Park Rules and Regulations

1.0 Natural Features

1.1 Injuring, Removing or Damaging Property and Natural Items
Within the parks and public lands of the Park District, no person shall without lawful authority or privileged to do so cut down, destroy, remove, girdle, or injure a vine, bush, shrub, sapling, tree, or crops standing or growing therein, or sever, injure or destroy a product standing or growing therein or other thing attached thereto; nor shall any tree, flower, shrub, or other vegetation, or fruit or seed thereof, or soil, or rock, or mineral be removed, injured or damaged; nor shall any form of wildlife, except fish, be injured, damaged or removed without specific written permission from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

1.2 Littering, Dumping Rubbish and Garbage on Park Property
No person shall, regardless of intent, throw, drop, discard, place or litter on parklands, waterways, streams, ponds or lakes including refuse, ashes, garbage, and other material resulting from a picnic, camp, or other permitted activity. Such material shall be deposited in appropriate receptacles. In park areas where trash receptacles are not present what is carried in shall be carried out. (UM) (ORC 3767.32)

1.3 Littering from Motor Vehicle
No operator or passenger of a motor vehicle shall, regardless of intent, throw, drop, discard, or deposit litter from any motor vehicle in operation in or adjacent to the park. (UM) (ORC 4511.82)

1.4 Pollution, sewage, and noxious materials.
No person shall, either within or outside of the Park, place or permit to be placed in any river, brook, stream, ditch, or drain that flows into or through Park lands, any noxious or deleterious material which may render Park waters harmful or inimical to the public health, or to animal, vegetation, or aquatic life, or which 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 lands for recreational or other Park uses. (UM)

1.5 Fishing Regulations
No person, including nonresidents, sixteen years of age or older, shall take or catch fish or engage in fishing at Lima Lake, the Ottawa River or the Auglaize River, or any other navigable waterway controlled by the State of Ohio, by angling without a valid Ohio fishing license or valid Ohio fishing license exemptions on their person. Any said person shall not use hooks left unattended, traps, spears, gigs, or bows / arrows for fishing or use more than two (2) units while engaged in fishing or have in their possession any fish taken from Park District ponds or lakes that is smaller than any size limitations or greater than daily bag limits. (UM)

1.6 Injured Animals
No person, within the confines of the Park, shall pursue an injured animal on to park property without first obtaining permission from an authorized park ranger or other law enforcement officer. (UM)

1.7 Feeding Wildlife Prohibited
No person shall distribute, leave, or provide any kind of food products for feeding of wild or domestic animals within the confines of the park. (UM)

1.8 Spotlighting Prohibited
No person shall throw or cast the rays of a spotlight or artificial light source from any vehicle upon a public road or highway into any parkland between the hours of sunset and sunrise for the purpose of spotting wildlife. (UM) (ORC 1533.161)
1.9 Deposit of Dead Animals
No person shall put the carcass of a dead animal or the offal from a slaughterhouse, butcher’s establishment, packing house, or fish house, or spoiled meat, spoiled fish, or other putrid substance or the contents of a privy vault on parklands, waterways, streams, ponds or lakes. (UM) (ORC 3767.16)

1.10 Introduction of Plants or Animals
No person shall introduce or bring any plant or animal or their reproductive elements into any parklands or waterways. (UM)

1.11 Geocaching
No person, while participating in geocaching within or on any parkland operated by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, shall fail to abide by any established rules or regulations set forth by the required geocaching permit while on park district property. (UM)
* Geocaching is a recreational activity in which someone “conceals” something for others to try to find using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

1.12 Restricted Areas
No person shall enter or remain in any restricted or safety zoned area while in or on the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District property. All such areas shall be posted with appropriate signage stating the area is restricted. (UM)

1.13 Leaving Official Trails
No person shall leave the official and improved trails while visiting natural areas of the Parks without specific written permission from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Board of Commissioners, Director, Superintendent, Chief Ranger, or their agents. (UM)

2.0 Firearms, Weapons, Explosives, etc.

2.1 Right to Carry
No person, except Rangers, or other law enforcement officers, and those persons in compliance with Ohio Revised Code (2923.12) regarding Concealed Carry shall possess or conceal any weapon or dangerous ordinance while in the Parks. (UM)

2.2 Hunting or Fishing with Firearm or Deadly Weapon
No person shall engage in the hunting or fishing of wildlife, with a gun or bow and arrow; on lands or waters operated by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District except on parklands or waters that are designated by the Park District. Firearms or weapons permits may be obtained from the Park District in writing to allow firearms or weapons on park district property for special events, programs, functions, organizational events, or in certain designated areas. (UM)

2.3 Discharging of Firearms or Weapons
No person, except Park Rangers or other law enforcement officers or other authorized persons shall discharge any firearm while within the confines of the park. (UM)

2.4 Fireworks and Explosives
No person, except Park Rangers or other law enforcement officers, shall possess or set off any fireworks or other explosive substances in and upon park grounds except by specific written permission granted by the Park District Board of Commissioners, Director, Superintendent, Chief Ranger, or their agents. (UM)

2.5 Airsoft, Paint, or Water Balling
No person shall possess or discharge any device capable of propelling a solid projectile (BB/airsoft), or capsule which upon impact with a person or object will release a dye or colorant or water (paintball/water ball) within or on park property. (UM)

2.6 Bows and Arrows
No person shall release an arrow from a bow, crossbow, or longbow within the Park District other than in designated archery areas and archery ranges. Persons using designated archery areas and archery ranges must do so with due regard for the safety of others. (UM)

3.0 Required Game Safety

3.1 Horseshoes and Play Equipment
Playing of horseshoes, lawn darts, disc golf or other games with play equipment shall, for the safety and welfare of other persons using the parks, be confined to areas set aside and/or designated for such purposes and with due regard for the safety of others. (UM)

4.0 Conduct

4.1 Failure to Disperse
Where five or more persons are participating in a course of disorderly conduct and there are other people in the vicinity whose presence creates the likelihood of physical harm to persons or property or of serious public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, a Park Ranger or other law enforcement officer may order the participants and such other persons to disperse. No person shall knowingly fail to obey such order. (UM) (ORC 2917.04)

4.2 Preservation of Good Order in the Park
No individual or organization shall conduct, sponsor, or promote any public meeting, concert, theater, athletic event or other public activity in the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District without prior written authorization of the Park District Board, or the Director, or Superintendent, or Chief Ranger or his/her agents. No event or activity sponsored or promoted by any individual or organization shall be permitted if in the opinion of the Park District Board, or the Director, or Superintendent, or Chief Ranger or his/her agents, it will constitute hazards and dangers to the personal safety of the participants or other park visitors; endanger peace and good of the order in the parks; interfere with the regular and normal use of the facilities and activities by the park visitor; or which is inconsistent with the use of the parklands for park purposes. (UM)

4.3 Loitering Near Toilets
No loitering is permitted in or near toilet buildings within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and no person shall enter or be in any toilet room set apart for the opposite sex except park maintenance employees or Rangers or other law enforcement officers on duty. (UM)

“Loitering” includes the following activities: lingering, hanging around, delaying, sauntering, and moving slowly about, where such conduct is not due to physical defects or conditions.

4.4 Open Container- Motor Vehicles
No person shall have in the person’s possession an opened container of beer or intoxicating liquor while being an operator or passenger in or on a moving or stationary motor vehicle on any road in or adjacent to park property used for vehicular travel or parking. (UM) (ORC 4301.62B4 / B5)

4.5 Tampering with Park Property
No person shall tamper, move, deface, or damage any property owned or operated by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District for any purpose. (UM)

4.6 Aerosol Paint Cans
No person shall carry on or about his/her person a container capable of propelling paint by means of a gaseous charge. (UM)

4.7 Tobacco Products Prohibited
No person shall use tobacco products in any enclosed park facilities or other designated areas within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. All such facilities and areas shall be posted with appropriate “No Smoking / Tobacco” signage. (UM)

4.8 Facility Cleanliness
No person shall utilize any structure, facility, or area operated by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and upon vacating said structure, facility, or area, cause it to be left in an unsanitary or unclean manner or condition. (UM)
Obeying Posted Signage
No person shall disregard posted signage, whether temporary or permanent, within the Park District unless otherwise directed to do so by the Chief Ranger, Park Ranger, or their agents. (UM)

5.0 Vendors, Begging, Signs and Billposting

5.1 Vendors
No person shall sell or offer for sale any article, thing, privilege, or service within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, unless they have written permission from the Park District Board of Commissioners, Director, Superintendent, Chief Ranger, or their agents. (UM)

5.2 Begging
No person shall beg, hawk, peddle, or solicit anything of value within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District (UM)

5.3 Signs and Billposting
No person shall post any advertisement, poster, sign, handbill or placard of any description upon any building, vehicle, tree, post, fence, billboard, or other structure; nor shall any person give or handout to or approach or solicit another person with any item, leaflet, advertisement, poster, sign, handbill or placard of any description without written permission from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Board of Commissioners, Director, Superintendent, Chief Ranger, or their agents (UM)

6.0 Park Use Permits

6.1 Permits and Agreements
Use of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, under certain circumstances will require a rental agreement and /or special use permit. By making a reservation, you agree to abide by the rules/regulations set forth herein as well as all rules/regulations of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. Reservations may be revoked for violation of Park District

Rules. Use of shelter houses or other rental facilities are restricted to persons that have reserved and satisfied payment for, if any, said shelter house or other rental facility. A copy of the reservation permit will be posted by Park District personnel on the reserved facility prior to the scheduled time of use. The reserving group should carry their copy of the permit for verification of reservation. Facility must be vacated by unauthorized persons ½ hour before the specified time. Removal of posted permit is prohibited. If shelter house or other rental facility has not been reserved, it may be used by any park visitor on a first come first serve basis. (UM)

6.2 Rental Facilities
No person shall use reservable facilities including shelters, portions of the picnic areas, certain designated parking areas, camping areas, horse trails, fields or any other reservable area without a Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District use permit. A Park Use Permit may be issued to persons upon their application and payment of a fee, if any, as set by the Park District. Any person or persons who have been issued a Park use permit from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and fails to abide by any rule or regulation set forth in this document is subject to citation, fine and court action. (UM)

6.3 Special Park Use Permit
No person who has been issued a special park use permit from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District shall fail to abide by all rules and regulations set forth as part of said special park use permit. (UM)

6.4 Unlawful Assemblage
No person shall collect in bodies or crowds for unlawful purposes or in a riotous fashion or intending to annoy, harass, or inflict property damage or bodily injury upon another person or persons (UM)

7.0 Park Hours of Operation

7.1 Curfew
No person, vehicle, boat, or animal controlled by persons shall be permitted to enter, remain, stop or park within the confines of the park, parkways, or roadways adjacent to the park before and/or after the posted park times of operation, except in emergency or with special permit for just cause issued by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District or except at the separate park centers or other special facilities where other authorized and posted hours are designated by the Board. (UM)

7.2 Removal of Vehicle after Curfew
Any vehicle left within the confines of the park before and/or after the posted park times of operations, shall be in violation of park curfew and be subject to removal (towed) at the owner’s/operator’s expense. (UM)

8.0 Control of Pets

8.1 Dogs, Cats and Other Animals
Dogs, cats and other domestic pets, household or exotic animals are prohibited in the parks except under the conditions stated below. No person shall permit such pet or animal to enter a park, or run at large in a park or remain unattended at any time while in the park. All such pets and animals shall be controlled at all times when permitted in the park on a leash not more than eight feet long attended by and under the immediate control of the owner or another. The owner of such a pet or animal shall remove animal waste from any areas of the park grounds and must be carrying at all times a visible means of collecting and disposing waste properly in designated areas. Owners must comply with all state and local health and licensing requirements and any constraints imposed by law, ordinance or regulation. Waste removal shall be waived for the owner of an assist dog. (UM)

8.2 Abandonment of Domesticated or Wild Animals
No person shall release or abandon any domesticated or wild animal upon any park property. (UM)

8.3 Mistreatment of Domesticated or Wild Animals
No person shall mistreat or abuse any domesticated or wild animal within the park. (UM)

8.4 Removal of Barking or Unruly Animals
If the menacing attitude of any animal under the control or supervision of any person within any area of the park incites fear in other persons, or if the animal disturbs the quiet enjoyment by other persons of any area within the park by constant barking, whining, howling, crying or other sharp, excessive outcries, or other means, a Park Ranger or other law enforcement officer may direct that the animal be removed by the owner or handler from any area. (UM)

8.5 Pets Prohibited in Play Areas
Pets are not permitted in play equipment areas in the park. (UM)

8.6 Pets Prohibited on Trails
Where posted, pets are prohibited on hiking trails. (UM)

9.0 Horseback Riding

9.1 Riding Permit and Area Misuse
Persons shall only use, ride or drive any horse or other animal upon bridle paths designated and established for horseback riders while within the park. (UM)

9.2 Areas Where Horses are Permitted
Horseback riders shall stay on the designated bridle trails when away from the stable areas and are not permitted elsewhere in the park or on bridle trails when surface conditions are too soft due to wet weather. (UM)

9.3 Horseback Riding Safety
No person shall ride a horse along any bridle trail without due respect for other riders, vehicles, or pedestrians or so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person while in lawful use of the park. (UM)

9.4 Leaving Horses Unattended
No person shall leave a horse unattended within the park other than for purpose of stabling at a designated stable area. (UM)

9.5 Horseback Riding Only
No person shall use, ride, or drive any horse or other animal driven cart, wagon, sled, or other conveyance upon any park trails other than designated bridle trails. (UM)

10.0 Camping

10.1 Camping, Lodging or Sleeping without Permission
No person shall establish or maintain any camp or other temporary lodging or sleeping place within the Park District other than the Ottawa Metro Park Campground without a specific written permission from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Board of Commissioners, Director, Superintendent, Chief Ranger, or their agents and payment of a fee, if any, as may be set by the board. (UM)

The following rules apply to the Ottawa Metro Park Campground. Persons utilizing the campground may be asked to leave at any time for violating any of the campground rules or park rules.

 10.2 Hours
All Ottawa Metro Park Campground campsites are assigned on a “first come, first serve” basis. Check out time 12:00 noon. Any camping unit remaining on site beyond check out time will be charged an additional daily fee and or removed at owner’s expense. Renewals shall be made before 11:00 a.m. Check in after 3:00 p.m. Campers that arrive before 6 a.m. will be charged for the previous night. (UM)

10.3 Rates
Ottawa Metro Park camping rates are set annually by the Park Board. There are no refunds or rainchecks. (UM)

10.4 Registration
All campers must register. Campers are permitted to choose a site of their choice and return completed registration and payment envelope into drop box located at the Shower House. Last copy of the registration form must be on site post at all times. Vehicle form shall be placed in window in front of the steering wheel of vehicle in plain sight. Park personnel will be processing registrations on a continual basis. Persons must be 18 years old to register and must be present during registration period. (UM)

10.5 Length of Stay
The maximum number of camping days shall be limited to 14 days in any 21 day period. (UM)

10.6 Camping Units and Occupancy
A campsite shall not be occupied by more than two tents, or one tent and one mobile camping unit. A shelter for dining purposes shall be authorized in addition to other units of camping. Said shelter shall not be used as a sleeping area. Specific requests other than what is listed may be approved by Park Personnel. Maximum floor space is not to exceed 300 square feet per site.
Campsites are for overnight camping only. Campsites cannot be used for picnicking or day use without payment of camping fee. There shall be a maximum of 6 persons per site. (UM)

10.7 Campsite Use
Campers shall not hang lanterns on trees and shrubs. No object may be driven into any tree, shrub, sign, building, or other object or structure in the campground. Trenching or digging in the campground is prohibited. Due to underground utilities, no posts or stakes over 12” in length are permitted to be driven into the ground. One picnic table is allotted per site. Tables are not to be moved from site to site. (UM)

10.8 Quiet Time
Quiet time is from 11:00 p.m. to 7 a.m. Visitors are allowed in the campground between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (UM)

10.9 Pets In Campground
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times or otherwise restrained on a leash 8 feet or less in length. Do not leave pets unattended. All pets must have current inoculations for rabies as prescribed by the camper’s state of residence. Pets shall not be tied to trees or shrubs. Campers must clean up after their pets and place waste in trash receptacles. Campers unable to control their pets may be asked to leave the campground. Pets are prohibited from the shower house and beach facility. (UM)

10.11 Campfires
Fires are permitted within the fire rings provided. The size of the fire shall not exceed that which is the minimum size needed to cook. Fires must be attended at all times. Burning of any trash or refuse in the campground is prohibited. Fire rings are not to be moved. Gathering firewood from within the Park is prohibited. (UM)

10.12 Waste Disposal
The dumping or disposal of any gray water, septic effluent, etc. upon the ground is prohibited. Containers holding gray water or septic holding tanks must be covered and/or enclosed to prevent any discharge in the event it is accidentally spilled. Gray water is to be disposed of at the gray water stations. Holding tank contents are to be disposed of at the dump station.
Facilities within the campground, including the gray water and holding tank dump station are not to be used by anyone other than registered campers. (UM)

10.13 Campground General Provisions

• Bicycles are allowed on Park roadways and paved bike paths between the hours of sunrise and sunset. (UM)
• The use of motorbikes, motorcycles, and motor scooters in the Park is restricted to roadways for use in entering and exiting only. Operators must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Vehicles must be properly muffled and must stay on paved roadways. (UM)
• Campsites shall not be used as a base of operations for conducting any type of business nor shall any dangerous chemicals, explosives or other dangerous materials not associated with camping be permitted. (UM)
• Vending of merchandise, services or food or soliciting for money or goods is prohibited. (UM)
• Removal of a posted, valid camping permit by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued is prohibited. (UM)
• Camping units, vehicles and boats are not to be washed at the campsite. (UM)
• One motor vehicle or under speed vehicle (USV) per site; additional vehicles are to be parked in designated overflow parking lots. (UM)

11.0 Fires

11.1 Fires Only Permitted in Designated Areas
No person shall start a fire within the park except small fires for culinary purposes in park grills or privately owned grills or fires in the places or designated areas approved by the Park District. The Director may at his/her discretion prohibit fires for limited periods at any location or for any purpose when necessary for the protection of park property. Any fire shall be continuously attended under the care and direction of a competent person. All fires shall be put out by the person or persons starting or using the same before leaving the immediate vicinity of the fire.

The dumping of hot ashes, burning materials or fire from picnic grills onto the grass, plants, wooded area, in trash receptacles or in any stream, pond, lake, sewer or drain is prohibited. Fuel other than wood or charcoal shall not be used in park grills except where otherwise designated. Gathering firewood from within the Park is prohibited. (UM)

11.2 Portable Stoves or Grills
No portable stoves or grills shall be permitted in buildings, shelters or on picnic tables. (UM)

11.3 Lighted Matches, Cigars, Etc.
No person shall throw away or discard any lighted match, cigar, or cigarette within any park. (UM)

12.0 Ottawa Metro Park Swimming Beach Regulations

12.1 Swimming During Designated Hours Only
Swimming is permitted at the Ottawa Metro Park Beach only during designated hours and while lifeguards are on duty. (UM)

12.2 Smoking
Smoking is prohibited except for in designated areas only. (UM)

12.3 Food/Beverages
Food and beverages are limited to areas designated and not permitted in the water or on the sand beach area. (UM)

12.4 Age Guidelines
Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by a person 16 years or older. (UM)

12.5 Glass Containers
Glass containers are not permitted within the beach area. (UM)

12.6 Pets
Pets are not permitted on or within the Beach area. (UM)

12.7 Conduct
Vulgar language, rough play, disorderly conduct, running in building or on sidewalks, swimming past outside buoy lines, persons having any contagious disease, throwing of sand, stones, etc. and disobeying orders given by lifeguards and/or rangers are cause for removal from the beach and/or citation to court. (UM)

12.8 Toys
Look-alike toy guns and squirt guns are prohibited. Inflatable toys are prohibited (UM)

12.9 Cooking
Grills and other cooking devices are prohibited on the beach. (UM)

12.10 Swimming Attire
Cut off shorts, athletic shorts, or other attire not designed specifically for swimming are prohibited. Shorts must be tied at the waist. Topless and/or nude bathing is prohibited. (UM)

12.11 Rain Checks/Refunds
There are no refunds or “rain checks” given in the event of foul weather and/or other necessity to close the beach, either for the day or temporarily.

12.12 Maximum Capacity
There is a maximum capacity of 500 patrons on the beach at any given time.

12.13 Flotation Devices
The use of life rafts, inner tubes and like objects not approved by the US Coast Guard, US Red Cross Water Safety Council and the State of Ohio are prohibited on any waterways owned or under control of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

13.0 Swimming/Wading

13.1 Swimming and Wading Prohibited
Swimming or wading in park district waterways is prohibited, except at the Ottawa Metro Park Swimming Beach when opened with lifeguards on duty. (UM)

14.0 Aquatic Gear

14.1 Use of aquatic sporting equipment prohibited.
Scuba diving gear and similar aquatic equipment are prohibited on any waters controlled by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan District unless a special permit is obtained through the Park District. (UM)

15.0 Boating Regulations

The following regulations shall govern the use of boats on Lima Lake Reservoir:

15.1 Boat Registrations
No private boat shall be operated upon any waterways owned or under control of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District that are not properly registered with State of residency. All registered boats that are permitted to be operated on any waterways owned or under control of the Park District shall be propelled by a person or persons or by electric trolling motor. The use of gasoline motors is prohibited. (UM)

15.2 Boating Safety
No boats shall be operated on any waterways owned or under control of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District that do not meet the safety standards or carry safety equipment (life jackets, signal flag, etc.) for watercraft. Boat trailers must be parked in designated areas and exit as indicated. (UM)

15.3 Launching
All watercraft shall be launched and/or landed at the boat ramp except in emergencies. (UM)

15.4 Automobile Occupancy
When a boat is launched from an automobile-drawn trailer, only the driver may occupy the automobile during the launching operation. (UM)

15.5 Sailboats
All sailboats shall be operated in a prudent manner so as to avoid capsizing and, in the event a sailboat is capsized, the operator shall right it as soon as possible and return to the interior of the craft immediately. If it is apparent that a boat is being purposely capsized to provide a pretext for swimming, the operator will be ordered off the reservoir and cited for violation of these regulations. (UM)

15.6 Officer Compliance
Upon receiving a command or request from any law enforcement officer, the operator or occupants of any watercraft shall immediately comply with such command or request. (UM)

15.7 Other Waters
No boat, life raft, or like object shall be operated upon any lake, pond, or other body of water in a Park, with the exception of Lima Lake Reservoir and navigable waterways of the State of Ohio without express written permission of the Director of the Park District. (UM)

16.0 Power Models

16.1 Power Toy Permits
Gas engine, electric motor, or solid fuel powered cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, rockets, boats, sirens, drones, or other noise making devices are not permitted to be operated within the confines of the Park except by written permit of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Director or his/her agents for certain limited occasions in a safe guarded area. (UM)

17.0 Sledding and Skating Regulations

17.1 Sledding and Skating Only
No person shall sled ride or ice skate within the park except in areas designated by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

18.0 Metal Detectors

18.1 Use of Metal Detectors
No person shall use a metal detector within the Park District without a permit obtained from the office of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

19.0 Alcohol and Drugs: Refer to ORC (2925.11)

19.1 Use, Possession or Supply of Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
No person, within or adjacent to the Park may possess, use, administer, receive, or make available to himself or any person, or animal, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, drugs, narcotics, marijuana, opiates, toluene, ethers, intoxicating or hallucinatory substances, vapors, or products, as defined by the State of Ohio Revised Code and the Federal law pertaining to narcotics, nor shall any person enter or remain within the Park under the influence of the same. (UM)

19.2 Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana
No person shall knowingly cultivate marijuana within the confines of the Park District. (UM)

19.3 Drug Paraphernalia/Drug Abuse Instruments
No person shall possess “drug paraphernalia” and/or “drug abuse instruments” which includes but shall not be limited to equipment, products or material of any kind that is used by the offender, intended to be used by the offender for use or designed for use, in propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, re-packaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. Drug paraphernalia shall be defined and the penalties for possession of paraphernalia shall be defined as the definition and penalties in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.14, as thereafter amended. Drug abuse instruments shall be defined and the penalties for possession of such shall be defined as the definition and penalties in the Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.12, as thereafter amended.

20.0 Park Ranger Assistance

20.1 Failure to Aid Park Ranger
No person shall fail or refuse to aid a Park Ranger or other law enforcement officer when called upon for assistance in preventing or halting the commission of an offense or in apprehending or detaining an offender when such aid can be given without a substantial risk of physical harm to the person giving it. (UM) (ORC 2921.23)

21.0 Sex Offenses. Refer to ORC (2907)

12.1 Public Indecency
(a) No person shall recklessly do any of the following within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District under circumstances in which his or her conduct is likely to be viewed by and affront others; 1. Expose the person’s private parts, or engage in sexual conduct or masturbation; 2. Engage in conduct which to an ordinary observer would appear to be sexual conduct or masturbation. (UM)

21.2 Voyeurism. Refer to ORC (2907.08)
No person within the Park, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying himself or herself, shall commit trespass or otherwise surreptitiously invade the privacy of another, to spy or eavesdrop upon another. (UM)

21.3 Soliciting. Refer to ORC (2907.23)
No person shall solicit or attempt to solicit another to engage in an act of sex perversion or solicit or ask anyone to commit, perform, or engage in any lewd, lascivious, obscene, or indecent act or behavior within the Park. (UM)

21.4 Sexual activity
No person while in the Park shall engage in “sexual activity”, “sexual conduct”, or “sexual contact”. (UM)

(a) “Sexual activity” means sexual conduct or sexual contact or both.
(b) “Sexual conduct” means vaginal intercourse between a male and female, and anal intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus between persons regardless of sex. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.
(c) “Sexual contact” means any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if such person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.

22.0 Disorderly Conduct

22.1 Disorderly Conduct. Refer to ORC (2917.11)
No person shall recklessly cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to another, by doing any of the following while within the Park:

(a) Engaging in fighting, in threatening harm to persons or property, or in violent or turbulent behavior;
(b) Making unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or communicating unwarranted and grossly abusive language to any person;
(c) Insulting, taunting, or challenging another, under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to provoke a violent response;
(d) Hindering or preventing the movement of persons on a public street, road, highway, or right- of-way, or to, from, within, or upon public or private property, so as to interfere with the rights of others, and by any act which serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender;
(e) Creating a condition which is physically offensive to persons or which presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property, by any act, which serves no lawful and reasonable purpose of the offender. (UM)

22.2 Unnecessary noises
No person shall indulge either by word or act in any noisy, boisterous, disorderly or loud conduct or in any manner disturb the peace and good order of others in and upon Park grounds.

The following acts, among others, are hereby declared to be loud, disturbing and detrimental, and in violation of this section but such enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive:

(a) The sounding of any bell, horn or other signal or warning device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, truck, tractor or other motor vehicle, except as a danger or warning signal, but any horn, bell or other signal or warning device, as a danger or warning signal shall not be unreasonably loud or harsh or continued for an unnecessary length of time.
(b) The use of any automobile, motorcycle, bus, truck, tractor or other motor vehicle so out of repair, loaded, or operated as to cause or create disturbing and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, thumping, rumbling or other noise.
(c) The use of any drum, loudspeaker, or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by noise to any performance, show, sale or display of merchandise, or for any other purpose, excepting only the use of devices by police, firemen, or Rangers in the performance of official duties, without a permit from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM) (ORC 2917.11).

22.3 Failure to Obey
No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any reasonable order relating to the regulation, direction or control of traffic, or to any other order given by any Park Ranger, Employee, Law Enforcement Officer, or Agency of the Board, or willfully resist, obstruct or abuse any Park Ranger or Law Enforcement Officer, Employee, or Agent of the Board. (UM)

23.0 Games of Chance

23.1 Games of Chance
No person shall play at games of chance within the confines of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

24.0 Motor Vehicles

24.1 Purposes of way
No person shall use any portion of the Park for purposes of way except drives, roadways, paths, walks, and trails established for such purposes. No person shall make entrance to the Park except by the established ways. (UM)

24.2 Purposes of way – Self-propelled, animal-drawn or human propelled vehicles.
No person shall operate or cause to operate a motor vehicle, any type of self-propelled vehicle or any vehicle which is moved by animal or human power over or upon any foot path, bridle path, natural area, yard, grass, or other area not specifically intended for vehicle travel within the Park District. (UM)

24.3 Driving on closed roads or drives
No person shall drive upon or along any Park road or drive which has been closed and posted with appropriate signs or barricades. The Director shall have authority to order roads or drives closed during the process of construction, reconstruction, or repairs, or when, on the basis of engineering investigation, weather conditions render travel either unsafe or unduly destructive of the road. (UM)

24.4 Speed limit
No person shall drive or propel or cause to be driven or be propelled along or over any road or drive within the Park, any vehicle at a greater rate of speed than (15) miles per hour or at a greater speed than will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. (UM)

24.5 Reduced speed limits
Whenever the Director shall determine, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, that the speed of (15) miles per hour is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist at any intersection, playground, picnic area, or other place upon any part of the roads or drives within the Park, said Director shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit threat, which declaration and determination so made shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected at such intersections, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other places upon said Park roads or drives. (UM)

24.6 Trucks
Except by authority of special permit granted by the Director, no person shall drive or operate a truck, tractor, or vehicle designed and used for the transportation of goods and material either loaded or empty, over any road or drive within any Park, park reservation, or parkway. (UM)

24.7 One-way Roads
No person shall drive a vehicle on a road or path in a Park in a direction other than the direction indicated by signs designating such road or path a one-way road. (UM)

24.8 Snowmobiles and All-Purpose Vehicles
No person shall operate a snowmobile or all-purpose vehicle within the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. (UM)

24.9 Safety and Load Limits
No person shall operate a vehicle in a Park when such vehicle fails to comply with the equipment and load restrictions contained in the Ohio Revised Code, as now in effect or hereinafter amended. (UM)

24.10 Under speed vehicles/golf carts requirements:
All under speed vehicles which includes golf carts will follow Ohio Revised Code. A valid driver’s license is required for any operation of a motor vehicle on public or private property – ORC 4507.21A(1) and 4510.12A(1)

The following rules apply: (UM)

• Must show proof of insurance. (ORC 4509.101A(1))
• Must be equipped with rear taillights (only one required). (ORC 4513.05)
• Must have illuminated license plate and make license plate legible from a distance of 50 feet. (ORC 4513.05)
• Must have one working brake light. (ORC 4513.071)
• Must have two working headlights. (ORC4513.04)
• Must have a horn. (ORC 4513.21)
• Must have a windshield (glass or safety glass). (ORC 4513.24)
• Must have directional signals. (ORC 4513.261)
• Must display in plain view on the rear of the vehicle a valid state issued license plate. (ORC 4503.21)
• Once licensed, golf carts and other Under Speed Vehicles (USV) may only be operated on public streets in unincorporated areas. They may not be operated unless the incorporated areas have an ordinance allowing their use on public streets. They also may not be operated on any public street or highway where the speed posted speed limit is higher than 35mph.
• No more than two people per golf cart.
• Parking on grass is prohibited.
• Observe all park rules and posted speed limits.
• Golf carts and other Under Speed Vehicles (USV) may only be operated on park roads and are prohibited from being operated on any trail that is designated for pedestrian and bicycle use

24.11 Reckless Operation
No person shall operate a vehicle on any drive or road in the Parks in a reckless manner or without due regard for the safety and the rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person while in the lawful use of said Park drives, roadways, or parking areas. (UM)

24.12 Driving without License Plates
No person who is the owner or operator of a motor vehicle shall operate, cause or permit such motor vehicle to be operated with the Parks unless such vehicle displays the distinctive number and registration marks of license plates, legally issued for the current year, securely fastened to the vehicle. (UM)

24.13 Parking
No person shall park or store any motor vehicle, bicycle, wagon, trailer, or other vehicle within any traveled roadway in the park or at a location where posted signs prohibit parking upon any sod, gravel, or other surface not specifically designated as a “parking area” except in an emergency before, during or after the posted park operating hours. Any motor vehicle, bicycle, wagon, trailer, or other vehicle that has been left on Park property for greater than 72 hours shall be towed at the owner expense (with the exception of camping units parked at the Ottawa Metro Park Campground with proper registration). All types of vehicles shall be parked within designated marked spaces where such spaces are provided. No person shall leave any motor vehicle unattended without first stopping the engine. No person shall park a motor vehicle that has expired license registration. (UM)

24.14 Operation of Non-Registered Vehicles
No person shall operate within the Park District, a go-kart, mini-bike, or any other type of motorized vehicle which is not customarily registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of Ohio. (UM)

24.15 Impounding Vehicles
Upon finding a vehicle parked in violation of the Rules and Regulation of the Park District, a Park Ranger may remove such vehicle or cause the same to be removed to a location, in or outside of a park, where the same may be kept until the owner or his authorized representative obtains an order from the Chief Ranger releasing such vehicle to the owner thereof or his authorized representative. (UM)

24.16 Stop Signs and other Traffic Control Devices
All public highways, crossings, or intersecting park roads or drives and all park roads and drives are declared to be through highways or through park roads and drives, as the cases may be, and shall be posted with stop signs or with an overhead red/green traffic signal. All operators of vehicles or motor vehicles shall stop at all posted stop signs or when electronic signal is indicating the color red. Pedestrians and others shall obey all traffic control devices as posted. (UM)

24.17 Handicapped Parking
No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle at special parking locations provided for the handicapped within the park. Motor vehicles using handicapped parking areas must display the handicapped placard in the window or handicapped symbol on the license plate. (UM) (ORC 4511.69F

25.0 Park Closure

25.1 Natural / Manmade Emergency
No person shall be permitted to enter or remain within the confines of the park when such conditions exists that cause the park(s) to be closed due to a natural or manmade emergency (UM)

26.0 Penalty

Whoever violates any Park Rule and Regulation shall be fined in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 1545.09 B 2 B.

27.0 Exemptions

Employees of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and other authorized persons are exempt from rules and regulations to the extent necessary stated in this document when/where feasible or applicable while acting under their official capacity as a Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District employee.