City of Vermilion Parks and Recreation
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Parks Rules and Regulations


Alcohol Possession or Consumption 
The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in Vermilion parks or recreation facilities. Exceptions are made by specification in conjunction with a community event permit approved by the Parks and Recreation Board or its agent. 
Amplified Sound 
No person in any park shall operate or aid in the operation of private radios, stereophonic, or sound-amplification devices at a greater operating level than authorized by written permit. Section 634 of the Codified Ordinances shall apply to all city parks. Amplified sound permits, in accordance with Section 634.08 of the Codified Ordinances, may be issued only in conjunction with an approved park use permit. 
Camping 
Camping is not permitted in Vermilion Parks. 
Conduct 
The following forms of conduct are prohibited in Vermilion Parks or Recreation Facilities: Indecent conduct and/or indecent exposure. Disturbing the peace of other park patrons or neighbors adjacent to the park by loudness, fighting or riotous conduct. Conduct under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Obscene or abusive language. Abuse in any way of a park patron or agent of the parks board. Any person directed to leave the park premises by an authorized city official, agent of the Parks and Recreation Board shall do so promptly and peaceably. 
Damage to Parks or Recreation Facilities 
No person shall injure, deface, destroy, disturb, or remove any part of Vermilion parks or recreation facilities, grounds, signs, furniture, buildings, vegetation, shrubs, flowers, or trees. Trees on Vermilion parks or recreation land may not be altered, compromised, or damaged either intentionally or indirectly. Damage incurred becomes the financial responsibility of the responsible individual or community event permit holder. 
Fires 
No fires are allowed in the parks or recreation facilities except for cooking purposes and only in a designated area unless special written permission is granted by the Vermilion Fire Chief or Safety Director. No portable stoves or grills are permitted in shelters or on combustible picnic tables. No dumping of hot ashes or fire onto grass or plants. Open fires are permitted on Vermilion Park's beaches but must be fueled with clean seasoned firewood, natural gas or equivalent or clean burning fuel with emissions equal to or lower than seasoned firewood. Fires may not be used for disposal of waste. The total area of the fire must be less than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. No fires of any kind are allowed in Vermilion parks during government declared air alerts. 
Fireworks and Explosives 
Fireworks or missile throwing devices are prohibited unless approved by specification in an approved community event permit approved by the Parks and Recreation Board or its agent. 
Fishing and Wildlife 
No person may capture, injure, or destroy wildlife in the Vermilion parks. Hunting is not permitted in city parks. Fishing on piers extending into Lake Erie from park property is allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., except on piers located at a park area that closes at dusk (see Hours of Operation above). 
Hours of Operations for Parks and Pavilions 
The closing time for all public beaches and parks in the City is hereby established at 11:00 p.m.; except for Nokomis Beach Park, West Breeze Park, and Hanover Square Park that will close at dusk. The Recreation Director shall have the authority to extend such closing time in the case of a softball or baseball game in progress at Showse Park, after such hours, until such game is terminated, or upon any other limitation the Director may establish. 'Dusk' shall be defined as 'the state or period of partial darkness between day and night, the dark part of twilight. 
Loitering 
Loitering, for any purpose, is prohibited in Vermilion city parks. 
Parks Permit 
Advance reservation of park facilities for scheduled private or public events is required. All park permits are reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board with consideration of public safety, adherence to park policies, and respect for the rights of other park visitors. Vermilion's parks belong to everyone in the community. No private permits will be approved that reserves an entire park and denies community access to a reasonable portion of the park. Parks may be reserved for one day at a time. Special circumstances will be considered (i.e. public festivals). Separate permits are required for each use. 
Pets 
Dogs and other domestic animals are required to be on leash at all times at all park and recreation facilities including city beaches. This does not include legally certified "work dogs." Owners are required to pick up after their dogs and other pets in the park. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in enclosed playing fields or courts in city parks and recreation facilities. Exotic pets are prohibited in all park areas. Exceptions are made by specification in an approved community event permit issued by the Parks and Recreation Board or its agent. 
Solicitation 
Solicitation of any kind is not permitted in Vermilion parks or recreation facilities. Exceptions are made by specification in conjunction with a community event permit approved by the Parks and Recreation Board or its agent. 
Vehicles 
All vehicles must remain on established roadways and parking facilities. Parking on grass is not allowed. The speed limit in all parks is 10 mph. Blocking of public right-of-ways is prohibited. Reckless operation and racing is prohibited. ATVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles are not permitted off established roadways. 
Waste 
All trash must be placed in provided receptacles or removed from the park by the individuals responsible for generating the trash whether the trash is from an individual or permitted community event. Dumpsters are for park use only. Groups using the parks are requested to bring their own trash bags. No dumping of any material of any kind is allowed in the parks. Dumping of yard or private waste over lake or riverbanks in the city of Vermilion is not permitted. Wastewater (grey water) may not be poured on the ground or in storm sewers. No hazardous materials are allowed in the parks or to be disposed of in the parks.



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