Sandy advisory board recommends council adopt revised parks rules adding cannabis restriction, art approvals and fishing language

The Sandy Parks and Trails Advisory Board voted to recommend that City Council adopt revised city parks rules that add cannabis to the list of prohibited substances, clarify public-art approvals and tighten language on garbage and fishing.

Rochelle, a parks staff member who presented the draft, said the changes include an expanded definition of art and a new requirement that “any additional art to the park property must receive approval from the director.” She also said the draft adds cannabis to the section on alcohol and smoking and adds language making community gardens pesticide-free zones.

The revision clarifies that disposal of garbage resulting from normal, lawful park activities is allowed, while bringing in refuse from outside parks “for the purpose of disclosing” is prohibited. Rochelle said the draft incorporates a narrow exception for painted rocks at Tickle Creek and other similar, board-supported activities; those activities would be approved administratively by the director.

The document also adds that fishing “must follow ODF regulations” to clarify where and when fishing is permitted. On enforcement of abusive or vulgar speech, Rochelle said the city attorney advised that the city cannot regulate hate speech because it is protected, but staff can enforce noise rules when amplified sound “is heard more than 50 feet from its source” and disturbs others.

A separate addition to the code of conduct language affirms that park events and activities may not discriminate based on race or other protected characteristics and must comply with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, Rochelle said. The draft also explicitly prohibits blocking paths, trails, sidewalks, parking spaces or driveways without director approval.

Board members discussed signage and public visibility of rules; Will suggested larger, focused signs that highlight the most frequently broken rules (the “big 6”), and the board asked staff to return at the next meeting with any signage actions taken. Chair Robertson called the motion to recommend the adoption and Kim moved the formal recommendation; Clarissa seconded. The motion carried with the ayes prevailing.

The board’s action is a recommendation to the City Council; the council will review and, if it chooses, adopt the rules as the city’s official parks regulations.