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Advisory board adopts policy limiting remote-control and airborne devices in parks; elects officers and approves amended minutes
Summary
Board approved a policy intended to regulate remote-control devices and drones in county parks, unanimously approved minutes as amended (pickleball language), and elected Tom Nelson chair and Doug Bellis vice chair.
The Recreation and Parks Advisory Board voted on Feb. 4 to adopt a new policy intended to control the use of remote-control vehicles and airborne devices in county parks, citing safety concerns and the potential for property damage.
David (Parks Division staff) presented the proposed policy, saying it was "an attempt to try to keep some control over those types of activities in our parks" and framing it as a safety measure for park users and to protect costly park lighting systems and other infrastructure. Board discussion focused on the scope of the policy, whether to treat small hobby cars differently from high-speed, gasoline-powered vehicles and whether to broaden the language to cover future electronic devices. One member noted it would be difficult to differentiate harmless small toys from higher‑speed equipment, while others pointed to the risk of drones flying over active games and of remote‑control vehicles operating in busy parking lots.
Board members agreed the policy should allow flexibility (the proposed text included an "etcetera" clause to cover unforeseen devices) and asked for a grammar correction. A motion to approve the policy, as written with a grammar correction, was moved and seconded; the board voted in favor (recorded as unanimous in the meeting).
The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting as amended. The amendment clarified a line in the minutes to note that provisions for pickleball "may also be made at Leonardtown" and corrected the paragraph placement; that motion passed unanimously.
On nominations, the board's nominating committee put forward Tom Nelson for chair and Doug Bellis for vice chair. Following a motion and a second, the membership voted in favor and the motion carried.
Votes at a glance: - Policy on remote-control & airborne devices in parks — Motion to adopt policy as written with a grammar correction; outcome: approved (unanimous). Motion and second recorded in meeting but mover/seconder names not specified in the transcript record. - Approval of minutes as amended (pickleball language and paragraph placement) — Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Election of officers — Tom Nelson elected chair; Doug Bellis elected vice chair; motion carried.
The board closed the meeting after the votes and thanked staff for their work.
