Block Parties

How to organize a party

• Street closure permits and picnic shelter reservations are free for National Night Out in August.
• If your block has been organized into a Neighborhood Ready, this is a great time to update your block map and phone tree. A block party is also a great opportunity to start a Neighborhood Watch (Neighborhood Ready) with your neighbors. 
• Recruit neighbors to help organize the party.
• Poll your block and decide on a date and time for the party.
• Go door-to-door and encourage participating neighbors to bring something to the party. 

Closing a street

• A street closure permit is required to close a street or parking lot (allow 14 days for processing). 
• You cannot close a major through-street or a street that's on a bus route. 
• To close a street, you'll need to pick up Type III barricades to be placed at both ends of the street.

For information about closing a street, email StreetClosure@GreshamOregon.gov.

Recycling containers available

The City has ClearStream recycling containers to loan for collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans at your event (available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

• These containers come with a clear bag so your event staff and volunteers can easily see the contents when bags are full, and assure they are being used properly.
• The City can also assist in appropriate container set-up and locating recycling drop-off centers. 

For more information, contact us at 503-618-2518 or Recycle@GreshamOregon.gov. 

Want to throw a neighborhood block party? We’ve got all the supplies you need for your next community event.

Block party kit agreement  

• There is no charge for the use of a block party kit.
• The block party kits are not for individual use. You must demonstrate that others in your neighborhood/community have been invited to attend your event.
• You must agree when you make your reservation to return the kit on the next business day.
• The kits are only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Kit reservations are subject to approval and confirmed via email from NeighborhoodServices@GreshamOregon.gov.
• Reservations are on a first-come, first served basis so please notify us as early as possible to confirm availability. 

Requirements

• The event organizer is responsible for picking up the reserved kit. 
• Prior to, or at the time of pickup, the event organizer must acknowledge in writing that they are accepting the kit and will return all items in the kit on a set date.
• If you plan to close your street or hold your event in a public park, you will be required to obtain a street closure permit or park reservation. If your event is held on private property, you do not need to fill out a permit application.

Fine print

• The event organizer assumes responsibility for the kit and its equipment from the time of receipt to time of return to the City.
• The City of Gresham is not responsible for activities of the event in which the block party kit is being utilized. Everyone is responsible for obeying local laws and City ordinances.
• An inventory will be taken when the kit is returned. Notify the Neighborhood Services office if anything is missing or damaged. 

What's in the kits?

Small kit

A small kit can fit in a standard sedan or smaller car.

• One (1) ice chest (48-quart)
• One (1) water cooler (5-gallon)
• One (1) portable Sony Bluetooth music player
• Two (2) hula hoops
• One (1) frisbee
• One (1) football
• One (1) red rubber foursquare ball
• Sidewalk chalk

Large kit

A large kit can fit in an SUV or truck.

• One (1) pop-up tent (10' x 10')
• Four (4) folding picnic tables (6' length)
• 24 folding chairs
• Two (2) ice chests (48-quart)
• Two (2) water coolers (5-gallon)
• One (1) portable Sony Bluetooth music player
• One (1) recycling container
• One (1) garbage container
• One (1) first aid kit
• A variety of yard games:
  • Corn hole set (each board measures 48" x 24")
  • Ladder ball
  • Giant Jenga
  • Whiffle ball and bat
  • Football
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Frisbee
  • Oversized pong set
  • Two (2) hula hoops