+---------------------------+------------------+---+---------------------+
| ![](media/image1.png){wid | Rock Creek Park  |   | 3545 Williamsburg   |
| th="0.5597222222222222in" |                  |   | LN, NW              |
| height="0.720             |                  |   |                     |
| 1388888888889in"}National |                  |   | Washington, DC      |
| Park Service              |                  |   | 20008               |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| U.S. Department of the    |                  |   | 202.895.6000 phone  |
| Interior                  |                  |   |                     |
|                           |                  |   | 202.895.6015 fax    |
| Superintendent's          |                  |   |                     |
| Compendium                |                  |   | www.nps.gov/rocr    |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| Of Designations,          |                  |   | rocr_sup            |
| Closures, Permit          |                  |   | erintendent@nps.gov |
| Requirements and Other    |                  |   |                     |
| Restrictions Imposed      |                  |   |                     |
| Under Discretionary       |                  |   |                     |
| Authority.                |                  |   |                     |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| Approved:                 |                  |   |                     |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| \_\_/s[/ Adrienne A.      |                  |   |                     |
| C                         |                  |   |                     |
| oleman\_]{.underline}\_\_ |                  |   |                     |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| Adrienne A. Coleman,      |                  |   |                     |
| Superintendent            |                  |   |                     |
|                           |                  |   |                     |
| November 9, 2004          |                  |   |                     |
+---------------------------+------------------+---+---------------------+

# 

# In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Rock Creek Park and areas administered by Rock Creek Park under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7. 

##### I. 36 CFR §1.5 -- VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES {#i.-36-cfr-1.5-visiting-hours-public-use-limits-closures-and-area-designations-for-specific-use-or-activities .unnumbered}

**(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are
established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the
following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to
all public use or to a certain use or activity:**

[Visiting Hours]{.underline}:

Unless otherwise designated, all park land is open between the hours of
sunrise and sunset. The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is
open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, closed on all federal
holidays. The Old Stone House is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 pm to
5 pm, closed on federal holidays. The Peirce Barn/Peirce Mill complex
buildings are open Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm, closed on federal
holidays. Carter Barron Amphitheatre open Memorial Day to Labor Day, day
of event only.

[Public Use Limits]{.underline}:

Picnic areas numbered 1, 6,7,8,9,10,13,14,23,and 24 require a
reservation permit and are limited to no more than 75 people. Picnic
areas 2,3,4,5,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 operate as first-come,
first-served, and limited to no more than 25 people. Further picnic
regulations listed under (a)(2).

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all park areas administered by
Rock Creek Park, except authorized concession sales at Carter Barron
Amphitheatre, Rock Creek Park Golf Course clubhouse and Rock Creek
Tennis Stadium. Justification for alcohol closure in Rock Creek Park
attached as appendix A.

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, offices, historic structures,
and stables.

Coolers, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles, glass containers, picnic
baskets, pets and cans are prohibited inside Carter Barron Amphitheatre
and Rock Creek Tennis Stadium.

Service animals for the disabled are allowed inside Carter Barron
Amphitheater and Rock Creek Tennis Stadium when officially assisting a
disabled person.

Photography and audio and video recording of events at Carter Barron
Amphitheatre and Rock Creek Tennis Stadium are prohibited.

Old Stone House visitor limit is 25 people. Peirce Mill visitor limit is
20 people, with no more than 5 people at one time on the third floor.

Fires permitted only in grills or fireplaces, visitors may bring own
grill and fuel in designated picnic areas only.

Parking allowed only in designated parking areas.

Weddings allowed by permit at Meridian Hill Park or the garden at the
Old Stone House, limit of 50 people, no chairs, balloons or decorations
allowed, receptions not allowed. See Permit section for contact info.

Washing vehicles within Rock Creek Park is prohibited.

Repair or maintenance of vehicles (other than short-term emergency
repairs) by private individuals or commercial businesses within Rock
Creek Park is prohibited.

[Closures]{.underline}: *.*

# 

# Unless otherwise designated, all park land is closed between the hours of sunset and sunrise except for vehicular traffic on park roads. Buses, commercial vehicles, and trucks over ½ ton are prohibited on park roads unless given specific permission in writing by the superintendent.

# 

# The parks along 16^th^ street, including Meridian Hill Park, are closed midnight to 5:00 am from May through October, and 9:00 pm to 5:00 am November through April. 

# 

# Sections of Beach Drive, and Bingham and Sherrill Drives are closed to motor vehicle traffic on weekends and federal holidays. Sherrill, Bingham, Ross and Morrow Drives are closed to motor vehicle traffic when snow or ice is present. 

# 

# Carter Barron Amphitheatre parking lot is closed from midnight until 5 am.

**The following areas have been designated for a specific use or
activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:**

-   Docking or Mooring Areas:

    -   Mooring of boats at the dock at Washington Harbour on the
        Georgetown Waterfront is prohibited between midnight and 6 am,
        as determined by the Superintendent, Rock Creek Park, dated
        January 30, 2002, 36 CFR 1.5, consistent with the determination
        by the Superintendent, C&O Canal NHP, dated June 22, 1998, and
        the Regional Director's memorandum dated November 20, 1997.

-   Picnic areas:

Picnicking is prohibited in Dumbarton Oaks Park, Fort Stevens, and
Battleground Cemetery. Picnic areas numbered 1, 6,7,8,9,10,13,14,23,and
24 require a reservation permit and are limited to no more than 75
people. Picnic areas 2,3,4,5,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 operate as
first-come, first-served, and limited to no more than 25 people. Large
group picnics of 25 or more people are not allowed outside of numbered
picnic areas unless the superintendent provides an exception in writing.
Informal picnics of fewer than 25 people are allowed in all other lawn
areas except for the 4 park areas listed above.

-   Bicycle Use Areas/Routes:

Bicycle use is restricted to paved roads and the paved multi-use trails
extending from Wise Road to Joyce Road and from Broad Branch Road to
Virginia Ave. Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle is
prohibited except on sections of roads closed for recreational use.

**The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the
specific uses or activities noted:**

Dogs must be on leash within park areas, and park visitors must comply
with District of Columbia leash laws. Dogs are prohibited from tennis
courts and playgrounds.

Camping is prohibited within all park areas.

All park areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial
light.

All park areas are closed to swimming, wading and bathing by people or
household pets

Archery target practice is prohibited.

Canopies, tents or shade structures anchored to the ground, awnings or
portable pavilions are prohibited except where written permission is
obtained from the Superintendent.

Fishing is prohibited on Rock Creek north of the Porter Street bridge.

Hitchhiking is prohibited within all areas of the park.

Removing or damaging natural or cultural resources is prohibited.

**II. [36 CFR §1.6 -- ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT]{.underline}**

*NOTE: The term "permit" covers a variety of instruments allowing us to
manage activities within Rock Creek Park. The following definitions
apply within areas administered by Rock Creek Park:*

*Permits to reserve picnic areas or sports fields within Rock Creek Park
are obtained from the District of Columbia Parks and Recreation
Department, 202.673.7646. DC charges an administrative processing fee
for these free reservation permits.*

*Permits for first amendment rights demonstrations, special events, or
filming within any park area in the National Capitol Region (NCR) are
required by 36 CFR to be processed through the NCR Park Programs
Division. To obtain an application, contact 202.619.7225. For
information on Rock Creek Park areas for these permits, contact the
Special Park Uses office at 202.895.6000.*

*Permits for construction, educational programs (not led by a park
ranger) or to use or cross park land are obtained from the Environmental
Protection Specialist for Rock Creek Park, 202.895.6000. Permits for
rights of way are obtained from the National Capitol Regional Office of
the National Park Service, 202.619.xxxx.*

*Permits for scientific research and collecting may be obtained through
the following process:*

a.  *Contact Rock Creek Park Natural Resources Management Office,
    202.895.6077.*

b.  *Apply online: www.science.nature.nps.gov/research.*

    Reservation permits required for picnic areas 1,
    6,7,8,9,10,13,14,23,and 24, and for use of sports fields. Contact
    number: 202.673.7646 for picnic permits and 202.767.8363 for sports
    permits.

    Special Park Use permits required for construction within park land,
    to stage equipment, to cross park land with cables or other
    utilities, or to use park land for access to an adjoining site.
    Contact Environmental Protection Specialist at 202.895.6000.

    **The following is a compilation of those activities for which a
    permit from the superintendent is required:**

-   §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:

    Weddings are allowed by permit at Meridian Hill Park or the gardens
    of Old Stone House, fee charged, contact Special Park Use Office at
    202.895.6000.

    Special events or First Amendment Rights demonstrations of more than
    25 people require a free permit from the NCR Park Programs Office,
    202.619.7225.

Groups larger than 10 horses and riders need a free permit from the
Special Park Uses office, 202.895.6000.

Special events will not be permitted at Georgetown Waterfront Park,
except for limited use of the area for viewing regattas or other water
events.

-   §2.5(e) Research Specimen collection (Collection of plants, fish,
    wildlife, rocks or minerals)

Permits for scientific research can be applied for online, at
www.science.nature.nps.gov/research. For more information, contact the
Natural Resources Office at 202.895.6077.

Operation of a public address system in connection with a public
gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant
to §7.96(g). Amplified sound not allowed in picnic areas. Amplified
sound as part of special events must operate within decibel limits
specified in permit conditions.

-   §7.96(g) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator
    attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events -- apply for
    a free permit through the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.

-   §7.96(g) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations,
    parades and other public expressions of views -- apply for a free
    permit through the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.

-   §7.96(k) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely
    commercial advertising is only allowed as part of a first amendment
    rights event, and must follow specifications in permit conditions.

-   §2.62(b) Memorialization - (Scattering ashes from human cremation)
    is not allowed within Rock Creek Park.

-   §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size
    limits. Commercial trucks over ½ ton and busses are prohibited on
    roadways within Rock Creek Park.

-   §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business is not allowed within
    Rock Creek Park except under the provisions of a permit, contract,
    or written agreement with the National Park Service.

-   §5.5(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television
    involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other
    than bona fide newsreel or news television requires a free permit,
    apply at the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.

-   \(b\) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce
    or models for the purpose of commercial advertising requires a free
    permit, apply at the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.

-   §5.6(b) Commercial vehicles are prohibited on roadways within Rock
    Creek Park.

##### III. GENERAL REGULATIONS  {#iii.-general-regulations .unnumbered}

#####  {#section-5 .unnumbered}

##### 36 CFR §2.1 -- PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES {#cfr-2.1-preservation-of-natural-cultural-and-archeological-resources .unnumbered}

Standing dead wood or dead wood on the ground may not be collected for
use as fuel for campfires or other uses**.**

No fruits, nuts, berries, seeds, mushrooms or cut greenery may be
gathered or collected for personal or business use or consumption in
Rock Creek Park.

No artifacts, portions of structures or architectural elements may be
collected within the park.

Recreational activities that damage or harm natural, cultural, or
archeological resources are prohibited. Examples include geocaching,
orienteering, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and riding bicycles off
paved surfaces.

2.1 (b) Hiking and pedestrian uses are restricted to designated foot,
horse, and paved recreational trails in the park as shown on the map in
the park brochure.

##### 36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

\(b\) (1) Hunting is not permitted on any park property.

\(b\) (3) Trapping is not permitted on any park property.

\(d\) Transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is not
permitted.

\(e\) All park areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use
of an artificial light.

**[36 CFR §2.3 -- FISHING]{.underline}**

**(a) District of Columbia fishing laws and/or regulations apply
throughout the park.**

Commercial fishing is not allowed within the park. Fishing is not
allowed on Rock Creek or its tributaries north of the Porter street
bridge on Rock Creek.

**[36 CFR §2.4 -- WEAPONS, TRAPS, AND NETS]{.underline}**

A permit is required to possess, carry or use a weapon, trap or net. The
superintendent will only issue a permit to use, carry or possess a
weapon, trap, or net under the following circumstances:

\(1\) When necessary to support approved/permitted research activities.

(2) For employees, agents or cooperating officials -- for official duty.

(3) Archery target practice prohibited.

    **[36 CFR §2.11 -- PICNICKING]{.underline}**

Picnicking is prohibited in Dumbarton Oaks Park, Fort Stevens, and
Battleground Cemetery. Picnic areas numbered 1, 6,7,8,9,10,13,14,23,and
24 require a reservation permit and are limited to no more than 75
people. Picnic areas 2,3,4,5,11,12,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 operate as
first-come, first-served, and limited to no more than 25 people. Large
group picnics of 25 or more people are not allowed outside of numbered
picnic areas unless the superintendent provides an exception in writing.
Informal picnics of less than 25 people are allowed in all areas except
for the 4 park areas listed above.

**[36 CFR 2.13 -- FIRES]{.underline}**

**(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited,
except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles,
and under the conditions noted:**

[Designated Areas:]{.underline} Fires allowed within fire grates in
established picnic areas.

[Receptacles Allowed:]{.underline} Individual grills allowed in
established picnic groves. Charcoal must be doused with water and
disposed of in a trash can after the fire is completely out.

[Established Conditions for Fires:]{.underline} Fires allowed unless
high fire danger has been declared and public notice given that fires
are banned within the park.

(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or
lanterns:

-   Charcoal must be doused with water completely and disposed of in a
    trash receptacle.

    \(b\) Fires must be extinguished according to the following
    conditions:

-   Douse completely with water.

-   Firewood may not be collected within the park.

    \(c\) High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted:

-   When the superintendent declares high fire danger and issues a
    public notice that fires are banned within the park.

    **[36 CFR §2.14 -- SANITATION and REFUSE]{.underline}**

    The use of government refuse receptacles or facilities for dumping
    household, commercial or industrial refuse, brought as such from
    private or municipal property is not allowed.

    **[36 CFR §2.15 -- PETS]{.underline}**

    Pets may not be left unattended tied to an object.

    Pet excrement must be disposed in accordance with the following
    conditions:

-   Visitors with pets must pick up all pet waste and dispose of it in a
    trash receptacle.

    **[36 CFR §2.16 -- HORSES and PACK ANIMALS]{.underline}**

    **(**a) The use of horses or pack animals is permitted on the
    following trails, routes or areas:

-   Established horse trails within Rock Creek Park (see attached map)

-   Equitation field

-   Horses are not allowed on foot or bicycle trails.

> \(b\) Free-trailing or loose-herding is not permitted on the Rock
> Creek Park trails or routes.

\(c\) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

-   Horse trailers and tow vehicles must be parked legally in designated
    parking spaces.

-   Groups larger than 10 horses and riders need a free permit from the
    Special Park Uses office, 202.895.6000.

    **[36 CFR §2.19 -- WINTER ACTIVITIES]{.underline}**

    **(a) The following park roads and/or parking areas normally open to
    motor vehicle traffic may be used for skiing, snowshoeing, sledding,
    tobogganing, and similar winter activities under the conditions
    noted:**

(a) Sections of Beach Drive, Sherrill Drive, Ross Drive, Morrow Drive or
    Bingham Drive and portions of Glover Road are closed to motor
    vehicles. (Non-motorized winter activities allowed)

    \(b\) The towing of persons on skis, sled or other similar device by
    motor vehicle or snowmobile is not allowed .

    **[36 CFR §2.20 -- SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR
    DEVICES]{.underline}**

    The use of roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting
    vehicles, or similar devices are allowed in the following areas:

-   Paved multi-use trails

-   Roads closed to motor vehicle traffic on weekends or federal
    holidays.

    **[36 CFR §2.21 -- SMOKING]{.underline}**

    \(a\) All buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking.
    Smokers in outside area must dispose of fully extinguished smoking
    materials in proper trash containers.

    **[36 CFR §2.22 -- PROPERTY]{.underline}**

    The following describes areas where property may be left unattended
    for periods longer than 24 hours, and the conditions under which
    property may be left:

-   Property is not allowed to be left unattended for periods longer
    than 24 hours within Rock Creek Park, unless the property is part of
    an activity under a special park use permit (for example, a
    contractor working on construction within the park may receive
    permission under the permit to store equipment in a staging area.)

    **[36 CFR §2.23 -- RECREATION FEES]{.underline}**

    **Recreation fees, in accordance with 36 CFR part 71, are
    established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use
    of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or
    services, or for participation in the following group activity,
    recreation events or specialized recreation uses:**

    [Entrance Fee Areas:]{.underline} N/A

    [Daily Site Use Fee Areas:]{.underline} Parking at Thompson's Boat
    House, fee charged through metered spaces.

    **[36 CFR §2.35 --ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED
    SUBSTANCES]{.underline}**

    **(a)(3)(i) The following public use areas, portions of public use
    areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to
    consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a
    bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage
    that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or
    the contents of which have been partially removed:**

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all park areas administered by
Rock Creek Park, except Carter Barron Amphitheatre, Rock Creek Park Golf
Course clubhouse and Rock Creek Tennis Stadium. Justification for
alcohol closure in Rock Creek Park attached as appendix A.

**[36 CFR §2.37 -- NONCOMMERCIAL SOLICITING]{.underline}**

**The solicitation or demand for gifts, money, goods or services
requires a permit under §2.50, §2.51, or §2.52, and is subject to the
terms and conditions specified therein.**

NOTE: This section generally prohibits soliciting or demanding gifts,
money goods or services except in accordance with a permit. The term
"soliciting" includes asking, begging and non-verbal gestures, such as a
hand out or palm up. \[48 FR 30271, June 30, 1983\]

**[36 CFR §2.62 -- MEMORIALIZATION]{.underline}**

\(a\) Authorization from the Director of the National Park Service is
required to install a monument, memorial, tablet, structure, or other
commemorative installation in a park area.

\(b\) The scattering of ashes from cremated human remains is not allowed
within Rock Creek Park.

**[36 CFR §3.6 -- BOATING OPERATIONS]{.underline}**

-   \(h\) Launching boats is prohibited within Rock Creek Park unless
    water levels are at least 2 feet deep. Boats are not allowed to go
    over Peirce Mill Dam under any conditions. Canoes, kayaks or other
    similar human powered boats are allowed.

\(l\) Vessels must meet the following size, length or width
restrictions:

-   Must be less than 20 feet in length, motors not allowed.

-   Hand launch only

### [36 CFR §3.21 -- SWIMMING AND BATHING]{.underline}

All Rock Creek Park areas are closed to swimming, bathing and wading by
people and pets.

**[36 CFR §4.10 -- TRAVEL ON PARK ROADS AND ROUTES]{.underline}**

\(a\) Park roads, open for travel by motor vehicle are those indicated
in the following publication: Rock Creek Park brochure.

\(b\) Off-road vehicle travel is not allowed.

**[36 CFR §4.11 -- VEHICLE LOAD, WEIGHT AND SIZE LIMITS]{.underline}**

**(a) The following load, weight and size limits, which are more
restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms
and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:**

-   Buses and large trucks over ½ ton are not allowed on park roads.

    **[36 CFR §4.21 -- SPEED LIMITS]{.underline}**

    **(b) The following speed limits are established for the
    routes/roads indicated:**

-   Speed limit is 25 mph on all park roads unless otherwise posted.

    **[36 CFR §4.30 -- BICYCLES]{.underline}**

    \(a\) Bicycle use is permitted on park roads, parking areas, and on
    the following designated paved routes:

-   Multi-use paved recreational trails

-   Sections of park roads closed to motor vehicle traffic on weekends
    and federal holidays.

    \(b\) The following routes are closed to bicycle use:

-   All unpaved trails.

-   Off-trail or off road areas.

    \(c\) Riding a bicycle abreast of another rider is permitted on the
    following routes, under the conditions noted:

-   Paved park roads and parking areas.

-   Bicycles may not be ridden abreast of another rider on multi-use
    paved recreational trails.

    Bicycles must be operated at speeds reasonable for existing
    conditions. Speed should not exceed 15 mph on paved multi-user
    trails or 25 mph on paved roadways.

    **[36 CFR §4.31 -- HITCHHIKING]{.underline}**

    Hitchhiking is not permitted.

**Appendices:**

A.  **Justification for banning alcohol within Rock Creek Park**

B.  **Determinations for closure referred to in this document.**

C.  **Memoranda on docking at Washington Harbor referred to in this
    document.**