacles and recycling bins that are clearly marked and conveniently placed at both areas. All trash should be collected and emptied into the dumpster near the main parking area.

Pets

Pets are not permitted.

Alcohol/Drug Policy

Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Any group found to be in possession of either alcoholic beverages or drugs will be asked to leave immediately. Any evidence of such activity found after your departure may result in your group being prohibited from making a future reservation.