Absolutely! Members are welcome to use the pavilion for both planned or spontaneous gatherings without a reservation, as long as they adhere to the Rule of Ten guest policy. However, please note that priority is given to paid reservations, and certain guidelines must be followed for use to ensure fairness and safety. Please continue to read the FAQ to learn more about guidelines for using the pavilion with or without a reservation.
Check our BLHA calendar on the website. We allow only one reserved event per day, and certain days like holidays may be unavailable. If the calendar shows availability, reach out to our rental coordinator to proceed.
To reserve the pavilion, your first step is to visit our website's Pavilion Rentals page, where you can find all the details and access the necessary forms. You can find these resources on our website at https://berkeleylake.org/pavilion-rentals/.
Your reservation guarantees use of the covered pavilion, along with a unique code for your guests to access the parking lot. We also ensure that the pavilion door and gate are unlocked during your event for seamless access. With or without a reservation, blocking open gates and doors is not allowed.
In the beginning of our adventure with the new pavilion and private reservations, Brenda Johnson, our administrator, did double duty by handling pavilion reservations. We are immensely grateful for Brenda's dedication and hard work during that time. Late last year, BLHA member Sarah Bigorowski took over as the rental coordinator. If you've worked with Brenda before, please note that Sarah is now the contact for all pavilion reservations. You can reach out to Sarah at rentals@berkeleylake.org for any inquiries.
You can have up to ten non-member guests without a reservation, following our Rule of Ten policy. If you expect more than 10 non-member guests or want to guarantee use for a specific date or time, it's best to schedule a paid reservation. This ensures your event is properly accommodated.
The Rule of Ten is a long-standing BLHA policy in place to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all members at all BLHA property (beach and pavilion). It stipulates that no more than ten non-member guests of any age, including children and adults, are allowed at any gathering, including parties, reunions, or meetings. This limit applies regardless of the number of members present. For example, if two members co-host a party, they cannot each have ten guests; the total number of non-member guests cannot exceed ten. We ask all members to adhere to this rule to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of our community. The only exception to the Rule of Ten is for paid reservations at the pavilion.
Reservations are for a maximum of 6 hours, including setup and cleanup. Codes will only work for this timeframe, and no items can be left on the grounds before or after your reservation.
Currently, there are four folding tables and nine folding chairs on a rolling cart below the television, available for member use at any time, regardless of a reservation. Please ensure to wipe down and return them to the cart before leaving. Additionally, there are twelve picnic tables on the grounds. While these tables may be rearranged, please avoid dragging them and ensure they are returned to their original configuration before leaving. Around the firepit, there are six Adirondack chairs, and nearby, you'll find four rustic wooden benches of various sizes by the fireplace. If additional seating or tables are needed beyond these provisions, you will need to provide them yourself.
The Storage Room is designated for BLHA property only and is not accessible during your event. However, members may access the Supply Closet located at the end of the hall for cleaning supplies or other necessities. This policy ensures the security of BLHA property while still providing essential resources for members.
Please note that while your reservation guarantees the use of the pavilion, certain amenities such as the boat ramp, docks, watercraft racks, and restrooms remain accessible to all BLHA members throughout the duration of your event. We ask members to show respect for fellow members' private events during these times, while ensuring exclusive use of the pavilion itself.
The front lawn and gazebo belong to Lake Berkeley Chapel. Please inform your guests to stay within the pavilion fence during your event.
BLHA only handles pavilion reservations. For the chapel, please contact Lake Berkeley Chapel directly. The beach cannot be reserved for parties at any time.
Payment arrangements are made with our rental coordinator, Sarah Bigorowski, after confirming your date and time. Payment can be made via check or electronically. You may pay the refundable cleaning/damage deposit by separate check. If you pay the refundable deposit electronically, it will be returned less the processing fees.
Your reservation is confirmed when all necessary forms and payments are received. Don't delay in completing the entire process to secure your date.
Absolutely! The television is equipped with an Amazon Firestick and available for use with your own streaming accounts. Just remember to replace the television cover and return the remote to its place in the kitchen drawer after use.
Yes. There is a guest network available. The login information can be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Certainly! The kitchen is available for member use with or without a reservation, but please clean up after yourself and don't leave food behind.
Unfortunately, tents, bounce houses, and similar structures are not permitted on BLHA property, including both the pavilion and the beach.
Yes, members are allowed to bring their well-behaved dogs to the pavilion. However, it's crucial to pick up after your pet. Depending on the presence of other members or children, your dog may need to be leashed or left at home. Please prioritize the welfare of both our members and your beloved pets. It's important to note that dogs are not permitted at the beach unless they are registered and participating in our Beach Dog Goose Patrol program. Even then, they are only allowed to chase geese when no members are present.
Yes, members are welcome to explore the pavilion independently at any time. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions.
The Pavilion Guidelines and Clean Up Checklist can be found online and are also printed and displayed on the refrigerator in the kitchen for your convenience.
We require a minimum of two weeks' notice before your desired date.
You can turn on the overhead string lights by toggling the switch located on the back post of the bandstand. These lights emit a charming warm glow that enhances the ambiance of the pavilion area, particularly during evening gatherings. However, out of consideration for our nearby neighbors who may be sleeping, we kindly ask that you avoid using these lights late at night. And you must remember to manually switch them off when leaving the grounds.
We require a minimum of two weeks' notice before your desired date.
We have three pricing tiers based on the number of guests. Tier one accommodates up to 20 guests for $150, tier two accommodates 21-50 guests for $250, and tier three, our maximum, allows up to 75 guests for $350. Additionally, a refundable damage/cleaning deposit equal to the reservation fee is required for all tiers. Please note that larger events exceeding 75 guests are not permitted.
No one enjoys rules but there are a few activities and items are not allowed. Please refer to our Pavilion Guidelines for full details. Notably, prohibited items include fireworks; confetti (including glitter, paper, rice, or birdseed); nails, hooks, tacks or high tack tape attaching decorations to walls or beams; and candles or open flames other than in the fireplace and fire pit. This policy applies regardless of whether you have a reservation or not. For further information, please consult our Pavilion Guidelines.
Yes, we adhere to the City of Berkeley Lake's Noise Ordinances. However, please remember that the pavilion is nestled among members' homes, and we are all neighbors. We kindly ask that you be considerate to your neighbors when using amplified sounds, even if they fall within the city's noise ordinances. If your event requires excessively loud music or amplified sounds, our venue may not be the best fit.
Absolutely! You can bring in outside vendors, but they must be accompanied by you at all times during the event. Please inform our rental coordinator if you will be using any outside vendors.
Unfortunately, no. The member reserving the pavilion must act as the host of the party and be present for the entire duration. We do not allow third-party rentals to ensure the safety and security of our members and property.
We've learned from the last two years that our facility isn't best suited for weddings due to their impact on our membership. Adhering to our maximum six-hour time frame and remaining present with vendors at all times can be challenging for such events. However, if you're planning a small wedding or vow renewal, you may reach out to us for more details. Please note that weddings will require board approval and special pricing above the listed rates. Alternatively, we encourage you to consider Lake Berkeley Chapel as a venue for your wedding.