Uniform Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations

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Uniform Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations

Summary
These rules and regulations apply to all parks, open space, trails, and greenways. Specific properties may have additional restrictions or allowances which will be posted at the property as a supplement.
  • 1. Vehicles: No motorized vehicles other than registered passenger vehicles and motorcycles are allowed on park roadways. Motorized vehicles may only be operated on paved roadways and must be parked in designated areas. Vehicles may not be parked on grass, greenways nor roadway shoulders. Operation of any motorized vehicle is prohibited on hiking trails, biking trails, equestrian trails, exercise trails, and any and all trails exculsively reserved for pedestrian traffic.
  • Mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, go-carts, ATV's and other self-propelled vehicles are prohibited.
  • Upon a showing of medical necessity and with advance permission from Park Staff, Segways and golf carts may be permitted on greenways.
  • 2. Bicycles: Bicycles are allowed on designated paths, trails, and public roadways. All cyclists are required to wear helmets. Cyclists must comply with all traffic laws when riding in public roadways.
  • 3. Roller Skates, Rollerblades, Scooters, and Skateboards: The use of roller skates, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards is prohibited.
  • 4. Advertising: The posting of any signs, posters, notices, and flyers is prohibited without prior authorizations from Davidson County Parks and Recreation Director or designee.
  • 5. Excavations: No excavation, digging, disturbance of soil is allowed. Possession or use of a metal detector is prohibited.
  • 6. Plant Material: The digging, transplanting, bruising, mutilation or any other abuse of natural vegetation and plant material is prohibited.
  • 7. Fireworks and Incendiary Devices: All incendiary devices and fireworks are prohibited.
  • 8. Animals: Dogs are required to be on leash and under the owner's control at all times. Pet owners are required to clean up and dispose of animal excrement. Horses are restricted to designated equestrian trails. Horse trailers must be parked in designated areas. No animals are allowed to enter lakes or ponds.
  • 9. Worrying Wildlife: The feeding, trapping, injuring, killing, or cruel treatment of any animals and wildlife is prohibited. The release, placement or abandonment of any animal is prohibited.
  • 10. Disturbance of Fish and Aquatic Life in Prohibited Areas: Fishing may occur in waters designated by Davidson County Parks and Recreation Administration or Lake Thom-A-Lex board. NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fishing Rules and Regulations and the applicable other governing water authority and/or Davidson County Parks or Lake Thom-A-Lex rules apply to all fishing. Catch and release is encouraged at all facilities. No fishing off of Wil-Cox Bridge at Yadkin River Park.
  • 11. Profiteering: No person, organization or entity may engage in soliciting, peddling, panhandling or selling. The sale of food and drink products, clothing and any and all other items without prior consent is prohibited.
  • 12. Tobacco Use: Any form of tobacco use and vaping is prohibited in all buildings and structures and is discouraged on all properties.
  • 13. Alcoholic Beverage: The possession, consumption and/or sale of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from Davidson County Parks and Recreation Administration.
  • 14. Sports Field Usage: All athletic activities, games, practices, scrimmages, including but not limited to football, baseball, basketball, soccer , frisbee, disc golf, tennis, ultimate rugby, and golf must be played on fields, courts, or playing surfaces expressly constructed for such use.
  • 15. Fires and Grills: The building, creating or making of any open fires is prohibited, except in any stationary grill provided or gas grill or deep fryer approved prior to use and placed in a designated location. No open flame may be located inside a shelter or building, with the exception of Sterno type canisters to heat food and ceremonial candles such as birthday, unity and memorial candles. Additional fees may be assessed when flour and grease stains are not thoroughly cleaned. Deep fryer grease must be removed from property in appropriate container and may not be emptied on premises.
  • 16.Trash/Waste: Disposal of refuse, trash and litter must be made in supplied receptacles.
  • 17. Use of Parks and Open Space After Hours: Entrance and/or use of facilities after posted park hours of operation without prior County approval will be considered trespassing an violators may be prosecuted.
  • 18. Access To Davidson County Property Not Open To The Public: Any group or individual desiring access to a park, open space, trail or other Davidson County property not open to the public, must request so in writing to the Director of Parks and Recreation. Request must include justification and dates access is requested.
  • 19. Amplified Music: Except when permitted for approved events, amplified music/sound is not allowed, including but not limited to live DJ, microphones, karaoke, stereos, radios, boom boxes, live bands, and choral groups. Motor vehicles are not to be use as outdoor sound systems.
  • 20. Remote Control Vehicles and Trajectories: The use and operation of gasoline and electrically operated remote controlled items including, but not limited to cars, boats, airplanes, jet, helicopters, and rockets is strictly prohibited.
  • 21. Fees: All fees and charges associated with the operation of park facilities owned and operated by Davidson County shall be subject to the recommendations and approval of the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and may be subject to approval by the Davidson County Board of Commissioners. All fees must be paid in advance for the use of any facility or services.
  • 22. Picnic Shelter Use: Advanced reservation for picnic usage is strongly encouraged. Picnic Shelter use is based on a first come, first served bases for groups of 20 or fewer at no charge if the shelter is not reserved. Groups of 21 and more are required to pay according to the scheduled posted fees for half-day rental or full day rental. These fees are due at time of reservation. Renter must be over the age of 21. Shelter usage is subject to rules and regulations as described in the local shelter rules documents. Shelters must be cleaned and vacated no later than 14 minutes prior to posted park closing hours.
  • 23. Use of Lakes and Ponds: Swimming is not allowed in any open body of water. Individuals renting canoes, kayaks, and rowboats must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) at all times. 
  • 24. Trail Usage: All trails are open according to posted hours. Trail patrons must adhere to trail designation and associated restrictions. Removal of vegetation is prohibited.
  • 25. Indoor Rentals: Please refer to the individual documents regarding rules and regulations of indoor facility rentals.
  • 26. Aquatic Facilities: Please refer to individual park documents. regarding rules and regulations of aquatic facility usage and rentals.
  • 27. Camping: Please refer to the individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of camping.
  • 28. Tips: Employees may not accept tips, gratuities, or gifts from park patrons.
  • 29. Bridges: No jumping, diving, or bungee jumping off of Wil-Cox Bridge at Yadkin River Park.