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Park board outlines draft campground rules for Liberty Field, directs staff to draft policy
Summary
The board discussed and agreed on basic rules for limited camping at Liberty Field, recommending that camping be allowed only for approved, insured events in designated gravel or paved areas and that staff be authorized to approve last-minute requests when appropriate.
The City of Pacific Park Board discussed a draft camping and camper policy for Liberty Field and directed staff to assemble the board’s notes into a formal proposal for the Board of Aldermen.
Board members reviewed eCode360 and concluded the municipal code contains only a single line about camping in parks requiring park board approval. The board discussed practices in neighboring cities and agreed on narrow allowances: tent camping (for scouts and organized group events) only on grass for group events; RV and trailer camping restricted to the gravel or paved areas north of Liberty Field and limited to 10 units or fewer; and no services (water, trash pickup, or sewer) provided — campers must "pack in, pack out." The board also reaffirmed that camping would only be permitted in conjunction with an approved and insured event.
The board discussed enforcement details: noise ordinances would apply, ground fires would be prohibited (only fire pits in containers were allowed where code permits), holes may not be dug, and waste water may not be dumped in fields. Members suggested the park superintendent (Chris Fowler) or his designee could be given authority to approve last-minute or interim requests, so short‑notice events such as disc-dog competitions can be handled without waiting for the next board meeting.
Board members expressed concerns about parking, access for large vehicles and RVs (City Park entrance not suitable for heavy vehicles), and avoiding displacement of local hotel business; one member said limiting units to 10 helps reduce such impacts. The board agreed to convert the meeting notes into a cohesive proposal and present it for review at the next Park Board meeting, after which the board would forward a recommended regulation to the Board of Aldermen and the city attorney for formal adoption into park regulations.
No final policy was adopted at the meeting; the board directed staff to write the proposal and return it for review.
