1.0 COMPLIANCE TO RULES, SIGNS AND ORDERS REQUIRED
1.1 Failure to Comply with Rules
It shall be the responsibility of any individual entering park controlled lands or waters to be aware of and obey all Park Rules and Regulations, and that failure to comply with those rules, posted or not, may result in the issuance of a citation(s), expulsion from park grounds, or arrest.
1.2 Orders & Directives to Park Visitors
Park employees are authorized to issue reasonable orders or directives to park visitors when the activity being conducted by the visitor constitutes a hazard, endangers the personal safety of the participants or other park visitors, or causes threat of damage to park facilities or natural resources, or endangers the good order in the park.
1.3 Failure to Obey Orders of Park Police Officers
No person shall ignore, disobey, fail or refuse to comply with any request, direction, or lawful order given by a Park Police Officer or Law Enforcement Officer acting under authority of law. No person shall willfully hamper, impede, resist, obstruct, or abuse any Park Police Officer or any other official (including volunteer) in the execution of his/her office or duties.
1.4 Nuisance, Obstruction, Abusive Language
No person shall commit a nuisance or obstruction or use abusive or insulting language toward or harass any employee or volunteer of the Park District.
1.5 Interference with Performance of Duties
No person shall interfere with, unreasonably disrupt, delay, or in any manner hinder any Park employee or volunteer engaged in the performance of his/her duties.
1.6 Posted Signs
No person shall ignore or disobey any posted sign within the Park without specific written permission from the Director or his/her designee.
1.7 Waiver of Park Rules
There are occasions when the waiver of a particular rule is appropriate or necessary with respect to programs, operations, or public safety. Waivers of rules may be issued in a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
2.0 PERMITS
2.1 Permit Required
No person shall sponsor, promote, conduct or participate in any special activity, including but not limited to, a meeting, parade, concert, show, exhibit, bazaar, sporting event, school sport practice, musical performance, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, assembly, rally, picketing, children’s day camp, camp activities, public meeting, demonstration, speech or addresses, marches, political meeting, or other organized activity unless first applying for and obtaining a permit and submitting any necessary fees or charges. At the discretion of the Director, usage fees may be waived or reduced. Fees paid for the use of a facility may be refunded in accordance with established refund policy.
2.2 Complying with Conditions of a Permit
No person shall fail to comply with the terms and conditions of issuance of such a permit.
2.3 Failure to Present a Permit
No person shall fail to present a proper receipt, registration or permit upon request to any law enforcement officer, park manager or designee for verification.
2.4 Refusal to Leave
No person shall refuse to leave an area that they hold a permit for, if ordered to do so by a Park Police Officer, Park Manager, Director, or his/her designee.
2.5 Discretion in Issuing a Permit
No event or activity sponsored or promoted by a person or organization shall be permitted if the Director or designee finds and determines it will constitute hazards and dangers to the personal safety of the participants or other park visitors, cause serious threat of damage to park facility, endanger peace and good order in the parks, interfere with the regular and normal use of the facilities and activities by park visitors, is inconsistent with the appropriate use of the park as defined herein or by policy or directives.
2.6 Proof of Insurance for Permit
No person, group, sponsor, organization or business shall fail to provide appropriate or required insurance coverage as a condition of their Use Permit.
2.7 Hindering or Interrupting a Permit Holder
No person shall by act or speech, willfully or unreasonably hinder, interrupt, or interfere with any duly permitted activity, or unreasonably or willfully intrude upon any person or persons who have a permit or permission.
2.8 Permit Fees
No person, group, sponsor, organization or business shall fail to pay any fee or registration amount assessed by the Park District.
2.9 Unlawful Assemblage
It is unlawful for persons to collect in bodies or crowds in numbers exceeding fifteen (15) people within the confines of a Park without a permit.
3.0 HOURS OF OPERATION AND CLOSING
3.1 Curfew
No person shall enter, remain, stop, or park within the confines of the park before the posted opening hours, or after the posted closing hours, unless participating in an authorized park program or with a special permit from the Director or his or her designee giving authorization to do so.
3.2 Special Curfew
No person shall be permitted to enter, remain, stop or park without written permission within any park when the Director or his/her designee has closed that area. An area can be closed by signage, fence, barricade or tape if determined to be hazardous for the public use because of weather, water, fire, construction, or other situation involving public health, safety or welfare, or to ensure the safety and good order of the Park or facilitate the management and protectionofnatural resourceswithinthepark.
3.3 Removal of Vehicle After Curfew at Owner’s Expense
Vehicles that are parked or left unattended in a park before the posted opening hours or after the hours of closing as described in this section are subject to removal at the owner’s expense.
3.4 Parks and Areas Closed to Public
If it is determined that a Park, or portion of a Park may be threatened or endangered by human presence, or such presence may interfere or hinder its growth, the Park or portion thereof may be closed to the public. Entry to said Park or portion thereof will be made by those persons with specific official duties to protect and maintain the Park or portion thereof or with a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
4.0 USE OF INTOXICANTS
4.1 Use of Intoxicants
No person shall possess, sell, offer for sale or consume any intoxicating liquor, wine, beer or alcoholic beverage while on park-owned or controlled property, except where a liquor license exists or in specific designated areas authorized by the Director and with issuance of a written permit. No person shall bring onto Park District property or into facilities any intoxicating liquor or alcoholic beverage other than those sold by the licensed concessionaires and/or with a special permit issued by the Director.
5.0 DEFACEMENT, DESTRUCTION, REMOVAL, OR DISTURBANCE OF PARK PROPERTY
5.1 Defacement, Destruction or Removal of Property
No person shall injure, alter, mark upon, tamper with, deface, destroy, disturb, or remove any property of another, of the park, buildings, signs, markers, barricades, vehicles, equipment, or other property found therein.
5.2 Defacement, Destruction or Removal of Natural Features
No person shall cut down, destroy, girdle or injure any park vegetation nor shall any person cut, damage, destroy, disturb, remove or attempt to remove any elements from the park including but not limited to sand, gravel, woodchips, mulch, fungus, mushroom, deer sheds, rock, historic or prehistoric artifact, mineral, vegetation such as tree, shrub, flower or its fruit or seed without permission of the Director or his/her designee, unless part of a sanctioned program.
5.3 Marking Roadways, Parking Lots or Trails
No person shall mark with paint or any other substance or place any obstruction in or upon a roadway, parking lot or trail without proper authority.
5.4 Defacement of Surface
No person shall knowingly accelerate a motor vehicle causing the tires to spin, mark, squeal and/or deface the Park roadway surface or turf.
5.5 Noise, Smoke or Damage from Vehicles or ATVs
No person shall, with the use of a vehicle or all-terrain vehicle, use or cause the use of that vehicle to be such that the operation results in unusual amounts of noise, smoke, or the marking upon or damage to any park-controlled property.
5.6 Muffler in Good Working Order
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation.
5.7 Liability
In addition to the penalty provided herein, whoever violates Section 5 shall be liable for the damages or injuries caused.
6.0 RELEASING OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS PROHIBITED
6.1 Abandoning or Releasing Plants or Animals in Park
No person shall abandon, release or cause to be released onto or into any park, any plant or cultured seed of any type, or any wild or domestic pet or animal, bird, fish or reptile.
6.2 Potentially Harmful Species
No person shall bring into or onto any Park or property owned by the Park District, any firewood or other regulated, potentially harmful, or invasive species, such as Ash tree material.
7.0 LITTER, DUMPING, IMPORTING REFUSE (LITTER)
7.1 Littering
No person shall, regardless of intent, throw, drop, discard, place or deposit litter, trash, rubbish, garbage, debris, grass clippings, brush, leaves or any other form of refuse in or on any park-owned or controlled lands or waters except in a receptacle designed for that purpose.
7.2 Importing Trash, Household Garbage
No person shall import, leave behind, or dump any household garbage or material of any kind in a receptacle or upon any area administered by the park unless that person has been directed to do so by the park official or has been issued a permit to do so. Note: This does not apply to normal refuse generated as the result of a picnic within the park unless the area is designated as a “carry- in, carry-out.” Park Police Officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed any marking, sign, decoration or device not authorized.
7.3 Stream Litter
No person shall, either within or adjacent to any park district owned or controlled property, place, deposit, or permit to be placed or deposited into the air, river, brook, stream, ditch or drain that flows into or through park lands, any noxious or deleterious material which may render park waters or land harmful or
inimical to public health, or to animal, vegetation, aquatic life, or which may prevent, limit or interfere with the use of such waters for domestic, industrial or agricultural purposes, or which may lessen to an unreasonable degree the use and enjoyment of such waters for park use. No bottles, cans, refuse or foreign material of any description shall be deposited or thrown in any of the streams, waterways, ponds or lakes in any of the parks.
7.4 Air Pollution
No person, occupant, owner or person in charge, by himself, his agent, or employee, shall cause, or allow burning of garbage, waste material, trash refuse, vehicle or any part thereof, or other combustible within the Park District so as to cause smoke, odor, sparks, dust, dirt, or other residue to come upon, pass through, or over the Park which would cause air pollution, nuisance, or danger.
8.0 FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, EXPLOSIVES, DANGEROUS WEAPONS, DANGEROUS ORDINANCE, OR ARCHERY EQUIPMENT
8.1 Firearms
No person, except Park Police Officers, other law enforcement officers and those persons in compliance with the State of Ohio concealed carry or open carry laws, shall possess any firearm. When approached by a Park Police Officer or any other law enforcement officer for any law enforcement purpose, said person, lawfully carrying a firearm, shall immediately notify the Park Police Officer or other law enforcement officer that he/she possesses a firearm and, if said firearm is concealed, produce a valid concealed carry permit. Said person shall cooperate and follow instructions provided by the Park Police officer or other law enforcement officer.
8.2 Discharging Firearms, Dangerous Weapons
No person, except duly authorized employees, Park Police Officers, or other law enforcement officers, shall discharge firearms of any description, air or gas gun, BB or pellet gun, black powder gun, conductive electric device (Taser), paintball gun, or possess any smoke bomb, martial arts weapon, knives, daggers, or other edged weapons, club, sling shot, boomerang, any missile-throwing device or any other dangerous weapon within park property. Exceptions: Persons using authorized hunting areas on park land to meet wildlife management goals, when said persons have fully and completely complied with all of the requirements established for hunting on park lands. Firearms or weapons may be permitted for the purpose of educational or cultural programs through the issuance of a special permit by the Director.
8.3 Firearm, Dangerous Weapon Under Disability
No person who is intoxicated or under disability as defined in this section shall acquire, have, carry, or use any firearm or dangerous ordinance anywhere on Park District property. “Disability” shall mean any of the following: (1) the person is a fugitive from justice; (2) the person is under indictment for or has been convicted of any felony offense of violence or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been a felony offense of violence; (3) the person is under indictment for or has been convicted of any offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been an offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse; (4) the person is drug dependent, in danger of drug dependence, or a chronic alcoholic; (5) the person is under adjudication of mental incompetence, has been adjudicated as a mental defective, has been committed to a mental institution, has been found by a court to be a mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order, or is an involuntary patient other than one who is a patient only for purposes of observation. As used in this division, “mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order” and “patient” have the same meanings as in Section 5122.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.
8.4 Fireworks or Explosives
No person shall possess, set off, discharge or ignite any fireworks or explosive, visible or audible substances or other pyrotechnics within the Park District except for licensed exhibitors with a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
8.5 Archery Equipment
No person shall release an arrow from a bow, crossbow or longbow within the park except in areas designated as archery ranges, or with a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
9.0 PEDDLING, SOLICITING GIFTS, DONATIONS, COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES
9.1 Solicit Unlawful Sales
No person shall fundraise, canvass, beg, hawk, peddle, distribute literature, solicit for gift or donation, sell, offer for sale, solicit orders for sale, any article, thing, wares, merchandise of value, privilege, or service on Park District owned or operated property unless applied for and have been issued express written permission of the Director. All vendors will operate with all necessary and valid permits.
9.2 Gambling and Games of Chance
No person shall manage, operate, or engage in gambling of any kind, or have any machine or other device upon the act of which money is staked, bet, awarded, won or lost. Any such machine or device shall be subject to seizure and confiscation. No person shall play any game(s) of chance for monetary or material gain within the confines of any park.
9.3 Amusement Equipment
No person shall bring in, set up, construct, manage or operate any amusement equipment without prior written approval from the Director or his/her designee, and the necessary insurance or permits required by the Ohio Department of Agriculture or other regulatory agency.
10.0 ADVERTISING AND SIGNS
10.1 Posting, Display, Signs
No person shall expose, distribute, post, place any sign, poster, advertisement circular, handbill, notice, emblem or design within the Park, nor paint, mark, write, or print in any manner upon any property within the Parks without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so. Signs and decorations shall not be affixed to trees, gates or other park property unless approved by the Director or his/her designee. Persons may attach decorations or signs to a shelter for the purpose of identifying group location using only masking tape or other non-marring adhesive. Decorations and/or signs shall be removed prior to vacating the shelter.
10.2 Use of Park District Name, Logo, Emblem
No person, organization or business shall use the Park District name, logo, emblem, trademark or any Park District symbol or signs without first obtaining writtenpermissionfromthe Directororhis/herdesigneeandpayingany necessary fees.
10.3 Commercial Advertising
No person shall take or cause to be taken any still pictures, video, sketches, or paintings for commercial advertising without written permission from the Director or his/her designee.
11.0 INDECENT CONDUCT, EXPOSURE, AND SOLICITATION
11.1 Indecent Conduct, Exposure, & Solicitation
No person shall appear in a park in a state of nudity, or perform or engage in masturbation, sexual contact or conduct, or simulated sexual conduct, or engage in conduct which to an ordinary observer would appear to be sexual conduct or masturbation, nor make any indecent exposure of his/her person, or
(A) Solicit another to engage in sexual contact, or
(B) Solicit another to engage in sexual conduct, or
(C) Solicit another to commit, perform, or engage in any lewd, lascivious, obscene, or indecent act or behavior.
12.0 DISORDERLY BEHAVIOR
12.1 Smoking
No person shall smoke in any building or vehicle under the care of Preservation Parks of Delaware County, or any areas designated as a “Non-smoking Area” by the Board, unless designated acceptable for smoking.
12.2 Obscene, Offensive or Abusing Language
No person shall utter any profane, obscene, offensive or abusive language or ethnic slur, make unreasonable noise, display or gesture while within a park, or insult, taunt or challenge another under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to provoke a violent response.
12.3 Enter Restroom of Opposite Gender
No person shall enter or remain in any toilet room reserved or posted for the use of the opposite gender, except for park employees while under the auspices of their duties; or enter or remain in a unisex toilet except to assist a child of tender age which may need to be accompanied by a supervising adult.
12.4 Loitering
No person shall loiter in or about the restroom facilities, Park administrative buildings, wildlife viewing areas, play areas, vehicles or parking lots while in the Park.
12.5 Offensive Behavior, Annoyance or Alarm
No person shall engage in conduct that to an ordinary observer would likely be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or engage in conduct or create a condition which presents a risk of physical harm to oneself or another, or to the property of another.
12.6 Endangering
No person or corporation shall either with willful or wanton disregard for safety, endanger the life of another person in any way, cause the injury or threaten the personal safety of any person within or adjacent to the Park.
12.7 Loud Behavior
No person shall operate or play any toy, sirens, musical instruments, loud speakers, stereos, or other noise-making devices; or engage in noisy, boisterous, disorderly or loud behavior which impairs the tranquil atmosphere of the park, or in any manner disturbs the peace and good order of others, or impairs the enjoyment of park visitors without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
13.0 DOGS, CATS AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD PETS
13.1 Pets
No person shall bring into, permit, have or keep in any part of the Park, any dog, cat, household pet or other animal destructive to wildlife, except that dogs or cats are permitted, in designated areas, only if they have a valid registration tag and are under physical control of the owner or another at all times on a hand held leash not more than six (6) feet long. Exemption: Animals recognized as service pets under Ohio Revised Code are permitted in all public areas of the Park.
13.2 Pets in Park Buildings
No pets are permitted in Park District buildings except service pets required for personal assistance due to disability.
13.3 Removal of Excrement
No owner or custodian shall fail to immediately clean up, remove and place into a rubbish receptacle in a sanitary manner any excrement left by his/her pet.
13.4 Washing Pets
No person shall wash any pet at a water fountain, pump or other water source.
13.5 Pet Inoculations
No person shall bring into any Park any pet unless he/she has proof of current rabies inoculation for the animal and a collar or tag bearing owner’s name and address is attached to the animal.
13.6 Leaving Pet Unattended
No person shall leave a domestic dog, cat, or other pet unattended.
13.7 Leading Pets from a Moving Vehicle
No person shall lead, or permit to be led, any leashed pet or animal while in or on a moving motor vehicle or motorized bicycle.
13.8 Mistreatment of Animals
No person shall mistreat any animal within the confines of any park.
13.9 Nuisance or Aggressive Animals
No pet or other animal shall be allowed to disturb or become obnoxious or a nuisance to other users of the park by frequent and habitual barking, howling or yelping, or creating unreasonable loud or disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of any park. No animal should be allowed to act in an aggressive manner, even if on a leash, by barking, growling, showing teeth, snarling, etc. which would cause other users of the park to fear for their safety or well-being.
13.10 Trails Closed to Pets
No person shall permit their pet to be on a trail that has been designated as a non-pet trail or which has been closed to pet use by the Director or his/her designee.
13.11 Pet Swimming
No person shall allow their pet to swim or wade in any park waters unless such waters are designated for pet use, or without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
14.0 SWIMMING, WADING, & USE OF AQUATIC SPORTING EQUIPMENT
14.1 Swimming Prohibited
No person shall at any time swim, wade, bathe or enter into any river, stream, pond or other body of water within the Park District except in an area or facility designated for that purpose by the Board, unless involved in a Park District program requiring water activity. Activities not in keeping with the intended use of the bodies of water are prohibited without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
14.2 Aquatic Sporting Equipment
Boats, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, water skies, scuba diving, snorkeling, and similar aquatic equipment and flotation equipment such as inner tube ring, buoy, raft, air mattress, or similar novelty device of inflatable air cell construction or any plastic foam flotation device is prohibited on any waters except as posted.
14.3 Objects Prohibited
Glass bottles, and metal cans or containers are prohibited on any boat/kayak launch or in designated swimming areas without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
14.4 Posted Rules at Launches
All boat/kayak launch users shall abide by any rules and regulations posted at said launch and any directions given by a Park Police Officer or other Park staff.
15.0 SLEDDING, SKIING, SKATING, SNOWMOBILES, HOVERBOARDS, ETC.
15.1 Sledding, Skiing, & Ice Skating
No person shall sled ride, ski or ice skate within the park except in posted areas designated for that use and only during permitted hours and subject to posted operational rules.
15.2 Snowmobiles Prohibited
No person shall operate a snowmobile or other self-propelled vehicle steered by skis, runners, or caterpillar treads, which are designed to travel on snow or ice- covered surfaces as defined in section 4519.01(A) of the Ohio Revised Code upon any park-owned or administered property.
15.3 Skateboards, Scooters, Roller Blades, Hoverboards, Etc.
No person shall ride or use any type of skateboard, scooter, or hoverboard in any park, except in designated areas such as on paved surfaces, allowing for safety concerns. Roller blades and in-line skates will be permitted in designated areas such as paved surfaces, allowing for safety concerns. Shoe skates and “Heelys” are prohibited in all buildings or structures.
15.4 Posted Rules at Sled Hills
All sled hill users shall abide by any rules and regulations posted at said sled hill and any directions given by a Park Police Officer or other Park staff.
16.0 TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
16.1 Prima Facie Liable for Unlawful Parking
In any hearing on a charge of illegally parking a motor vehicle, testimony that a vehicle bearing a certain license plate was found unlawfully parked as prohibited by the provisions of these Park Rules and Regulations, and further testimony that the record of the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles shows that the license plate was issued to the defendant, shall be prima facie evidence that the vehicle which was unlawfully parked, was so parked by the defendant.
16.2 Parking (Reference ORC 4511.68)
No person shall operate, stop, store, stand or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the provisions of these Park Rules and Regulations, or while obeying the directions of a Park Police Officer, any other law enforcement officer or a traffic control device, in any part of the following places:
(A) On a sidewalk.
(B) Within an intersection.
(C) Within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant.
(D) On a crosswalk.
(E) Within one foot of another vehicle.
(F) At any place where signs prohibit parking, stopping, or standing are posted or where the curbing or street is painted yellow, or at any place in excess of the maximum time limited by signs.
(G) Upon sod or gravel not specifically designated as a parking area.
(H) In any parking space that is reserved for use by vehicles that are issued and are properly displaying a handicapped placard or registration plate. (Persons may park in handicapped park spaces if the proper placard or license plate is displayed.)
(I) At any location that has been gated, barricaded or posted as closed by the Director, his/her designee, or a Park Police Officer.
(J) On any trail.
(K) Where such spaces are marked, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in such a manner as to occupy more than one space.
(L) Block another parked vehicle or restrict or impede the normal flow of traffic.
(Note: The Park District may close parking lots, areas, or parks when necessary.)
16.3 Tractor/Trailer
Except where authorized, no agricultural tractor, commercial tractor, commercial car, semi-tractor or vehicle designed for the transportation of goods and materials, loaded or empty, as defined in ORC 4501.01 (C), (D), (J) or (P) shall be operated by any person over any road or driven within any park.
16.4 Removal of Unattended Vehicle Obstructing Park/Traffic (Reference ORC 4511.66)
When a Park Police Officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any street, bridge, causeway, or road where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction such as a hazard to traffic, when a vehicle displays illegal license plates, is damaged or wrecked so as to be inoperable, when used in the commission of a felony, is stolen or operated without consent of the owner or without a lawful license, the Park Police Officer may remove the vehicle to the nearest garage or other place of safety at the owner’s expense.
16.5 Testing, Washing, or Repairing Vehicles
No person shell test, wash, wax, or repair any vehicle or mechanical device within the Park, except in an emergency and upon notification of a Park Police Officer.
16.6 Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles (Reference ORC 4511.45)
No person shall fail to yield to any emergency vehicle engaged in law enforcement or a rescue capacity.
16.7 Traffic Control Devices (Reference ORC 4511.12)
No pedestrian or driver of a vehicle or bicycle shall disobey any traffic control sign or device unless otherwise, at that time, directed by a Park Police Officer.
16.8 Racing (Reference ORC 4511.251)
No person shall participate in vehicle racing upon any park-owned land or roadway.
16.9 Disregard of Safety (Reference ORC 4511.20)
No person shall operate a vehicle in a reckless manner or in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of other persons, pedestrians, or property on park-owned or operated lands.
16.10 Left of Center / Right of Marked Lanes (Reference ORC 4511.29)
Upon all roads and drives of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when otherwise directed by a traffic control device, Park Police Officer, other law enforcement officer, or Park employee within the Park.
16.11 Speed (Reference ORC 4511.21)
No person shall operate, propel, drive or cause to be propelled or driven along any road or driveway within the park, any vehicle at a speed greater than those
posted. Vehicles should be operated in a reasonable and proper manner for the safe operation of the vehicle and/or the traffic conditions found to exist at any intersection, or special hazard such as playground, picnic area, trail crossing, parking lots, narrow or winding roads, weather or road conditions, pedestrian or equestrian crossing, or bicycle traffic or other place upon any part of the roads or drives under the supervision of the Park District. In the absence of a posted limit the speed shall not exceed 15 miles per hour.
16.12 Assured Clear Distance (Reference ORC 4511.21)
The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the street that will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
16.13 Endangerment (Reference ORC 4511.51)
No person shall solicit a ride, employment, business or contributions from a driver or occupant of any vehicle. No person shall hang onto, or knowingly permit anyone to hang onto, or ride on the outside of any motor vehicle, any bicycle, coaster, roller blades/skates or sled while it is moving upon a roadway or trail within the park.
16.14 Purpose of Way
No person shall use any portion of the park for purpose of way except drives, roadways, paths, walks, and trails established for such purpose. Paths established as bridle paths, foot paths or bicycle paths shall not be used for motor vehicles. Park and emergency vehicles are exempt.
16.15 Entrance/Exit to Park
No person shall make entrance /exit to a park except by the established points of entry.
16.16 Closed Roadways or Drives (Reference ORC 4511.71)
No person shall drive upon or along any Park road or drive which has been closed by means of being posted closed with barricades or gates. The Director or his/her designee shall have the authority to order roads, drives, Parks or facilities closed for construction, reconstruction, repair, investigation, weather conditions, or an unsafe condition.
16.17 Unsecured Load (Reference ORC 4513.31)
No vehicle shall be driven or moved within the Park District unless such vehicle is so constructed, loaded or covered as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking or otherwise escaping there from or as to track or drop stones, gravel, agricultural by-products or other similar material on any Park District property or road.
16.18 Unsafe Vehicle (Reference ORC 4513.02)
No person shall drive, move or knowingly permit to be driven or moved within the park, any vehicle in an unsafe condition that could possibly endanger any person, wildlife, or property.
16.19 Rapid Acceleration (Reference ORC 4511.251)
No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any of the roadways in a manner that the vehicle is so rapidly accelerated or started from a stop position or so stopped that the exhaust system emits a loud, cracking or challenging noise unusual to its normal operation or the rubber tires of such vehicle squeal, leave tire marks on the roadway or spray gravel top dressing from the roadway (commonly referred to as “peeling out”).
16.20 Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Reference ORC 4549.02)
No person shall leave the Park or fail to contact the Park District in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in damage to Park property, Park equipment, or personal property.
16.21 Failure to Yield to Pedestrians (Reference ORC 4511.46)
No person while operating a motor vehicle, bicycle or any other vehicle within the Park shall fail to yield to pedestrians.
16.22 Incorporation of State Traffic Laws
These rules are in addition to and supplement to State Traffic laws that are in force and made a part hereof.
17.0 GOLFING
17.1 Golfing Prohibited
No person shall practice or play golf within the Park District, except in areas designated for such activities by the Director.
18.0 PLAY EQUIPMENT AND TEAM SPORTS
18.1 Play Equipment and Team Sports Requirements
Playing of horse shoes, organized team sports, or other games with play equipment shall, for the safety and welfare of all other persons using the parks, be confined to the areas set aside and designated for such purposes.
18.2 Use of Play Equipment
Play equipment shall be used by only those within the appropriate age or weight for which the play equipment was designed or recommended.
19.0 CAMPING
19.1 Camping & Lodging Prohibited
No person shall establish, conduct or maintain any camp or other temporary lodging or sleeping place within the park without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
20.0 ALL-PURPOSE, ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
20.1 All-Purpose, All-Terrain Vehicles
No person shall operate, on any Park trail or turf area, any motorized vehicle that is steered by wheels or caterpillar treads or operates on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as “all-purpose vehicles”, all-terrain vehicles, all- season vehicles, mini-bikes, trail bikes, any vehicle principally used in playing golf, any motor vehicle or aircraft required to be registered under Chapter 4503 or Chapter 4561 of the Ohio Revised Code and any vehicle excepted from definition as a motor vehicle by Division (B) of Section 4501.1 of the Ohio Revised Code on any property owned or administrated by the Park District except by permit. Exception: Persons with mobility disabilities in need of Other Power- Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD’s) needed for locomotion and with a special permit issued by the Park District.
21.0 RAPPELLING, ROCK CLIMBING, THROWING OBJECTS
21.1 Rappelling, Rock Climbing
No person shall participate or assist in any type of rock, cliff or ice climbing, rope climbing, rappelling or ascending on any Park owned or administered property without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
21.2 Rappelling, Climbing Equipment
No person, except Park District employees, shall use equipment or devices, including crampons, ropes, harnesses, ladders, scaffolding for climbing trees, cliffs or rocks without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
21.3 Throwing Objects
No person shall throw, toss, propel, or cause, directly or indirectly, the throwing, tossing, dropping or propelling of any object over or off any precipice, bridge, observation tower, or other similar structure or natural formation.
22.0 USE OF PARK STRUCTURES, FACILITIES, OR AREAS
22.1 Utilization of Structures, Facilities, or Areas
No person shall utilize any structure, facility or area administered by the Park District and upon vacating said structure, facility or area, cause it be left in a state of clutter or disarray, unsanitary or unclean, including but not limited to food scraps, animal droppings, or materials commonly used for decorating. Upon reserving any facility, structure, or area, that person shall accept liability for any breakage, destruction, or removal of park property by any member of their group as a condition of receiving the applicable permit.
22.2 Picnic Shelters & Tables
Picnic shelters and tables that are not reserved by permit are available on a first- come, first-served basis and may not be held for longer than one hour prior to arrival of the group. Park employees may remove material supplies or decorating left unattended.
22.3 Generators Prohibited
No person shall operate a generator within the park without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
23.0 HORSEBACK RIDING
23.1 Permitted Areas
Except in designated areas, no person shall ride or bring into the park, any horse, mule or pony. No person shall use, drive, or operate any horse, mule, or pony driven wagon, carriage, or sled within the Parks except by permit from the Director or his/her designee on approved trails.
23.2 Right-of-Way
While riding a horse, mule or pony along any bridal trail, the rider shall yield the right-of-way at all points where bridle trails cross roads, drives, paths or parkways to vehicles or pedestrians.
23.3 Safety
No person shall ride a horse, mule or pony within a park without due regard for the safety, respect and well-being of vehicles, other riders, pedestrians and/or park property. No person shall hitch or tie any horse or other animal to any tree, shrub or building.
23.4 Trails
Except in designated areas, riders shall stay on designated bridle trails at all times.
23.5 Unattended, Mistreated Horses
No person shall leave unattended, mistreat, over-ride, cruelly beat or torture any horse, mule, or pony within the Park District.
23.6 Open Hours
No person shall ride a horse within the park one-half hour of closing or during closed hours or on closed trails.
24.0 AIRCRAFTS, BALLOONS, PARACHUTES, DRONES, ETC.
24.1 Aircrafts, Balloons, Parachutes, Etc.
No person shall voluntarily bring, land or cause to ascend or descend, or alight upon park lands, any airplane, flying machine, drone, hot air balloon, glider, parachute or other apparatus for aviation, without a permit and payment of a fee, if any, as may be required by the Board. Note: “Voluntarily,” shall mean anything other than a forced landing. Any landing other than one caused by mechanical or structural failure of the aircraft or any of its parts shall be deemed to have been made voluntarily and this shall include landings by error or oversight, negligence or failure to comply with any Civil Aeronautics Authority regulations or rulings.
25.0 MODELS AND METAL DETECTORS
25.1 Power Models Prohibited
No engine-powered, radio-controlled, self-propelled, free-sailing miniature model and toy airplanes, drones, boats, cars, rockets, sirens or other noise- making devices are permitted to be started, operated, flown or used within the confines of the Park, without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
25.2 Metal Detectors Prohibited
No person shall bring in or use any device or instrument used to detect metallic objects without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
26.0 WATERCRAFTS
26.1 Watercrafts Prohibited
No person shall drive or propel or cause to be driven or propelled any watercraft upon, along, or over any lake, pond, impounded waters either frozen or unfrozen, within the park unless the waterway is designated for such activity.
26.2 Unsafe Operation of Watercraft
No watercraft shall be operated on any river, pond or reservoir in a reckless manner, or in a manner to endanger the life, limb or property of boaters or any other person within the park water area, including fishermen, if any,
engaged in the lawful use thereof.
26.3 Watercraft Safety Equipment
No watercraft shall be operated upon any lakes, rivers, ponds or other bodies of water owned by or under the control of the Park District that do not meet safety standards or carry safety equipment as described and required by the provisions of Ohio Revised Code 1547.01 to 1547.99, relating to watercraft and regulations of the Division of the State of Ohio. The provisions of Sections 1547.01 to 1547.99 of the Ohio Revised Code relating to watercraft and regulations of the Division of Watercraft of the State of Ohio adopted pursuant thereto shall be effective and enforced in Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
26.4 Closed or Restricted Access to Waterways
No person shall operate any watercraft in any lakes, ponds, rivers or reservoirs which the Park District has closed for safety reasons or any other reason.
26.5 Launching
Except where designated, no person shall bring into, launch or attempt to launch, or “put in” or remove any watercraft or flotation device on Park property.
26.6 Watercraft Trailers
Watercraft trailers shall be parked in designated areas and exit as indicated.
26.7 After Hours
No watercraft shall be operated within the boundary of the Park District after the park closing hours.
26.8 Incorporation of State Watercraft Laws
Unless specifically addressed, these rules and regulations are in addition to and supplement the State of Ohio watercraft laws which are in force and which are made part hereof.
27.0 TRAILS AND MULTI-USE PATHS
27.1 Off-Trail Use Prohibited
No person shall be permitted off the posted trails established by the Park District without permit, except in designated areas. Persons shall remain on the official, designated or improved trail while in the Park unless involved in a park program involving off-trail activity.
27.2 Use of Trails and Multi-Use Paths
Use of trails and multi-use paths include, but is not limited to: bicycles, where designated, walking, hiking, jogging, wheelchairs, horseback riding, where designated, snow skis, and roller blades, etc.
27.3 Designation of Trails
Trail use shall only be as designated or posted. Designation may be letters, colors, symbols, or figures.
27.4 Obeying Operational Policies
No person shall fail to obey any marked lanes, devices or operational policies. Pedestrians have the right-of-way; cross traffic has the right-of-way at intersections. Any person passing another person traveling in the same direction along a trail and/or multi-use path shall announce their intention before passing. No person shall pass another trail user in a manner that endangers the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of roads, trails, or paths or causes inconvenience or alarms him or herself or other trail or park users.
27.5 Speed Limits on Trails and Multi-Use Paths
No person shall exceed the posted speed limit or travel at speeds greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions that exist.
27.6 Self-Propelled Vehicles on Trails Prohibited
No person shall operate any type of self-propelled vehicle or any vehicle moved by animal or human power upon any foot or unimproved trail unless the trail is designated for such activity or by permit. Exception: Persons with mobility disabilities in need of Other Power- Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD’s) needed for locomotion and with a special permit issued by the Park District.
27.7 Trail and Multi-Use Path Curfew
No person shall be on any trail, multi-use path or land administered by the Park District before the posted opening hours or after the posted closing hours or any time the Park District has designated a trail or area closed.
27.8 Bicycles on Trails, Roadways & Passing
No person shall ride bicycles on any path or trail more than two (2) abreast or on any roadway or road used by the public for regular motor vehicle access in any other manner than single file. Passing shall always be single-file.
27.9 Endangerment While on Bicycle, Scooter, Roller Blades, Etc.
No person shall carry another person on the handlebars, frame or fender or so ride on a bicycle except on a suitable seat attached to such bicycle for such purpose or travel in a weaving or zigzag course.
27.10 Bicycle Safety Equipment
Every bicycle shall be equipped with an adequate brake and bell or other device capable of giving an audible sound when riding on a roadway or multi-use path.
27.11 Motorized Vehicle Prohibited on Trail & Multi-Use Path
No person shall use or operate a motorized vehicle or motorized bicycle on a trail, bridle path, footpath, or multi-use path trail except park employees or emergency service personnel in the performance of their duties Exception: Persons with mobility disabilities in need of Other Power- Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD’s) needed for locomotion and with a special permit issued by the Park District.
27.12 Law Enforcement, Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles
Law enforcement, emergency, and maintenance vehicles are exempt from Park Rules and Regulations and have the right of way on all portions of a trail or multi- use path. Trail and multi-use path users must yield to emergency and maintenance traffic. Blocking safe passage of any law enforcement, emergency and maintenance vehicles is prohibited.
27.13 Encroachment on Adjacent Land
No person shall trespass onto private property or adversely act in a manner which would affect or interfere with an adjacent land owner’s rights or privacy.
27.14 Other Rules and Regulations
All trail and multi-use path users are subject to all applicable Ohio Revised Codes, Preservation Parks Rules and Regulations, state laws, and local ordinances.
28.0 FIRES
28.1 Fires
No person shall start, kindle, build, maintain, or use a fire other than in park grills, privately owned grills, shelter fireplaces, or in a place specifically designated for such purposes.
28.2 Care of Fires
Any fire, ember or burning briquettes shall be continuously under the care and direction of an adult from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. All fires shall be put out by the person or persons starting or using the fire before leaving the immediate vicinity of the fire.
28.3 Dumping or Discarding Matches, Cigarettes, Cigars, Embers, Etc.
No person shall throw away, dump or discard any match, cigarette, cigar, ember, hot ashes, briquettes, or other burning object that has not been entirely extinguished before being thrown away or discarded in receptacles or areas provided. Dumping hot ashes or fire near tree trunks, onto the grass or other vegetation, in wooded area, in any stream, pond or waterway is prohibited. Fuel other than wood or charcoal shall not be used in park grills.
28.4 Fires Near Buildings, Trees, Etc.
No fire shall be built and no grill shall be used within ten (10) feet of any tree, building or beneath the branches of any tree or plant, or in any underbrush.
28.5 Use of Portable Stoves
No person shall place or maintain a portable stove or grill in a shelter, on combustible picnic tables, on any combustible surfaces, on trails, or in areas designated by the Park District as unsafe for such activities.
28.6 Limiting Size of Fire
The Director or his/her designee may limit the size of any fire and prescribe safety precautions to be taken, when fire hazard conditions exist. The Director or his/her designee may also prohibit fires for limited periods at any location when deemed other damage, destruction, scar or injury could result to structures, trees, plants or their foliage.
28.7 Large Cookers, Grills, Rotisseries Prohibited
Large cookers or commercial-style rotisseries are prohibited without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so and in designated areas only.
28.8 Gathering of Firewood
The gathering of wood for fuel on Park lands is prohibited without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so and in designated areas only.
29.0 HUNTING, FISHING AND MOLESTING OF ANIMALS
29.1 Hunting, Trapping, and Molesting Wildlife
No person shall on Park District-owned property: hunt, attempt to hunt, pursue with animals, electric or mechanical devices, trap or in any other way molest, harm, harass, injure, poison, kill or disturb any den or nest, bird or animal,
or take the eggs of any bird, any deer shed, invertebrate, mammal, reptile or amphibian, except when permitted by the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so and in designated areas only.
29.2 Hunting Near Roadways, or Trails
No person shall hunt, shoot, shoot at, or kill any animal within 200 feet of any road, structure, trail, path, or parking lot within the Park. No person shall shoot across or from any roadway. These areas will be considered safety zones.
29.3 Spotlighting Wildlife Prohibited
No person shall use headlights or spotlights of any kind to illuminate wildlife within the confines of any park, unless that person is a member of a park- supervised program or is directed to do so by a park employee, except in cases where the purpose for doing so is to avoid injury to persons, property or wildlife.
29.4 Fishing
No person shall fish in Park waters, except where designated. Waters may be closed to fishing as posted. Where permitted, fishing is subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio and/or regulations determined by the Park District.
29.5 Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is prohibited on Park District waters, except when permitted for the purpose of educational or cultural programs by the Director.
29.6 Nuisance Animals
Trapping or removal of nuisance animals may be done by Park personnel or with a permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
29.7 Feeding Wildlife or Livestock Prohibited
No person other than park personnel or volunteers engaged in official duties may feed any wild bird, waterfowl, deer, livestock, or other animal found within the confines of the Park except when engaged in a Park District program or when permitted by the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so and in designated areas only.
29.8 Driving Livestock, Grazing Prohibited
No person shall drive or cause to be driven any cows, horses, sheep, goats, swine or other livestock to graze or browse on Park lands except when said animals are under the care of the Park and in areas designated for such use.
29.9 Incorporation of State Wildlife Laws & Orders
Unless specifically addressed, these rules and regulations are in addition to and supplement the State Wildlife Orders and Laws which are in force and which are made a part hereof.
30.0 ENCROACHMENT
30.1 Encroachment
No person shall encroach upon Park lands.
30.2 Trespassing onto Private Property
No person shall trespass from Park property onto private property.
30.3 Construction of Blinds, Stands, Buildings, Fences, Etc.
No person shall erect, construct, install or place any structure, blind, stand, building, shed, fence, machinery, equipment or apparatus of any type, or stockpile, store or place any organic or inorganic material on, below, over or across Park District owned or operated property.
30.4 Mowing, Cutting, Grooming Prohibited
No person, except for park employees or volunteers shall perform or cause any mowing, trimming, cutting or grooming of Park lands, or perform similar maintenance for any purpose or in any like manner encroach onto Park property without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so.
31.0 EJECTION(S) OF PERSONS FROM PARK PROPERTIES
31.1 Ejection(s) of Persons from Park Properties
At the discretion of Park Police Officers or any law enforcement officers having jurisdiction, any person(s) who has violated a park rule(s) or the Ohio Revised Code may be ejected from all Preservation Parks of Delaware County properties for the remainder of the day on which the violation occurred. Furthermore, ejection from park properties may be instituted in conjunction with or in place of written warnings or citations.
31.2 Trespass from Park District Facilities
At the discretion of Park Police Officers, any law enforcement officers having jurisdiction, or any court order, any person(s) who has violated a park rule(s)
or the Ohio Revised Code, fails to follow a lawful order of a law enforcement officer, or is disruptive to other visitors or park operations may be ejected from any or all Preservation Parks of Delaware County properties for a term ranging from one day to permanent ejection. Subjects being trespassed from a park facility will be issued a written notification.
32.0 ABANDONED PERSONAL PROPERTY
32.1 Abandoned Personal Property
Personal property that has been left in the Park may be removed by Park personnel and stored at Park Police Headquarters. Upon proper description and identification, the owner may reclaim said property within 45 days and after paying any applicable storage fees. Items not claimed within 45 days shall become the property of the Board of Park Commissioners and shall be disposed of in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code.
32.2 Unattended Personal Possession
No person shall leave personal possessions, including vehicles, unattended in the Park without a special permit from the Director or his/her designee giving authorization to do so. “Unattended” shall mean exiting any park while leaving personal possessions in the park. Exemption: Persons may leave personal possessions and vehicles in parking lot(s) associated with Park District canoe/kayak launch(s). Personal possessions and/or vehicles must be removed prior to Curfew.
33.0 SPECIAL FACILITY REGULATIONS
33.1 Special Facility Regulations
Certain park areas and facilities may require additional regulations that are necessary for visitor safety and resource protection. Such regulations shall be posted at these special areas and facilities.
