PARKS & TRAILSEVENTSACTIVITIESREGISTER & RESERVEABOUT USNEWS & UPDATES ContactGolfTeachers & SchoolsGet InvolvedWebcamsBlogs MOE WHITEHOUSE RULES & REGULATIONS Homepage About Us Rangers Rules & Regulations REVISED: May 2015 LAKE METROPARKS LAKE COUNTY, OHIO RESOLUTION NO. 2014-030 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE METROPARKS TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING REVISED RULES AND REGULATIONS. Section One. BE IT RESOLVED, by the BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS of LAKE METROPARKS, that in accordance with authority granted in §1545.09 of the Revised Code of Ohio, the use of the parks, reservations, parkways, boulevard, and other lands and areas owned or controlled by the Lake Metroparks shall be under and subject to the rules and regulations, as set forth and adopted herein: and any person violating any of such rules or regulations shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not exceeding One Hundred Fifty ($150.00) dollars. The following terms used in the rules and regulations herein shall mean: “Park” or “parks” means any and all land owned or controlled by the Board of Park Commissioners of Lake Metroparks. “Board” means the Board of Park Commissioners of Lake Metroparks, or its designated representative. “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of Lake Metroparks. “Ranger” means the Law Enforcement Officer of the Park District. “Person” includes any person, persons, members of partnerships and/or members or officers of corporations and/or their employees. Said rules and regulations are as follows: 1.0 DEFACEMENT, DESTRUCTION, REMOVAL, OR DISTURBANCE OF PROPERTY, OR TRESPASS TO PARK EQUIPMENT OR NATURAL FEATURES. 1.1 Preservation of property and natural features. No person shall injure, deface, destroy, disturb, or remove any part of the Park or building, sign, equipment, or other property found therein, nor shall any tree, flower, shrub or other vegetation, or fruit or seed thereof, or rock, or mineral, or water be removed, injured, destroyed, or disturbed without specific written permission from the Executive Director. 1.2 Injuring vines, bushes, shrubs, saplings or trees. (Provision for treble damages) ORC §901.51 No person shall without lawful authority or privilege to do so recklessly cut down, destroy, girdle, or injure a vine, bush, shrub, sapling, tree, or crop standing or growing therein, or sever, injure or destroy a product standing or growing therein or other thing attached thereto within the Park lands. In addition to the penalty provided herein, whoever violates this section shall be liable in treble damages for the injury caused. 1.3 Criminal mischief. (a) No person shall: (1) Without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with the property of the Park or of another: (2) With the purpose to interfere with the use or enjoyment of property of another within the Park employ a tear gas device, stink bomb, smoke generator or other device releasing a substance which is harmful or offensive to persons exposed, or which tends to cause public alarm; (3) Without privilege to do so within the Park, knowingly move, deface damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with a bench mark triangulation station, boundary marker or other survey station, monument or marker. (4) Without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with any safety device, the property of the Park or of another or the property of the offender when required or placed for the safety of others, so as to destroy or diminish its effectiveness or availability for its intended purpose. (b) As used in this section, “safety device” means any fire extinguisher, fire hose or fire axe, or any fire escape, emergency exit or emergency escape equipment, or any life line, life-saving ring, life preserver or life boat or raft, or any alarm, light, flare, signal, sign or notice intended to warn of danger or emergency, or intended for other safety purposes, or any guard railing or safety barricade, or any traffic sign or signal, or any railroad guard crossing sign, signal or gate, or any first aid or survival equipment, or any other device, apparatus, or equipment intended for protecting or preserving the safety of persons or property. 1.4 Criminal trespass. (a) No person, without privilege to do so, shall do any of the following: (1) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of the Park; (2) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of the Park, the use of which is lawfully restricted to certain persons, purposes, modes or hours, when the offender knows he is in violation of any such restriction or is reckless in that regard; (3) Recklessly enter or remain on the land or premises of the Park, as to which notice against unauthorized access or presence is given by actual communication to the offender, or in a manner prescribed by law, or by posting in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential intruders, or by fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to restrict access; (4) Being on the land or premises of the Parks, negligently fail or refuse to leave upon being notified to do so by a Park Ranger, or the agent or servant of the Park. (b) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the offender was authorized to enter or remain on the Park land or premises involved when such authorization was secured by deception. (c) As used in this section, “the Park land or premises” includes any land, building, structure or place belonging to, controlled by or in custody of the Park, and any separate enclosure or room, or portion thereof. 2.0 LITTERING, DUMPING, REFUSE, ASHES, GARBAGE, SEWAGE AND NOXIOUS MATERIALS. 2.1 Littering, dumping, and disposal of refuse, ashes, and garbage. No person, without the specific written consent of the Executive Director, shall bring into, leave behind, or dump any material of any kind in the Park except the refuse, ashes, garbage, and other material arising from the normal use and enjoyment of a picnic, camp, or other permitted activity and such material shall be deposited in receptacles or pits provided for such purposes. Nor shall the same be left or deposited without or near the parks so as to pollute the waters or air coursing through or over the parks or otherwise to interfere with proper use and enjoyment of all the parks. No bottles, cans, refuse or foreign material of any description shall be deposited or thrown in any of the streams, waterways, ponds, or lakes located in any of the parks. 2.2 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. 3.0 FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, EXPLOSIVES, AND BOWS AND ARROWS. 3.1 Firearms, missile throwing devices, air or gas guns. Except as set forth in ORC §2923.12 et seq and the open carry provision, no person, except Rangers of the Board, or other Law Enforcement Officers, shall carry firearms of any description, air or gas gun, sling shot, or missile throwing device within the Park, or discharge any firearms, or air or gas gun in or onto Park lands. 3.2 Fireworks and explosives. No person shall possess or discharge any fireworks or other explosive substance in and upon Park grounds or other public lands except by specific written permission granted by the Executive Director. 3.3 Bows and arrows. No person shall release an arrow from a bow, crossbow or long bow within the Park other than in areas designated by the Executive Director, provided, however, that the within regulation shall not be applicable to persons using Park lands for hunting purposes when said persons have fully and completely complied with all of the requirements established for hunting on Park lands. 3.4 Carrying dangerous weapons. Except as set forth in ORC §2923.12 et seq and the open carry provision, no person, except Park Rangers, Law Enforcement Officers of the Board, or other Law Enforcement Officers shall have or carry any firearm, switchblade, hunting knife, dagger, metal knuckles, slingshot, or other dangerous weapons concealed or about his person while in the Park, provided, however, that the within regulation shall not be applicable to persons using Park lands for hunting purposes when said persons have fully and completely complied with all of the requirements established for hunting on Park lands. 4.0 DECENCY. 4.1 Indecency and exposure. (a) No person shall recklessly do any of the following within the Park, under circumstances in which his or her conduct is likely to be viewed by and affront others; not members of his or her household: (1) Expose his or her private parts, or engage in masturbation; (2) Engage in conduct which to an ordinary observer would appear to be sexual conduct or masturbation. 4.2 Voyeurism. (a) 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. 4.3 Soliciting. 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. 4.4 Sexual activity. No person while in the Park shall engage in “sexual activity”. (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. 4.5 Loitering near toilets. No loitering is permitted in or near toilet buildings within the Park and no person shall enter or be in any toilet room set apart for the opposite sex except park maintenance employees or Rangers or law enforcement officers on duty. “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. 5.0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT, PEACE DISTURBANCE, INTOXICATION. 5.1 Disorderly conduct. 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, right-of-way, or trail, 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. 5.2 Unnecessary noises. No person shall either by word or act indulge 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 devises by police, firemen, or Rangers in the performance of official duties, without a permit from the Executive Director. 5.3 Possession or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicating liquor. No person shall drink, sell, possess or offer for sale any intoxicating liquor or alcoholic beverage, except where especially permitted by the Executive Director, or become intoxicated or be under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or alcoholic beverage within the Park. 5.4 Intoxication. No person while voluntarily intoxicated shall do either of the following: (a) In the Park, engage in conduct likely to be offensive or to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm to persons of ordinary sensibilities, which conduct the offender, if he were not intoxicated, should know is likely to have such an effect on others; (b) Engage in conduct or create a condition which presents a risk of physical harm to himself or another, or to property of another. 5.5 Unlawful assemblage. No person shall collect in bodies or crowds for unlawful purposes or in riotous assemblage or intending to annoy, harass, or inflict within the Park property damage or bodily injury upon another person or persons. 5.6 Loitering. No person shall loiter in or near a motor vehicle or vehicles, on or about a motorcycle or cycles, or on or about a bicycle or bicycles within the Park. 6.0 ASSAULT AND MENACING. While in the Park: 6.1 Assault. (a) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another or to another’s unborn in the Park; (b) No person shall recklessly cause serious physical harm to another or to another’s unborn within the Park; 6.2 Negligent assault. (a) No person shall negligently cause physical harm to another by means of a deadly weapon of dangerous ordnance. 6.3 Menacing. (a) No person shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the person or property of such other person, the other person’s unborn, or member of his immediate family. 6.4 Unlawful restraint. No person within the Park, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly restrain another of his liberty. 7.0 DRUGS OF ABUSE, HALLUCINOGENS, MARIJUANA, HARMFUL INTOXICANTS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND DRUG ABUSE INSTRUMENTS. 7.1 Definitions. “Drugs of Abuse” hallucinogen, controlled substance, marijuana, harmful intoxicant, drug abuse instruments, and possess or possession are defined as defined in Chapters 2925 and 3719 of the Ohio Revised Code. 7.2 Obtaining, use, or possession. No person while within the Park shall knowingly obtain, possess or use a controlled substance or drug abuse instrument including but not limited to any drug of abuse, hallucinogen, controlled substance, marijuana, harmful intoxicant as defined in Chapters 2925 and 3719 of the Ohio Revised Code except as otherwise provided in the Ohio Revised Code 2925.11 and Ohio Revised Code 2925.12. 8.0 CAMPS, CAMPING AND FIRES. 8.1 Camps, camping, lodging or sleeping without permission, fires. No person shall establish or maintain any camp or other temporary lodging or sleeping place within the Park without a specific written permit/registration from the Executive Director. 8.2 Rules regarding fires. No person shall start a fire in 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 Executive Director, except that the Executive Director may at his discretion prohibit fires for limited periods at any location or for any purpose when necessary for the protection of Park property. 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 or fire from picnic grills onto the grass, plants, or wooded area, or into any stream, waterway, brook, river, pond, lake, sewer, or drain is prohibited. Fuel other than wood or charcoal shall not be used in park ovens and grills except where otherwise designated. 8.3 Portable stoves or grills. No portable stoves or grills shall be permitted in shelters, on combustible picnic tables, on the sand at guarded swim beaches, or other areas designated by the Executive Director. 9.0 VENDORS, BEGGING, SIGNS AND BILL POSTING. 9.1 Vendors. No person shall sell or offer for sale any article, thing, privilege or service within any Park grounds or park lands unless he has applied for and been issued written permission from the Executive Director. 9.2 Begging. No person shall beg or solicit any person for any purpose in Park grounds or other Park lands. 9.3 Signs and Billposting. No person shall stick or post any advertisement, poster, sign, handbill or placard of any description upon any building, vehicle, tree, post, fence, billboard, or other structure within the Park without written permission of the Executive Director; nor paint, mark, write, print or impress, or in any manner attach any notice of advertisement or the name of any commodity or thing or any trademark, symbol, or figure of any kind upon any property within the Park without first obtaining permission of the owner of such thing or the Executive Director on which he desires to place such notice, advertisement, name, mark or figure. 10.0 CLOSING HOURS. 10.1 Parks shall be open for public use and enjoyment as designated and posted. No person shall be permitted to remain, stop, or park within the confines of the Park, pathways, or other reservations of this Board between the closing and opening hours except in emergency or with special permit of the Executive Director. 10.2 Special curfew during open hours. No person shall be permitted to remain, stop, or park within the confines of the Park, parkways, or other public reservation of this Board or any park thereof which has been closed by the Executive Director, a Park Ranger, or other official of the Park, during time of special curfew. 10.3 Removal of car after curfew at owner’s expense. Any vehicle left within the confines of the Park between the hours of closing and opening shall be subject to removal at the owner’s expense. 11.0 HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING AND WILDLIFE. 11.1 Hunting, trapping, or molesting wildlife. No person within the confines of the Park shall hunt, pursue with dogs, trap or in any other way molest any wild animal, as defined in §1531.01 of the Revised Code of Ohio, found within the confines of this Park, or rob or molest any bird nest or take the eggs of any bird, provided, however, that the within regulation shall not be applicable to persons using Park land for hunting purposes when said persons have fully and completely complied with all the requirements established for hunting on Park lands. 11.2 Prohibited feeding of wildlife. No person shall feed or cause to be fed any bird or other animal unless authorized to do so by the Executive Director.11.3Fishing regulations, hours and prohibited fishing equipment. The Executive Director may set fishing limits or cause such Park waters as it deems advisable closed to fishing, and shall post them. In all other Park waters, fishing shall be permitted subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio, except that the use of hooks left unattended, traps, spears, or gigs, or bows and arrows for fishing are prohibited, and fishing shall not be permitted during the hours the park is closed. 12.0 DOGS, CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS. 12.1 The Executive Director is authorized to establish and enforce rules for dog swim areas and a dog park. 12.2 Dogs, cats, and household pets. Unless authorized by the Executive Director in a designated dog park/play area, no person shall bring, permit, have or keep in the Park any dog, cat, household pet, or other animal destructive to birds and other wildlife, except that dogs or cats are permitted if they are controlled at all times on a leash. No pets or other animals shall be allowed to become obnoxious or disturbing to the other users of Park facilities. 12.3 Animal excrement removal. No owner or custodian of any dog or cat shall fail to immediately remove excrement deposited by such animal. The removed excrement may be disposed of by depositing such in a sanitary manner in any litter receptacle. 12.4 Barking or howling dogs. No person shall keep or harbor any dog within the Park which, by frequent and habitual barking, howling or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of the Park. 12.5 Mistreatment of animals. No person shall mistreat any animal within the confines of the Park. 12.6 Abandoning animals. No owner or keeper of a dog, cat or other animal shall abandon such animal within the confines of the Park. 12.7 Animals running at large and grazing. No person shall herd, graze, drive or permit to run at large within the Park, any cattle, horse, mule, donkey, goat, swine, sheep, or other animal, any poultry or other fowl within the Park unless authorized by the Executive Director. 13.0 HORSEBACK RIDING. 13.1 Permitted areas. Horseback riders shall stay on the designated bridle trails and are not permitted elsewhere in the Park. 13.2 Permitted hours. No person shall ride a horse within the Park between the times of one half hour before sunset and one half hour after sunrise, or during closed hours. 13.3 Safety and right of way. 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. At all points where bridle trails cross roads, drives, or parkways, riders shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles or pedestrians. 13.4 Unattended horse. No person shall leave a horse unattended within the Park other than for the purpose of stabling at a designated stable. 14.0 SWIMMING, SWIMMING AREAS AND BEACHES. 14.1 Swimming area restrictions. Swimming is permitted unless otherwise prohibited. 14.2 Unguarded swimming areas. At any unguarded swimming area, visitors shall swim at own risk because there are no lifeguards on duty. 14.3 Regulations for the use of floating objects. Unless authorized by the Executive Director, the use of life rafts, innertubes, and other objects intended to support persons, except US Coast Guard approved PFDs, is prohibited in any of the guarded swimming areas on Lake Erie and other areas where posted. 14.4 Use of aquatic sporting equipment prohibited. Boats, surfboards, water skis, scuba diving gear and similar aquatic equipment are prohibited within the guarded swimming areas. 14.5 Glass containers prohibited. No glass containers are permitted on the beaches adjacent to or in guarded swimming areas. 14.6 Cats and dogs prohibited. Cats and dogs are prohibited in guarded swimming areas and beaches. 15.0 GOLFING. 15.1 Golfing requirements. Every player must have individual golf playing equipment. No one shall be allowed on a golf course without first paying the posted fee, except Park District employees and caddies registered with the golf course manager at the specific course. All players shall abide by the rules and regulations posted at the golf course. 15.2 Prohibited hours. No person shall be permitted on a golf course between the times of one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise, unless authorized by the Executive Director. 15.3 Practice golf. No person shall hit a golf ball or practice golf except in areas where designated by the Executive Director. 16.0 BOATING. 16.1 Motorboats prohibited. No boats driven or propelled by motors shall be operated upon any lakes, ponds, or other bodies of water owned by, or under the control of the Board, unless authorized by the Executive Director. 16.2 Boating safety regulations. No boats shall be operated upon lakes, rivers, ponds, or other bodies of water owned by, or under the control of the Board that do not meet the safety standards or carry safety equipment as described in the provisions of Sections §1547.01 to 1547.99 of the Revised Code of Ohio relating to watercraft and regulations of the Division of Watercraft of the State of Ohio; or shall be operated one half hour after sunset without lighting as described by the aforesaid Ohio Revised Code. Boat trailers must be parked in designated areas, and exit as indicated. 16.3 Boating hours prohibited. No boats shall be operated after Park closing hours. 17.0 ENGINE POWERED MINIATURE MODELS AND TOYS. 17.1 Powered model toys prohibited. Engine-powered miniature model and toy airplanes, boats, cars, sirens or other noise-making devices are not permitted to be operated within the confines of the Park, unless authorized by the Executive Director 18.0 ALL PURPOSE VEHICLES. 18.1 Operation of all-purpose vehicles. Unless authorized by the Executive Director, no person shall operate, within the Park, an all-purpose vehicle. “All-purpose vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or on more than one type of terrain, and steered by wheels or caterpillar treads, or any combination thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all season vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes, but excluding any self-propelled vehicle principally used for purposes of personal transportation. 19.0 SNOWMOBILES, SLEDDING, SKIING, SKATING, AND ICE FISHING. 19.1 Snowmobiles in restricted areas only. No person shall operate a self-propelled vehicle steered by skis, runners, or caterpillar treads which is designed to travel primarily on snow or ice covered surfaces within the Park other than in areas designated by the Executive Director as “Snowmobile areas.” Snowmobile areas shall exclude: (a) Any road or street in the Park; (b) Any restricted Park property, or in any nursery or planting area, without the permission of the Director; (c) Any land or waters controlled by the Park or the State, except at those locations where a sign has been posted permitting such operation.19.2 Other prohibitions. No snowmobile shall be operated as follows: (a) While transporting any firearm, bow or other implement for hunting, that is not unloaded and securely encased; (b) For the purpose of chasing, pursuing, capturing or killing any animal or wild fowl; (c) During the time from one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise, unless displaying lighted lights as required by Ohio Revised Code §4519.40; (d) No person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile without using safety glasses or other protective eye device.19.3 Sledding, skiing, skating, ice fishing only in restricted areas. No person shall sled ride, ski, ice skate, or ice fish within the Park in areas designated by the Executive Director as unsafe. 20.0 MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC. 20.1 Purposes of way for motor vehicles, horses and bicycles. No person shall use motor vehicles, horses or bicycles on 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 utilizing motor vehicles, horses or bicycles except by the established ways. 20.2 Purposes of way - Self-propelled or animal-drawn vehicles. No person shall operate or cause to operate any type of self-propelled vehicle or any vehicle which is moved by animal power over or upon any foot path or bridle path within the Park, unless authorized by the Executive Director. 20.3 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 Executive 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. 20.4 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 the posted speed limit or at a greater speed than will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. 20.5 Driving upon the right side of roadway. Upon all roads and drives of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when otherwise directed by a traffic control device, Ranger, or other official within the Park. 20.6 Reckless driving. No person shall operate a vehicle along or over any road or drive within the Park in a reckless manner or without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any persons while in the lawful use of said Park drives or roads. 20.7 Drag or competitive racing. No person shall participate in a drag race upon any Park drive or Park property. “Drag racing” is defined as the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other, or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point wherein timing is made of the participating vehicles involving competitive accelerations or speeds. The operation to two or more vehicles side by side either at speeds in excess of permitted speeds on Park drives or rapidly accelerating from a common starting point to a speed in excess of such permitted speeds, shall be prima facie evidence of drag racing. 20.8 Overtaking and passing vehicles. The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall signal to the vehicle to be overtaken with an audible signal, shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The vehicle overtaken shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle at the latter’s audible signal and he shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. 20.9 Driving to the left of center. No vehicle shall be driven to the left of center or center line of the roadway in overtaking and passing traffic proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made, without interfering with the safe operation of any traffic approaching from the opposite direction or any traffic overtaken. 20.10 One-way. Upon a roadway designated and posted with signs for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated. 20.11 Overtaking and passing in a hazardous zone. No vehicle shall be driven to the left of center in overtaking and passing traffic when approaching the crest of a grade, upon a curve in the roadway or in any ford, where the operator’s, view is obstructed within such a distance as to create a hazard in the event traffic might approach from the opposite direction; or when approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection. 20.12 Space between moving vehicles. The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway. 20.13 Turning in the roadway. No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, if such vehicle cannot be seen within five hundred feet by the driver of any vehicle approaching from either direction. 20.14 Signaling, starting, backing or turning movements. No person shall start, back or change from a direct course upon a roadway until such person has given a clear and discernible signal before exercising such movement and having first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. 20.15 Stop signs and other traffic control devices. The operator of a vehicle shall stop at all posted stop signs and shall yield the right of way to all other vehicles at such signs. No person operating a vehicle shall fail to yield the right of way at an intersection at which one or more drives meet but do not cross. The operator of a vehicle traveling on the dead end road or drive shall stop and yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling on the road or drive which crosses the intersection within the Park. 20.16 Lights on vehicles. No person shall operate a vehicle upon any road, drive or trail within any part of the Park during the period from one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise unless the vehicle is properly equipped as required by the Ohio Revised Code requirements for lights and illuminating devices, and equipment for bicycles (Sections 4511.56 and 4513.03 through 4513.37) (a) Headlights: Two headlights in the front, one on either side of the vehicle and emitting a white light. (b) Taillight: One taillight emitting a red light. 20.17 Spotlights. No person shall use or shine spotlights, or unnecessarily or continuously shine automobile headlights onto Park land, except under the direction of a Park Ranger or Park employee, or except where necessary for the preservation of life or property. 20.18 Mufflers. Every motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle in the Park. 20.19 Squealing tires, “peeling”, cracking exhaust noises. No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any of the roadways within the Park, except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law, in such manner that the vehicle is so rapidly accelerated, or started from a stop position or so rapidly decelerated, or stopped, that the exhaust system emits a loud, cracking or chattering noise unusual to its normal operation, or the rubber tires of such vehicle squeal, leave tire marks on the roadway or spray gravel top dressing from the roadway, commonly referred to as “peeling”. 20.20 Sounding horn except in emergency. No person operating a vehicle within the Park shall sound a vehicle horn or other warning device except in an emergency. 20.21 Use of roadway for soliciting; riding on outside of vehicles. (a) No person shall while on a roadway within the Park shall solicit a ride from the driver of any vehicle. (b) No person shall stand on a roadway within the Park for the purpose of soliciting employment, business or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle. (c) No person shall hang onto, or ride on the outside of any motor vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway within the Park. (d) No operator shall knowingly permit any person to hang onto, or ride on the outside of any motor vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway within the Park. (e) No person while within the Park shall leave or enter a vehicle which is in motion except in an emergency necessitating such action. 20.22 Driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition. No person shall drive or move or knowingly permit to be driven or moved within the Park, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in an unsafe condition as to endanger any person. This includes the provisions of §4513.01 to 4513.37 inclusive of the Revised Code of Ohio and §4513.99, paragraph A. 20.23 Motorcycles. No person shall operate a motorcycle within the Park without having and wearing safety equipment as prescribed in §4511.53 of the Revised Code of Ohio. 20.24 Operation of motorcycles. No person shall operate a motorcycle or motorbike over or upon any roadway within the Park without having a muffler in good working order, a fender covering each tire, and in the nighttime, having a headlight emitting a white light and a taillight emitting a red light. 20.25 Operation of vehicle while under influence. No person who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug of abuse, shall operate any vehicle, motorized or not, while within the Park. 20.26 Driving without a license. No person shall drive a motor vehicle within the Park unless such person has been licensed as an operator or chauffeur, or cause or permit a minor under eighteen years of age to drive a motor vehicle within the Park unless such minor has first obtained a license or permit to drive a motor vehicle. 20.27 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 within the Park unless such vehicle displays the distinctive number and registration marks of license plates, legally issued for the current year, securely fastened to the vehicle. 20.28 Commercial Trucks. Except by authority of special permit granted by the Executive Director, no person shall drive or operate a commercial 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. Exceptions: transportation of people to picnic areas. 20.29 Parking. No person shall park or store any motor car, motor vehicle, bicycle, wagon, or other vehicle within any traveled roadway in the Park or at any location where posted signs prohibit parking except in emergencies or upon any sod, gravel or other surface not specially designated as “A PARKING AREA” unless directed by Park Personnel. 20.30 Unattended vehicle: duty to stop engine, remove key, set brake and turn wheels. No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the ignition, effectively setting the parking brake, and, when the motor vehicle is standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. The requirements of this section relating to the stopping of the engine, locking of the ignition, and removing the key from the ignition of a motor vehicle shall not apply to an emergency vehicle or a public safety vehicle. 21.0 MOTORCYCLES, MOTORIZED BICYCLES AND BICYCLES. 21.1 Application of traffic rules to motorcycles, motorized bicycles and bicycles. Bicycles are permitted on park trails unless otherwise posted as prohibited. The provisions of this regulation which are applicable to bicycles and motorized bicycles, apply whenever a bicycle or motorized bicycles are operated upon any road or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorized bicycles, within the Park. (ORC §4511.52). The provisions of this regulation shall apply to bicycles and motorized bicycles except those which by their nature are not applicable. 21.2 Riding upon seats; handlebars; helmets and glasses. (a) A person operating a bicycle, motorized bicycle, or motorcycle shall not ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, nor carry any other person upon such bicycle or motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, nor shall any person ride upon a bicycle, motorized bicycle or motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat. (b) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle or motorized bicycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle or motorized bicycle. (c) No person operating a bicycle or motorized bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the driver form keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. (d) No bicycle or motorized bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, nor shall any motorcycle be operated on a highway when the handlebars or grips are more than fifteen inches higher than the seat or saddle for the operator. (e) No person shall operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. 21.3 Attaching bicycle or sled to vehicle. No person riding upon any motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon roadway within the Park. No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle to attach the same or himself to any vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway, within the Park. This section does not apply to the towing of a disabled vehicle. (ORC §4511.54) 21.4 Riding bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorcycles abreast. Persons riding bicycles, motorized bicycles, or motorcycles upon a roadway within the Park shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, motorized bicycles or motorcycles. [ORC §4511.55(B)] 21.5 Signal device on bicycle. No person shall operate a bicycle or motorized bicycle within the Park unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet, except that a bicycle or motorized bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle or motorized bicycle any siren or whistle. [ORC §451156(b)] 21.6 Reckless operation; control, course and speed. No person shall operate a bicycle or motorized bicycle within the Park except where permitted and; (a) Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, and so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of the roads or bicycle paths; (b) Without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such bicycle; (c) In a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with law; (d) Without both hands upon the handle grips except when necessary to give the required hand and arm signals or as provided in § 21.2(d); (e) At a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing. 21.7 Parking of bicycle, motorized bicycle or motorcycle. No person shall park a bicycle, motorized bicycle, or motorcycle in such a manner so as to unduly interfere with pedestrian traffic or upon a roadway so as to unduly interfere with vehicular traffic. 21.8 Motorized bicycle operation, equipment and license. (a) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle within the Park, unless both of the following conditions are met; (1) The person is fourteen years of age or older and holds a valid operator’s license issued under Ohio Revised Code Chapter §4507 or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section; (2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with the rules adopted under subsection (b) hereof and is in proper working order. (b) The Ohio Director of Highway Safety, subject to Ohio Revised Code §119.01 to 119.13, shall adopt and promulgate rules concerning the equipment of motorized bicycles and the testing and qualifications of persons who do not hold a valid operator’s license issued under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4507. The test shall include at least a test of vision and a knowledge of the rules of the road. 22.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS OF PARK DISTRICT RANGERS. 22.1 Failure to obey. No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any reasonable order relating to the regulations, direction or control of traffic, or to any other order lawfully given by any Ranger or police officer acting under the authority of the Board, or willfully resist, obstruct or abuse any Ranger or police officer, or any other official in the execution of his office. 22.2 Interference or abuse of a Park Ranger or other Police Officer. No person shall abuse a Park Ranger, Sheriff, or other officer in the execution of his office, or resist, obstruct, or abuse such officer in the execution of his office. 23.0 SMOKING. 23.1 Smoke free areas. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes shall be prohibited in designated outdoor smoke free areas as established by the Board of Park Commissioners. Smoking is prohibited on the sand, boardwalk and concession area at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park; Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center Yard and Nature Play area at Penitenitiary Glen Reservation; Showman's Circle at Lake Metroparks Farmpark; and observation tower at Lake Erie Bluffs. PARKS & TRAILSEVENTSACTIVITIESREGISTER & RESERVEABOUT USNEWS & UPDATES GET IN TOUCH 11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077 Local Phone: 440-639-7275 Visitor Services: 440-358-7275 info@lakemetroparks.com CONNECT WITH US Copyright 2021, Lake Metroparks Rules & RegulationsPrivacy PolicySign up for e-newsletter