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Park board reviews draft camping policy limiting camping to approved events
Summary
The Park Board reviewed a draft policy that would restrict camping at Liberty Field and City Park to approved, insured events only, set locations and unit limits for RVs and tents, and require permits or permission for vehicle camping; the board discussed possible fees or deposits and duration limits.
The Park Board on June 9 discussed a draft camping policy that would restrict camping within City Park and Liberty Field to approved, insured events and authorize camping only in specified areas and under conditions set by the board.
Under the draft, tent camping would be permitted only in defined grass areas (for example, north of the Liberty Field gravel lot and specific zones at City Park). RVs and trailers would be allowed only in specified parking areas (Liberty Field gravel parking north of the field; City Park pool parking lot). The draft proposed a limit of 10 RV/trailer units at Liberty Field and seven at City Park and stated that no water, sewer or trash services would be provided; generators would be allowed if noise ordinances are followed.
Why it matters: Board members said the city has no city-owned RV lot and does not intend to create one; the draft aims to allow camping tied to events (scouts, rodeo, festivals) while limiting impacts on fields and park infrastructure.
Discussion details: The board clarified that camping would be allowed only in conjunction with an approved public or private event and by permission of the Park Board, citing City Code 230-020.A.1. Tent camping would be limited to weekends in most cases, and members discussed adding a maximum duration (for example, duration of the event or a short maximum such as three nights) to prevent damage to turf. The draft prohibits ground fires and requires fires to be in above-ground fire pits per City Code 230.030.80.1. Members also discussed using a refundable deposit (rather than a nominal fee) to ensure cleanup; enforcement and fines would remain the responsibility of code enforcement or the police department.
The board asked staff and members to review the draft and bring suggestions back at the July meeting for further refinement.
Ending: Members agreed to review the draft policy and provide comments; staff will return a revised draft based on feedback.
