(a) Park Rules.
(1) Parks are open from dawn to dusk, unless noted below:
A. Degenhart Park - open from dawn until 10:00 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Savings Time and until dusk during Eastern Standard Time unless a special event is taking place and a later closing time is authorized and posted by the Administrator.
B. Veteran's Park - open twenty-four hours per day if lighted.
C. Heritage Park - open from dawn until dusk, unless a special event is taking place and a later closing time is authorized and posted by the Administrator.
(2) Unauthorized motor vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, golf carts and motorized scooters) are prohibited. Persons with disabilities are permitted to use a motorized wheelchair or similar means for transportation.
(3) Only leashed pets are permitted (six (6) foot leash maximum).
(4) Pet owners are required to remove of and dispose of their pet's waste.
(5) Bounce houses, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoos and farm animals are prohibited, unless a part of a City sponsored event.
(6) Overnight parking, camping and golfing are prohibited unless approved by Administrator.
(7) Use of firearms, fireworks, BB guns, archery equipment, sling shots and paint guns are prohibited.
(8) A permit is required for athletic activities not affiliated with the Groveport Recreation Department.
(9) Illegal and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.
(10) Amplified sound shall not interfere will other visitors, with the exception of City sponsored or permitted events.
(11) Dispose of litter in receptacle.
(12) Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
(13) Any aircraft (including model-type), airships, hot-air balloons, ultra-lights, hang gliders and drones may not ascend or descend in a park except in emergency or with the prior written consent of Administrator. In the cases of drones, this provision shall not apply to any drone activity or operation conducted by a federal, state or local government entity or political subdivision.
(14) No person shall conduct, sponsor or promote a special event, concert, theater, athletic event/lesson or other public activity in a park without prior written consent of Administrator.
(15) Parking in City parks is permitted only in parking lots and designated parking spaces. Overflow parking outside of established lots and/or parking spaces is permissible only upon written authorization by the Director of Recreation, or designee.
(16) Open fires, such as camp fires, are prohibited without prior written consent of the Administrator. Cooking fires, which are contained in a barbeque, are permitted. Persons may bring their own personal grill to use provided that is not used under a picnic shelter. Anyone using a grill in the City's parks must ensure that all coals have cooled before leaving the park.
(17) No nailing, stapling or tacking of any kind on shelter houses or tables.
(18) Administrator may permit food trucks to operate in all City parks provided the vendor complies with all State and Local laws and/or regulations with respect to the operation of said business.
(19) All local, state and federal laws and ordinances apply.
(b) Pond Rules.
(1) Boating, swimming, ice fishing, ice skating and walking on ice is prohibited, unless approved by Administrator.
(2) Persons sixteen (16) years of age and older must catch and release fish, except during two-week period of scheduled fish releases/stocking.
(3) During the two-week period of scheduled fish releases/stocking, the limit that can be taken is five (5).
(4) Any bass or catfish under sixteen (16) inches in length must be released.
(5) Hunting or collecting of frogs, turtles, birds or other animals on park property is prohibited, unless otherwise authorized by State law.
(6) Seining (casting of fish nets for purpose of catching fish) is prohibited.
(7) Boating and operation of gas powered model boats is prohibited.
(8) All other state and federal wildlife statutes shall be applicable.
(c) Leisure Path Rules.
(1) General.
A. All City Codes and State Ordinances will be enforced.
B. Unauthorized motor vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, golf carts and motorized scooters) are prohibited. Persons with disabilities are permitted to use a motorized wheelchair or similar means for transportation.
C. Fifteen (15) mph speed limit.
D. Keep right, pass on left.
E. Give an audible signal when passing.
F. Yield when entering and crossing path.
G. Be courteous and predictable.
H. Do not block the path.
I. Pets must be walked off the path on a six (6) foot leash maximum Pedestrians and Runners:
J. Watch for other path users and listen for audible signals.
K. Allow faster runners to pass safely.
(2) Cyclists and Skaters.
A. Maintain safe speed and yield right of way to pedestrians.
B. Slow-down in congested areas or reduced visibility conditions and ride single file.
(Ord. 2021-025. Passed 7-12-21.)