Community Use Bridge

Community Use Update | August 1, CUPF Early Closure Announcement

Published: July 31, 2025

CUPF Early Closure

On Friday, August 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. CUPF offices will close early due to a staff event. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities! Please reach out to our team of professionals with any questions you may have. Click here to contact CUPF Customer Care - We Are Here to Help!

Off the CUPF New Podcast Episode(s) Alert! | Checkout Our Latest Episodes and NEW Look!!

Published: July 18, 2025

Off the CUPF Podcast

To all of our amazing listeners - thank you for being part of the Off the CUPF journey! We've got some exciting new podcast episodes to checkout. If you are just now tuning in, now's the perfect time to catch up and download our latest episodes. As a reminder, listeners can download our podcast on all available platforms. Don't forget to follow us!!

New Look!!

Podcast Episodes

🔥Click on Season 1, Episode 7 to listen to the podcast.

🔥Click on Season 1, Episode 6 to listen to the podcast.

🔥Click on Season 1, Episode 4 to listen to the podcast.

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities! Thank you for listening!

July 17, Community Use Update | Allowances for Cancellations Due to Heat Advisory

Published: July 17, 2025

Groups May Self-Determine Cancellation

Due to a heat advisory predicting temps under the heat index near 105 degrees, CUPF is giving permit holders the option to cancel their permits for community use on Thursday, July 17, 2025, and receive a refund for fees paid. This applies to permits for indoor and outdoor spaces. Additional dates may be added as the week progresses.

Cancellation fee(s) will be waived. Refunds will only be issued for hours of use not used by the group. Refunds will only be issued if CUPF is notified as outlined below.

Groups should notify CUPF with as much advanced notice as possible by submitting a cancellation request at Reservation Amendment Form.

If a group decides on the day of the scheduled activity that they wish to cancel OR if a group arrives at a facility and finds it too hot to hold their activity, groups MUST call CUPF as follows to receive a refund:

Mon-Fri, 8:30a-5:00p, call 240-777-2725
Evenings and weekends, call 240-490-2873

Rescheduling

Groups may feel free to reschedule any use canceled due to heat allowances. Rescheduling should be done online via ActiveMONTGOMERY.org with at least 7 days advanced notice.

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

On the Horizon: CUPF's New Simplified Fee Structure for Indoor School Facilities

Published: July 8, 2025

Fee Structure Highlights

On August 25, 2025, the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities will be implementing a new simplified fee structure for indoor school facilities. Instead of seven fee categories with eleven fee charts, there are now three fee categories, each with a single simplified chart—Categories A, B, and C.

Some highlights of additional changes include:

Room use fees have been eliminated at schools for Parent-Teacher Associations as such use will now be considered MCPS/school internal use
Classrooms in schools for after-school enrichment increased by $2.00 per hour for non-profit use
The cost of auditorium facilities for weekend use by non-profit organizations increased from $160.00 to $176.00 per hour

For more detailed information, go to Coming Soon! Fee Structure Changes for Community Use of Public Facilities.

Off the CUPF Podcast

This podcast episode is the first of many discussions regarding CUPF's New Simplified Fee Structure. Listen as CUPF Director, Ramona Bell-Pearson and CUPF Communications and Outreach Specialist, Derek Ross, jump start the discussion regarding CUPF's New Fee Structure. In this podcast, Ramona and Derek will be joined by CUPF Financial Administrator, Vanessa Lopez-Cuevas.

To listen, click here: Episode 4 | CUPF's New Simplified Fee Structure | Discussion and Informative Session. As a reminder, for your listening pleasure, Off the CUPF Podcast Episodes are available on all major platforms.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Coming August 2025 | New Simplified Fee Structure for Athletic Fields

Published: July 8, 2025

Fee Structure Highlights

On August 16, 2025, the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities will be implementing a new simplified fee structure for athletic fields. Instead of seven fee categories with eleven fee charts, there are now three fee categories, each with a single simplified chart—Categories A, B, and C.

Some highlights of additional changes include:

Natural grass athletic fields increased by $5.00 per hour to align with Montgomery Parks athletic field rates for non-profit groups
Synthetic turf athletic fields increased from $125.00 to $138.00 per hour for non-profit groups

For more detailed information, go to Coming Soon! Fee Structure Changes for Community Use of Public Facilities.

Off the CUPF Podcast

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Important Reminder: New Fee Structure Implementation Starting July 1

Published: June 27, 2025

Updated: June 30, 2025

Fee Structure Highlights

Effective July 1, 2025, the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities will be implementing a new simplified fee structure. Instead of seven fee categories with eleven fee charts, there are now three fee categories, each with a single simplified chart—Categories A, B, and C.

For more detailed information, go to Coming Soon! Fee Structure Changes for Community Use of Public Facilities.

Some highlights of additional changes include:

Room use fees eliminated at Montgomery County Public Libraries
Room use fees eliminated at some other County Government facilities

Fee Structure, Government Buildings

Public Libraries Meeting Rooms

Room use fees are waived for dates of use on or after July 1, 2025
Hourly staff costs, such as building services and security, may apply
Groups are restricted to only two uses per month at the same facility

Police Station Meeting Rooms

Room use fees are waived for dates of use on or after July 1, 2025
Hourly staff costs, such as building services and security, may apply
Groups are restricted to only two uses per month at the same facility

Gray Brick and Red Brick Courthouse Meeting Rooms

Fees are waived for dates of use on or after July 1, 2025
Hourly staff costs, such as building services and security, may apply
Groups are restricted to only two uses per month at the same facility

Council Office Building (COB) and Executive Office Building (EOB)

Fees are waived for dates of use on or after July 1, 2025
Hourly staff costs, such as building services and security, may apply
Groups are restricted to only two uses per month at the same facility

Off the CUPF Podcast

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

June 23, Important Community Use Update | Allowances for Cancellations Due to Extreme Heat

Published: June 23, 2025

Updated June 25, 2025: Due to the forecasted extreme heat, CUPF will extend the cancellation offer to Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Groups May Self-Determine Cancellation

Effective immediately, CUPF will honor cancellations and provide a full refund for all indoor and outdoor facility use on dates where there is an extreme heat warning. This applies to use from Monday, June 23, 2025, through Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Additional dates may be added as the week progresses.

*Important Update: Cancellation offer has been extended to Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Cancellation fee(s) will be waived. Refunds will only be issued for hours of use not used by the group. Refunds will only be issued if CUPF is notified as outlined below.

Groups should notify CUPF with as much advanced notice as possible by submitting a cancellation request at Reservation Amendment Form.

Mon-Fri, 8:30a-5:00p, call 240-777-2725
Evenings and weekends, call 240-490-2873

Rescheduling

Groups may feel free to reschedule any use canceled due to heat allowances. Rescheduling should be done online via ActiveMONTGOMERY.org with at least 7 days advanced notice.

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Let the Countdown Begin! August 15, Opening Day Reservations | Indoor School Facilities

Published: June 23, 2025

Updated: June 27, 2025

📢 Quick Reminder: Effective July 1, 2025, CUPF will be implementing a new fee structure designed to better reflect the services we provide to the community. Full details of the updated fee structure are available at: Important Reminder: New Fee Structure Implementation Starting July 1.

Opening Day Reservations

Friday, August 15, 2025, is opening day to request online reservations of indoor school facilities for dates of use during the upcoming 2025-2026 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) School Year.

Indoor school facilities include gymnasiums, classrooms, cafeterias, and other indoor facilities. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m. Log into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org!!

ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Website

How to request an indoor school facility for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservations" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, select the thumbnail that corresponds to the indoor facility that will be requested.

Step 3: After selecting the "Auditoriums" thumbnail, on the next page, select the "MCPS Auditoriums" thumbnail.

As a reminder, after selecting the "Classrooms" thumbnail, the next page will provide school classroom locations separated into three different categories shown below.

After selecting the "Gymnasiums" thumbnail, on the next page, select the "School Gyms" thumbnail.

Upon selection of your preferred thumbnail, the user will gain access to additional information that will help them complete an online reservation form that will be reviewed by CUPF staff. Once submitted through the ActiveMONTGOMERY portal, a follow-up email will be provided notifying the user that their online reservation request is under review.

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve space for your activities!
For Large Events at school facilities, click here to submit an application for review.

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for the NEW ActiveMONTGOMERY.org software is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Only a single member of each organization can be logged into the organizational account at one time in order to reserve facilities.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.
All users should familiarize themselves with the Facility Use License Agreement (FULA) on the CUPF Resources page.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Mark Your Calendar - CUPF Opening Day Reservation Coming Soon! | July 15, Reserve Athletic Fields & Other Outdoor Facilities

Published: June 18, 2025

Updated: June 27, 2025

Opening Day Reservations

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, is the opening day to request online reservations for school athletic fields, as well as other outdoor facilities for dates of use, August 16 through November 30. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m.!

This includes athletic fields at schools, school parking lots, school tennis courts, and select outdoor school basketball courts. For a list of all other opening days for reservations of other public facilities, click here.

ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Website

How to request an outdoor facility for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservations" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, select the thumbnail that corresponds to the outdoor facility that will be requested.

Step 3: After selecting the "Fields" thumbnail, on the next page, select the thumbnail that corresponds to the field location that will be reserved. As a reminder, fields are separated into three different categories shown below.

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve space for your activities!
For Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields, click here for more information.
For Large Events at school facilities, click here to submit an application for review.

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for the NEW ActiveMONTGOMERY.org software is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Only a single member of each organization can be logged into the organizational account at one time in order to reserve facilities.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.
All users should familiarize themselves with the Facility Use License Agreement (FULA) on the CUPF Resources page.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

May 15, Opening Day to Reserve a Government Building Meeting Room

Published: April 28, 2025

Government Building Meeting Room Reservations

Thursday, May 15, 2025, is opening day for the general public to request use of a government building meeting room for dates of use July 1 through December 31. This includes Regional Centers, The Isiah "Ike" Leggett Executive Office Building, Council Office Building, Police Stations, and Clarksburg Cottage. It all begins at 6:30 a.m. online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.

ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Process

How to request a government building meeting room for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservations" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, select the "Meeting Rooms" thumbnail.

Step 3: Select the "Government Meeting" thumbnail. This last selection will direct the user to all the available government facilities.

After selecting the government meeting thumbnail, the user will gain access to additional information that will help them complete an online reservation form that will be reviewed by CUPF staff. Once submitted through the ActiveMONTGOMERY portal, a follow-up email will be provided notifying the user that their online reservation request is under review.

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve a government building meeting room for your activities!

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for ActiveMONTGOMERY.org is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.
Please be thorough in your application.
A final approval and "firm" contract are required prior to an advertisement by the group for the event. This final "firm" contract will be sent to the main email on file for the account requesting the space.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Frequently Asked Questions | Auditorium Use

Published: April 22, 2025

F.A.Q. for Auditorium Use

Reserving an auditorium at a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) site can be one of the more complex types of facility requests we receive. From navigating the process and meeting specific requirements to arranging staffing and making the most of the space, we understand it can feel a bit overwhelming.

To help simplify things, the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) team has created the FAQ section below. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of the process and make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you don't see your question listed or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office — we're happy to help!

Does CUPF or MCPS sell tickets to my event for me?

No. Each group is responsible for its own ticket sales, if such is required for the event. Neither CUPF nor MCPS will sell or advertise tickets for any external groups.

What staffing will CUPF or MCPS provide?

Every auditorium reservation at an MCPS site includes a minimum of three staff members to ensure your event runs smoothly and safely:

Click on each role above to learn more about their responsibilities during your event.

Depending on the size or nature of your event, additional staffing may be required. This could include extra Building Service support, more security personnel, or even an additional Media Services Technician.

The CUPF team works closely with each MCPS site to ensure the appropriate staffing is assigned for your event. Our goal is to provide the right level of support, adjusting as needed, so your event runs seamlessly and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

How much will this cost?

Because each auditorium event is unique, with varying needs, schedules, and staffing requirements, CUPF does not provide upfront cost estimates. Instead, we recommend reviewing the standard fees for basic auditorium use and budgeting an additional $500 to $1,000 as a buffer.

This approach helps user groups avoid underestimating costs and often results in a pleasant surprise when the final invoice is lower than expected.

Please note: This budgeting method applies only to events using the auditorium space alone. If your event requires additional spaces, such as cafeterias, classrooms, gyms, or stadium fields, be sure to factor in the associated costs for those areas as well.

What is the application fee, and is it refunded to me?

The application fee is a $250 one-time charge that, if approved, is applied towards the balance of your event. If your event cannot be hosted, the fee is refunded in full to the original payment method.

Why does it take so long to receive approvals?

Each MCPS location is allotted up to five business days to review facility use applications during the standard operating periods of both MCPS and CUPF. This review timeline may be extended during school breaks, such as summer, winter, or spring recess, when staff availability is limited and active calendar planning is occurring.

Schools must also carefully coordinate external group requests with their internal calendars to ensure there are no conflicts. These internal events can range from auditorium performances to athletic games and other school functions. Because of the high volume and variety of activities taking place, thorough calendar checks are essential before, and approval can be issued.

But the System Let me Request It — So Why Was I Denied?

While the online system may allow you to submit a request, it does not guarantee availability or approval. MCPS schools host a wide range of internal events, some of which may not take place in the auditorium itself but still require significant use of campus resources.

Events like homecoming dances, football games, AP testing, or robotics tournaments often occupy large portions of the school grounds or require staffing and logistical support that make it impractical to host additional external events — especially those involving large groups — at the same time.

Each request is carefully reviewed to ensure there are no conflicts and that the school can safely and effectively support your event.

What equipment is in the Auditorium?

Auditoriums are equipped with general sound and lighting systems, though the scope and capabilities may vary by school. Most locations offer a standard sound system, which typically includes stage monitors and up to six microphones, along with a basic lighting setup suitable for general auditorium use. Specialized equipment such as strobe lights, LED walls, or background projection is not available at any MCPS location. Groups should utilize the sections on the application that ask details of the lighting.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Groups may be permitted to bring their own equipment for events, provided the equipment details are submitted to CUPF and approved in advance. External equipment is not allowed on school property without prior approval and clear communication between CUPF and the MCPS staff assigned to the event. The facility use application includes a section for additional needs or notes — this should be used to specify any equipment the group intends to bring.

Again, if you don't see your question listed or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office — we're happy to help!

May 1, Opening Day to Reserve Indoor School Facilities | During the 2025 Summer Break

Opening Day for Indoor School Facilities

Thursday, May 1, 2025, is opening day to request use of indoor school facilities for dates of use during the upcoming Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 2025 Summer Break. Reminder, the last date of summer use is Friday, August 1, for elementary and middle schools and Thursday, July 31, for high schools. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m.

Additionally, Thursday, May 1, 2025, groups will also be able to request reservations for school auditoriums for dates of use during the upcoming 2025-2026 MCPS School Year. Click here for more information. It all begins at 6:30 a.m. online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.

ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Process

How to request an indoor school facility for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservations" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, a user can select different indoor school facility options for reservation. This includes the "Cafeteria," "Classrooms," "All Purpose Rooms," or "Gymnasiums" thumbnail.

Step 3: Important reminder, selecting the "Gymnasiums" thumbnail will include another page that will allow the user to select the "School Gyms" thumbnail.

Step 4: After selecting the "All Purpose Rooms" thumbnail, the next page will allow the user to select the "MCPS All Purpose" thumbnail.

Step 5: Important reminder, selecting the "Classrooms" thumbnail, will include another page that will allow the user to select three different thumbnail locations based on elementary, middle school, or high school classrooms.

After selecting the preferred school facility thumbnail, the user will gain access to additional information that will help them complete an online reservation form that will be reviewed by CUPF staff. Once submitted through the ActiveMONTGOMERY portal, a follow-up email will be provided notifying the user that their online reservation request is under review.

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve a school auditorium space for your activities!

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for ActiveMONTGOMERY.org is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.
Auditorium requests are subject to review and typically have a 5-15 business day lead time, depending on the school(s) being requested. Please be thorough in your application.
A final approval and "firm" contract are required prior to an advertisement by the group for the event. This final "firm" contract will be sent to the main email on file for the account requesting the space.

School Facility Use is subject to additional fees such as staffing, clean up and set up as well as security. Your initial payment of $250 is applied towards this balance.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

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