Dear Citizens:
As always, our goal is to make sure your visit to our facilities is as enjoyable and pleasant as possible. As you are aware, over the last several years there has been a large increase in the use of parks and recreation facilities.
In order to ensure that you are aware of current regulations that apply to the use of parks and recreation facilities, we are providing this list to inform you of existing park regulations and laws that will be enforced while you and your family use public parks and recreation facilities. By becoming familiar with and following these laws, you and others will have a more enjoyable and safe park experience.
I want to thank you for visiting our award winning facilities, and for your assistance in maintaining them for others to enjoy.
Sincerely,
Needham S. Cheely, III, CPRP, Director
16-2 Alcohol
(a) No person shall consume or possess an open or previously opened container containing any alcoholic beverage, or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage while in public park and recreation facilities.
(b) No person shall consume, possess or be under the influence of any controlled substance, as defined by the Code of Virginia, while in public park and recreation facilities.
16-3 Parking No person shall operate or park any vehicle in public parks and recreational facilities except on the roadways and parking areas provided and/or designated for this purpose. Nor shall any vehicles be parked in a manner as to impede or obstruct the normal safe flow of traffic.
16-4 Gambling No person shall engage in games of chance in public park and recreational facilities.
16-5 Weapons Unauthorized persons shall not carry concealed weapons, nor shall they have on or about their person dangerous or deadly weapons, in public park and recreation facilities.
16-6 Open Fires No person shall make a fire in a public park and recreation facility other than in grills, fireplaces or other areas as designated and approved for such use by the director. All fires shall be closely monitored and completely extinguished by persons starting and using them before persons leave the immediate vicinity.
16-7 Use by children No parent or guardian shall permit a child under the age of twelve years, or such other age as is specifically posted by the director, to make use of public park and recreational facilities without providing for direct supervision of the child.
16-8 Skateboards No person shall ride or use a skateboard in public park and recreational facilities except in areas so designated for such use.
16-9 Rest rooms No person shall fail to cooperate in maintaining rest rooms in a neat and sanitary condition. No person over the age of six years shall enter the rest rooms designated for the opposite sex. There shall be no loitering in the rest rooms.
16-10 Use of property & equipment No person shall damage, deface, destroy, remove, injure or improperly use public park and recreational facilities, property, equipment, or the natural environment.
16-11 Litter No person shall throw, deposit or leave any litter, refuse or rubbish of any kind in public park and recreational facilities except in public receptacles and in such manner that the litter, refuse or rubbish will be prevented from being carried by the elements. Where public receptacles are not provided all such litter, refuse or rubbish shall be carried away from the area by the person responsible for its presence and properly disposed of elsewhere.
16-12 Animals No person shall permit his animal to run at large. In the case of a dog, the owner or his agent shall secure the animal by a collar with a chain, cord, or leash not exceeding eight feet in length, and have the animal under complete and immediate control.
16-13 Instruction No person other than those authorized by the director shall offer instruction in public park and recreational facilities.
16-14 Hours of operation The director shall establish hours of operation for public parks and recreational facilities; the hours may prohibit use of certain facilities at certain time.
16-15 Permits Permits for the use of public park and recreational facilities may be required by the director. Where permits are required, no person shall engage in or make use of any park and recreational facility without first paying for same and adhering to the rules and regulations governing use of said facility.
16-16 Lease When authorized by the board of supervisors and upon such terms and conditions as it may provide, the public parks and recreation facilities may be leased. The county administrator shall fix and collect charges for the use of the facilities and services, fix and collect charges for admission to concerts, entertainments and other recreational activities sponsored by it.
16-17 Sale of Goods
(a) No person shall post, distribute, circulate or display any notice, banner, advertisement or printed material in any park or recreational facility without obtaining written permission.
(b)No person shall offer for sale or rent any goods, articles, privileges, commodities or services whatsoever or solicit for any purpose in any recreational facility without obtaining permission from the director, and for such time and at such places as the director may determine.
16-18 Concessions The sale of foods, soft drinks or other like goods is prohibited in any park or recreational facility, except from canteens or concessions operated by concessionaires authorized by the director.
16-19 Vehicles No person shall use any park or recreational facility for washing, repairing or servicing, other than replacing a flat tire, of any vehicle designed for self-propulsion. Abandonment of such vehicles is prohibited. If mechanical disablement occurs, immediate steps must be taken for removal.
16-20 Nature Trails, Pedestrian Paths No persons other than those authorized by the director shall operate a motorized vehicle upon nature trails, pedestrian paths, and bikeways specifically designated and established for such use.
16-21 Operation of Motorized Vehicles No person shall operate a non-licensed motorized vehicle in any park or recreational facility unless in an area specifically designated for such use by the director.
16-22 Metal Detectors No person shall utilize any type of electronic metal-detecting devise in any recreational facility.
16-23 Rules & Regulations The director shall have the right to promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of public parks and recreation facilities and the activities therein. Such rules and regulations shall be posted at such park and recreation facility and available for review in the office of the county administrator.
16-24 Violations Any person violating any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation duly adopted hereunder shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $250, unless otherwise specifically provided. In addition, such person may be ejected from the park, building or other facility wherein the violation occurred.
Park Rules
1. Each park has posted rules and regulations to assist patrons and staff in providing a safe, enjoyable, and clean environment for all park users.
2. Animals are not permitted on or within 50 feet of athletic fields or playgrounds. Owners must remove all animal waste.
3. Hitting golf balls, javelin throwing, flying model airplanes, or performing any activity on athletic fields or in parks that is detrimental to sports turf or hazardous to other park users is not allowed.
4. If you have any questions regarding park rules or County codes, please call 259-3234 or E-Mail us at: parks&rec@james-city.va.us.
Playground Safety
Playgrounds are designed and constructed for children 2 to 12 years of age. They are divided into two areas: one for children 2-5 years old (pre-school) and the second for children 6-12 years of age. Parents should supervise children at all times to ensure proper use of equipment and are responsible for their children. Do not leave children unsupervised! Please report accidents, injuries, or dangerous situations to park staff immediately or contact the administrative office as soon as possible.