Want to rent space at Como Park for July 4th? Or at Phalen on Memorial Day? If so, know this:

St. Paul officials will open a park permit lottery on Jan. 4 for individuals and businesses wishing to reserve dates and times in the city's parks. City officials consider the lottery to be the fairest way to ensure equal access.

St. Paul residents and businesses can apply in person for park permits beginning at 7 a.m. Monday at the Parks Permit Office, 1100 N. Hamline Av. Lottery numbers will be issued from 7 to 7:30 a.m.

There are caveats : Once lottery numbers are assigned, they cannot be transferred. Park permits will be issued beginning at 7:31 a.m. to customers who have received a lottery number. After that, customers will be issued permits on a first-come, first-served basis.

The city will accept only one reservation per party per day. Nonresidents or businesses cannot have a St. Paul resident apply on their behalf.

The city will begin accepting telephone applications on Tuesday at 651-632-5111 (TTY: 651-266-6378) with credit card payment only. Park Permit Office hours are: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For additional information, call the Park Permit Office at 651-632-5111, or go to www.stpaul.gov/parkpermits.