Uniform Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations

No motorized vehicles other than registered passenger vehicles and motorcycles are allowed on park roadways. Mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, go-carts, ATV’s and other self-propelled vehicles are prohibited. Segways¹ are permitted on greenways only. Permission must be requested in advance to operate Segways and golf carts. Motorized vehicles may only be driven on paved roadways and parked in designated areas. Operation of any motorized vehicles is prohibited on hike trails, bike trails, equestrian trails, exercise trails and all trails exclusively reserved for pedestrian traffic. Vehicles may not be parked on grass, greenways nor road shoulders.

Note: Certain motorized vehicles may be permitted by park staff if the park guest shows a valid medical necessity for the vehicle.

¹The use of Segways and golf carts may be permitted with park staff approval. Upon approval park staff will issue the guest a parking pass. The guest operating the Segway or golf cart must be sixteen (16) years of age and present a valid driver’s license to receive a parking pass.

Bicycles are allowed only on designated paths, trails and public roadways. All cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets. Cyclists must comply with all traffic laws when riding in public roadways.

The use of roller skates, rollerblades, scooters and skateboards is prohibited.

The posting of any signs, posters, notices and flyers is prohibited without prior authorization from Guilford County Facilities and Parks Administration.

Making an excavation and the use of metal detectors is prohibited.

The digging, transplanting, bruising, mutilation or any other abuse of natural vegetation and plant material is prohibited.

All patrons of the park must adhere to Guilford County Ordinances regarding Guns, Firearms and Incendiary Devices, including but not limited to, Section 13-5 Firearms, Fireworks, etc. which states:

It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, shoot, fire or explode, or cause to be discharged, shot, fired or exploded, any firearm including, but not limited to, air rifles, toy pistols, toy guns or other toy arms designed to forcibly hurl a projectile or missile at any time or under any circumstances within any park, or to openly carry any firearms in any park. The use of fireworks of any type is expressly prohibited except at approved and permitted events. Archery equipment, slingshots or other similar devices shall be shot or discharged only in those areas within the parks which are specifically set aside for such purposes and so posted.

All horses, dogs, cats and other domestic animals must be always kept on a leash in accordance with Guilford County Leash Law. Pet owners are required to clean up and dispose of pet excrement. Horses must be restricted to designated equestrian paths only. Horse trailers must be parked in designated areas. No animals are allowed to enter lakes or ponds whether on or off leash.

The trapping, catching, wounding, killing, teasing, injuring and cruel treatment of any live animals and wildlife on park property or attempt to engage in any of the above is strictly prohibited. The feeding of wildlife is prohibited. The release, placement and abandonment of any animal are prohibited.

Fishing in any waters other than those designated by Guilford County Facilities and Parks Administration is prohibited. NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fishing Rules & Regulations and any other governing water authority along with Guilford County Facility and Park rules will apply. Catch and Release is encouraged at all facilities.

Except for approved fundraising events by the Facilities and Parks Administration, no person may engage in soliciting, peddling, panhandling and selling. The sale of food and drink products, clothing and all other items is strictly prohibited without prior consent.

In its sole discretion, the Guilford County Facilities and Parks Administration on behalf of Guilford County may approve parks or open space to be used for fundraising events. No event will be permitted without prior written approval by Facilities and Parks Administration on behalf of Guilford County. Failure to obtain prior, written approval may result in Guilford County bringing court action against the parties as allowable by law. Applicable fees, park rules, and conditions apply.

Political speeches and demonstrations are prohibited. Directly approaching and soliciting park patrons for the purposes of political handouts, surveys and request for support and donations is prohibited.

Engaging in and conducting or carrying on any game of chance at which money, property or other items of value are bet is prohibited.

Tobacco use is prohibited in all buildings and structures and aquatic centers and is discouraged on all properties.

No person registered with the State of North Carolina and/or any other governing agency as a registered sex offender shall be within 250 feet of any playground, amusement ride or youth athletic event.

The possession, consumption and/or sale of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited except in shelter and clubhouse facilities as indicated at specific properties.

All athletic games, practices, scrimmages, including but not limited to football, baseball, basketball, soccer, Frisbee, disk golf, tennis, ultimate, and golf must be played on fields, courts, playing surfaces expressly manufactured, supplied and identified for that specific activity use.

The building, creating or making of any fires or flames is prohibited, except in any stationary grill provided or any gas grill or deep fryer approved prior to use and placed in a designated location. Under no circumstances may any open flame be located inside a shelter or building except for Sterno type canisters to heat food and ceremonial candles such as birthday, unity and memorial candles. Additional fees may be assed when flour and grease stains are not thoroughly cleaned. Deep fryer grease must be removed from property in an appropriate container and may not be emptied on premises.

Disposal of refuse, trash and litter is strictly prohibited except in supplied receptacles.

Entrance and/or use of facilities after posted park hours of operation will be considered trespassing and violators may be prosecuted. Exceptions are limited to county sanctioned after hour’s special events, private rental of clubhouse facilities and campgrounds.

Any group or individual desiring access to a park, open space, trail or other Guilford County property not open to the public, must request so in writing to the Director of Facilities and Parks. Request must include justification and dates access is requested. Anyone on the property without written approval will be considered trespassing.

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. Cars are not to be used as outdoor sound systems. 

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.

All fees and charges associated with the operation of park facilities owned and operated by Guilford County shall be subject to the recommendations and approval of the Guilford County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and may be subject to approval by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. All fees must be paid in advance for the use of any facility or services.

Advanced reservations for picnic usage is strongly encouraged. Picnic shelter use is based on a first come, first served basis for groups of 20 or fewer at no charge if the shelter is not reserved. Groups of 20 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 15 minutes prior to posted park closing hours.

Where fishing is allowed North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulations must be complied with:

• Individuals 16 years of age and older must possess a valid North Carolina Fishing License
• Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult in possession of a valid North Carolina Fishing License

Please refer to individual park fishing and boating rules and regulations as they apply to individual locations as some facilities are governed by third party authorities.

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.

Catch and release is strongly encouraged.

All trails are open according to posted hours. Trail patrons must adhere to trail designation and associated restrictions. Removal of vegetation is prohibited.

Please refer to the individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of indoor facility rentals.

Please refer to individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of aquatic facility usage and rentals.

Please refer to the individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of the Dog Parks.

Please refer to the individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of the Golf Course and Driving Range facility.

Please refer to the individual park documents regarding rules and regulations of camping.

Employees may not accept tips, gratuities or gifts from park patrons.

Employees must have supporting documentation, detail notes in REC TRAC and supervisory approval to adjust account balances.