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Parks commission reviews proposed park rule and policy updates, including foraging, swimming ban and e‑bike speed limit
Summary
Commissioners reviewed proposed revisions to chapter 19 and consolidated park rules that add a foraging restriction, propose an ordinance banning swimming in city‑owned water bodies, add a park rule prohibiting firearms in parks and propose a 10 mph speed limit for bicycles and e‑bikes on park trails.
Parks staff presented proposed updates to Chapter 19 and a consolidated parks and recreation policy document on Sept. 18, recommending several substantive changes and housekeeping edits. The packet given to commissioners included marked‑up language and staff asked for commissioner feedback before legal review.
Key proposals staff described included adding “foraging of edible plants” to the list of prohibited damaging activities, adding a park rule to prohibit firearms in parks, greenways and recreational facilities, and making a no‑swimming rule into an enforceable ordinance that would apply to all city‑owned bodies of water. Staff also recommended clarifying motorized and electric bicycle language and suggested a park rule setting a 10 miles‑per‑hour speed limit on park trails for bicycles and e‑bikes.
Commissioners expressed support for the foraging language and asked staff to add a liability note that foragers act “at their own risk.” Commissioner Janet [last name not specified] stated the commission had decided to set a 10 mph limit for e‑bikes on park trails, noting it would strike a middle ground between faster commuters and slower trail users. Staff said they would pass the draft to the city attorney for review and that the library already has a firearms rule; a consolidated parks rule would give police a clear enforcement mechanism in city parks and facilities.
Staff noted enforcement remains a practical concern and that making the no‑swimming provision an ordinance would allow police to issue citations where needed; staff said event or special permits (for example, triathlons) could be handled via council authorization or waiver. The draft policy packet also included updates to dog and bait‑dumping rules, clarifications on skateboarding and scooters on hard courts, and language on ADA exceptions.
Staff asked commissioners to identify anything missing and said they will incorporate feedback, run the language by the city attorney and return with formal drafts for the commission to recommend to council as appropriate.
