Albany city parks are available to rent for parties, family gatherings, company picnics and other special events beginning Tuesday. The season ends Sept. 30, but some park facilities are available year-round by request.

In Albany's 28 parks, six have a total of eight covered shelters available to rent. Three additional shelters are scheduled to be added this year. Amenities and capacity vary by site and can include barbecue grills, picnic tables, stoves, sinks and electricity. Albany also has two sound stages and hundreds of acres of open space that may be reserved.

Reservations can be made over the phone with a MasterCard or Visa by calling (541) 917-7777, or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department offices in Albany City Hall 333 Broadalbin St. S.W.

The Albany Senior Center provides an indoor event venue. The center is accessible to those with physical disabilities, and includes a variety of room sizes and a caterer's kitchen. For senior center rental information, call 917-7760.

Albany parks include six regulation softball ball fields and numerous smaller diamonds; disc golf courses in Timber-Linn and Bryant Parks; basketball courts; fishing; horseshoe pits; and walking/biking trails. For more information on sporting event opportunities, contact Bruce Edwards, sports program manager, at 5917-7773.

The city's 2006 Parks & Recreation Master Plan placed a high priority on renovating or replacing playground facilities in neighborhood parks. New playgrounds have been installed in Takena, Swanson and Burkhart parks and several more are planned for this year.

Albany Parks & Recreation Department staff will host "Fun in the Park" at neighborhood parks this summer, featuring free games and crafts for neighborhood children.

The Albany Community Pool offers family and adult swims, exercise and lessons for all ages and abilities. The pool, at 3685 Columbus St. S.E., may be rented by the hour, either half of the pool or the full length.

COOL! Swanson Park Action Center is scheduled to open at the end of the school year and may also be rented by the hour. Reservations fill quickly. For information, visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks/facilities/acp or call 917-7751.

For extraordinary events or questions regarding permits for alcohol or sound, contact Tari Hayes at 917-7778 or tari.hayes@cityofalbany.net.

Democrat-Herald