Interpretive Center Facility Rentals
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Special Event Policy and Fee Schedule
To apply for a Special Event Permit, please complete and submit the application form. All fees described in this policy will be paid to Olivenhain Municipal Water District, who maintains and operates the 784-acre reserve.
Each event organizer for any event included in this policy must obtain a $1 million per incident and $2 million aggregate commercial general liability insurance policy naming Olivenhain Municipal Water District as an additional insured. If alcohol is to be included as part of an event, the insurance policy must include Liquor Liability Coverage.
Interpretive Center Facility Rentals
OMWD owns and operates the unique Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido, CA. This 1,000-square-foot facility is generally open to the public and staffed by Reserve docents, but can be made available for private special events. Due to the nature of the interpretive center’s contents, a park ranger is required to be on site for all special events and that staff time is built into the following rental fee schedule.
Hourly Fees
- OMWD Customer Non-Profit Organization: $100/hour
- Non-OMWD Customer Non-Profit Organization: $125/hour
- OMWD Customer Private Event: $200/hour
- Non-OMWD Customer Private Event: $250/hour
Interpretive Center Rental Rules and Conditions
Renters of the interpretive center agree to the following rules and conditions:
- Minimum rental time is 2 hours.
- $300 deposit is required upon reservation.
- Deposit is refundable up to 72 hours prior to reservation.
- Rental time includes setup, breakdown, and cleanup of facility.
- Renters are responsible for the contents of the interpretive center and will be charged for missing or damaged items and for additional cleanup if costs exceed the deposit amount.
- Setup and breakdown must occur immediately before and after rental.
- The interpretive center is subject to closure during severe weather. If this occurs, renter can reschedule or request a refund.
- Maximum event size is 50 people.
- Staging area parking is not guaranteed for renters of the interpretive center.
- Children must be under adult supervision at all times.
- Alcohol use by a private party does not require a Liquor License from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control or the Reserve when the following conditions exist: 1) when there is no payment for contracted vendor services who are providing the alcohol; 2) when there are no donations, fees, or charges requested if attending the event; and 3) when the event is not open to the general public.
- If a group contracts with a caterer or beverage vendor to supply the alcohol, then it is the responsibility of the event organizer to ensure that the service provider has a valid Liquor License.
- Alcohol service must end one hour prior to the end of the event.
- Rentals extending after the Reserve hours are subject to an additional fee of $100/hour.
- The interpretive center is not available for rental on weekends or holidays.
- The use of an open flame is limited to outdoor space heaters and chaffing dish-heating devices.
For additional information or questions, please call OMWD ranger staff at 760-632-4212.
