Park Rules & Regulations
The Town of Oak Ridge's parks were created for the enjoyment of all and paid for by tax dollars from citizens. We love to see them utilized fully, with visitors helping us protect their natural beauty. Please feel free to bring any concerns to the attention of Parks & Recreation Staff or call Town Hall. Enjoy!
- Usage: Drop-in usage is on a first-come, first-served basis, and facility rentals and reservations will take priority. Organized groups should schedule usage through the Parks & Recreation Director.
- Trash: Trash should be discarded inside designated trash receptacles.
- Decorations: Nails, glue, staples, screws and duct tape are not allowed in decorating the facility. If it will leave any type of permanent mark, it is prohibited.
- Cleaning: Facilities should be left in the condition they were entered. Grounds and dugouts should be free of trash. Restrooms should be left orderly with urinals and commodes flushed.
- No Open Flames: Candles (excluding small birthday candles) and other open flames are prohibited in buildings. Open fires and fireworks are prohibited except when authorized by the Parks & Recreation Director. Grills are for charcoal use only. Personal grills may be used outside (not under) the shelter.
- Parking: Parking will be in designated areas only. Parking is not permitted at the picnic shelters, athletic fields or the amphitheater. Violators may be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.
- Noise: All music and other noise must be kept to acceptable levels and in accordance with the Town’s Noise Ordinance.
- Alcohol: The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the facility grounds.
- Tobacco: Tobacco use is not allowed in Town of Oak Ridge buildings and property.
- Controlled Substances: Illegal use of controlled substances is prohibited.
- Ball fields: Field users may not add material to the fields without prior permission from the Parks & Recreation Director; staff reserves absolute authority to cancel field reservations due to field conditions. Fences are not to be climbed, and balls are not to be intentionally kicked, thrown or hit into a fence. (Note: For-profit instruction is now allowed unless contracted through the Town of Oak Ridge.)
- Motorized Vehicles: Motorized vehicles are prohibited unless specifically authorized by Parks & Recreation staff.
- Pond and Lake: Bathing, swimming and boating are prohibited in pond and lake. Stay off pond and lake ice.
- Signs: The addition of signage without Parks & Recreation staff approval is prohibited.
- Child Safety: Young children are to be supervised by responsible adults. Any child feeling threatened is encouraged to notify any available Parks & Recreation staff member or team coach for assistance. Convicted sex offenders are prohibited from entering park premises.
- Medical Concerns / Emergencies: Patrons with existing medical concerns are encouraged to consult their personal physician before using park facilities. FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911.
- Vendors: The Parks & Recreation Director will determine where vendors may be located during special events and other activities. Vendor events and participants must be approved in advance by the Parks & Recreation Director.
- Pets: Pets must be leashed (unless in the Bark Park) and under control at all times. Dangerous pets or animals are prohibited.
- Lost & Found: Oak Ridge Parks & Recreation and the Town of Oak Ridge are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Park visitors are encouraged to lock their vehicles. For lost items, please notify the Parks & Recreation Director during regular business hours at (336) 644-7009.
- Concession Facility: The individual(s) responsible for operating the Concession Facility is/are responsible for keeping it clean at all times. Floor spills must be mopped or swept and sinks, counters and equipment must be kept clean. Money should never be left unattended, and is to be removed daily at closing. Any damage is to be reported to the Parks & Recreation Director. Any fee arrangement is by prior written agreement signed by the appropriate party and the Parks & Recreation Director.
- Bicycles, Skates, and Skateboards: Bicycles, skates and skateboards are allowed on the sidewalks and walking trails. In all cases, pedestrians always have the right of way. Bikers and skaters must remain on the right third of the paths or sidewalks and use discretion around pedestrians. Aggressive cycling, skating or skateboarding on park premises are prohibited.
- Trespassing: Entering park premises outside of normal operating hours is prohibited.
- Hours of Operation: Normal hours of park operation are dawn to dusk, except in conjunction with authorized games and other authorized events, in which case the park closes fifteen minutes after the end of the last event.
- Park Rules: All park rules and applicable town, county, state and federal laws must be abided by at all times. Violations of these provisions will result in the loss of the ability to use Town facilities at the discretion of the Oak Ridge Parks & Recreation department. Park security is enforced by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.