Aquarena Center is owned and operated by Texas State University-San Marcos. Located along the headwaters of the San Marcos River and Spring Lake the grounds have long been recognized for their natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. The park can be reserved for special events by Texas State University-San Marcos and the general public when it is not being used for Educational Tours or events. Reservation forms may be obtained from the Aquarena Ticket Kiosk or online. (See forms below.)
Please read the Outdoor Reservations and Policies below. If you wish to make a reservation request complete the Reservation Request Form and send to Outdoor Reservations. If you plan to have food served at your event, you must use an Texas State approved caterer or sign a Food waiver. All alcohol must be served by a TABC server and Security provided by Texas State UPD is required at the reserving parties expense. Forms can be picked up at Texas State UPD office on campus.
For live music, please read the Texas State UPPS below. Questions can be sent to Outdoor Reservations.
Currently the only areas available to rent are the Roof top and Green lawn adjacent to the Texas River Center. Rentals are for 4 hours with 1 hour set up and 1 hour breakdown. Overtime charges of $25/hour will be assessed for each hour over the allotted time. Evening events must end at 11PM.
| Departmental Event | Students & Personnel | Off Campus Users | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Top | $250.00 | $350.00 | $500.00 |
| Headwater's Green | $100.00 | $150.00 | $200.00 |
| Set Up Fees | $25.00/hour | $25.00/hour | $25.00/hour |
| Overtime Fees | $25.00/hour | $25.00/hour | $25.00/hour |
A refundable cleaning deposit is required for all events. Failure to remove trash from the building or not cleaning the area used will result in the deposit be with held.
To make a reservation for an event to be held in one of our outdoor areas, complete a Reservation Request Form. We will reply with availability and set up an appointment to discuss the event.
The Texas Rivers Center has a conference room. For reservations please contact the River Systems Institute
See table above for pricing. Texas State Presidential Events are not charged for use of facilities. Texas State Departments, Staff and Students have a discount.
We do not have any indoor facilities for a rain site. If it rains events can be rescheduled or a refund of 50% of rental fee will be returned.
We have 50 blue folding chairs and 200 white wooden chairs for rent. For other other itmes we can help you find rental companies in the area if you need help finding them.
We do not allow grills at the park. Food should be prepared ahead of time and kept cold or warm in appropriate containers. Events with more than 30 people require use of a Texas State Approved Caterer.
To secure a reservation you must put down half of the rental price to secure your reservation.
Refunds will be given with a 2 week notice of cancellation unless in the case of rain or other emergency.
If your event occurs during normal business hours there will not be any additional fees. Overtime charges will be $25/hour for staff to be at Aquarena if your event is not during these normal business hours. See Hours of Operation for more information. Outdoor events with music must end by 11:00 PM and events must not go any later than 12:00 AM (Midnight) A 1 hour break down will be allowed after Midnight.
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