The following rules and regulations shall govern camping in Wheeland Park.
(A) Preference for issuing camping permits will be given to local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other youth organizations. Responsible supervision shall be provided by the applicant for the camping permit.
(B) The preservation of the natural setting of the area and the wildlife habitat must be maintained. The campsite must be left in a state of cleanliness upon leaving the area. Sanitation must be adequately provided for.
(C) Destruction of wildlife, tree cutting and removal of vegetation is prohibited.
(D) Campsites are available only by assignment and are subject to the following limitations.
(1) Only one wheeled camping vehicle (trailer, camper or other recreational vehicle) may occupy a campsite at a time; in addition to the wheeled camping vehicle, there may be no more than one tent occupying the campsite.
(2) If there are no wheeled camping vehicles occupying a campsite, no more than two tents may occupy the campsite at a time.
(3) No more than four adults may occupy a campsite at a time.
(4) Homemade camper vehicles and mobile homes are prohibited in all campsites except for those vehicles that have been certified, approved and licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State as “recreational vehicles” and have valid RV plates properly displayed on the vehicles.
(5) No wheeled camping vehicle shall exceed the following lengths:
(a) In campsites Nos. 1 and 2: 40 feet; and
(b) In all other campsites: 34 feet.
(E) No fixtures shall be erected on any campsite. FIXTURE includes, but is not limited to, patios, decks, fences, awnings, oil drum stands, clotheslines, television antennas and the like.
(F) All trash and refuse shall be placed in plastic bags, and then in trash receptacles provided by the village.
(G) No waste water, sewage or other pollutants may be dumped into or onto the ground or Sangamon River.
(H) No sanitation waste hose or pipe shall extend from the trailer into the ground at any time.
(I) No gravel pit and dry well connections are allowed.
(J) Cleanliness and sanitation shall be the sole responsibility of the camper and any violation of these rules shall authorize the Chief of Police to revoke the camping permit and privileges without refund.
(K) The discharge of firearms and fireworks in the park is prohibited.
(L) Visitors to the campground shall abide by Ch. 90 of this code of ordinances concerning animal control.
(M) All visitors to the campground must leave their cars in designated parking areas. Visitors shall leave camping areas by 10:00 p.m.
(N) The camping season is from March 1 to November 30, weather permitting, unless changed by the Village Board. No camping will be allowed, except during the camping season.
(O) Electrical and water hookups are not available at all campsites.
(P) Fires shall be confined to fireplaces, grills and other facilities designed for and designated by the village. Fires shall be attended at all times by a responsible person over 13 years of age.
(Q) No person may rent more than two campsites per day, except for a youth organization such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts sponsoring a group camp out.
(R) The Village President, the Superintendent of Public Works and the Chief of Police may order the closure of Wheeland Park, and the cessation of camping activities therein, whenever appropriate, in their sole discretion, in view of present or forecasted weather conditions, present or forecasted high water, flooding or other conditions of the Sangamon River, or any emergency.
(Prior Code, § 131A.006) (Ord. 99-011, passed 4-28-1999; Ord. 99-025, passed 7-6-1999; Ord. 2000-026, passed 7-3-2000; Ord. 2004-027, passed 10-4-2004; Ord. 2011-018, passed 7-5-2011) Penalty, see § 131.999