LESLIE SCIENCE & NATURE CENTER RENTAL POLICY
Leslie Science & Nature Center (LSNC) facilities and meeting areas are designed primarily to meet the needs of the organization. Limited use by third-party organizations is permitted.
This policy outlines the rules and regulations under which Leslie Science & Nature Center shall make its facilities and equipment available for use by third parties. Any questions about this policy should be referred to our rental team at rentals@unityinlearning.org or 734-997-1553.
It is the policy of Leslie Science & Nature Center to permit responsible individuals or organizations to use our facilities. It is highly recommended that a representative from each rental group meet with a staff member at LSNC prior to their rental to tour the site and review the facility use guidelines. The representative in charge of a given rental group must be 21 years of age or older.
If the rental is intended for a youth gathering, we require a minimum ratio of 1 adult supervisor to 10 children (anyone under 18). The adults provided by the group are responsible for supervising all children within the group during the event at all times.
Facility Use Guidelines
The following rules apply with respect to the use of our facilities:
A completed application must be submitted to the LSNC rental team at least three weeks in advance of the requested rental date.
The application requests information about the nature of the group and event, the name and contact information of the responsible party, and the dates, times, and space required for the function.
A copy of this rental policy must be signed and sent to rentals@unityinlearning.org at least one week before the date of the rental.
Community organizations may apply to use LSNC’s facilities for a fee, subject to availability. Proposed uses of our facilities that are deemed to be in conflict with the mission and purposes of Leslie Science & Nature Center will be declined.
Applicants are responsible for the decorum of invitees, including spectators.
Applicants must be present throughout the time the facilities are being used.
No smoking is permitted in any of LSNC’s buildings or grounds, including in the parking lot.
Alcoholic beverages (beer and wine only) are permitted in LSNC’s buildings but not outside of the buildings. We must be notified of your intent to have alcoholic beverages prior to the scheduled use of the facility. There is a $25/hour add-on charge. Insurance must be obtained if you plan to serve alcohol at your event.
The applicant will adhere to the rental times in the application. LSNC staff will not be available to open the building before the start time of the rental. Guests must leave no later than the rental end time. The applicant must contact the LSNC staff person responsible for their event at the completion of the event. The staff person will tour the premises with the applicant prior to their departure. Any additional time beyond the stated rental time will be charged according to the hourly rate.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to rentals@unityinlearning.org. If the cancellation request is received 2 months or more prior to the rental date the renter will be provided a full refund minus a 10% administrative fee. The renter will receive a 50% refund minus a 10% administrative fee if the cancellation request is received more than 2 weeks and less than 2 months from the rental date. If the cancellation request is submitted 2 weeks or less prior to the rental date, no refund or credit will be provided. Refunds will be issued by check, and may take up to 4 weeks to process.
Leslie Science & Nature Center reserves the right to grant, at its sole discretion, free use of any portion of its facilities to any educational, charitable or governmental agency. The Board of Trustees of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center reserves the right to change this policy at any time.
Sponsorship of an event must be clear in any publicity for events held at LSNC’s facilities. Events not endorsed by Leslie Science & Nature Center may not appear to have the organization's sponsorship or endorsement.
General Rules Regarding Facility Use
The following rules regarding general use apply to all groups permitted to use or rent LSNC’s facilities:
A fee is customary for all individuals and organizations using LSNC’s facilities to defray actual expenses of heating, lighting, and the time required by staff to assist with facility use.
Equipment and furnishings of Leslie Science & Nature Center shall not be removed, except as approved in advance.
No open flame including gas or charcoal grills.
No bounce houses, party tents, or trampolines.
Applicants renting LSNC’s facilities are expected to clean up after themselves and leave the space as they found it. We ask that you turn off lights, empty trash/recycling receptacles, put away chairs/tables, clean the kitchen area including used dishes, as appropriate. All doors and windows must be closed and locked.
We highly recommend insurance coverage as additional fees will be collected in the event that excessive cleaning or repairs to the building are needed at the end of the rental. Insurance coverage is required if you plan to serve beer and wine.
No tacks, nails, tape or other material that will deface LSNC’s property shall be used. Only blue painter’s tape may be used to hang decorations. Decorations used during an event must be removed immediately following the event. Helium balloons are not permitted inside or outside the facilities.
The applicant may not play amplified music at any time outdoors.
When minors will be present for events, additional information related to supervision, may be required by LSNC.
The following uses are not permitted:
Sale of admission, alcohol, goods or services;
Advertising, promotion or solicitation unless approved in advance as part of the rental agreement;
Activities that disrupt the business of LSNC.
The safety and well-being of participants in an event is the responsibility of the event applicant/renter.
Insurance Coverage
It is highly recommended that the renting organization or individual procures and maintains insurance for claims alleging injuries or losses to persons or property that arise in connection with the activity for which the rental has been sought. This is required if the renting party plans to serve beer and wine at the rental. The coverage must be endorsed to protect Leslie Science & Nature Center, its agents, officers, representatives, and employees. A certificate of insurance, evidencing coverage with minimum limits of $1 million per claim for general liability must be provided to the business office no later than one week prior to the date of the rental. The coverage must be for the entire duration of the rental day.
If an individual already has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, this is typically an easy add-on (known as an insurance rider) and will insure you for any damages sustained during your rental.
Leslie Science & Nature Center reserves the right to restrict the privileges of anyone who violates these policies.