State citations over water, signage constrain overnight camping plans at Rockbridge and Viola parks

At its Aug. 28 meeting, the Richland County Parks Committee heard that state inspection citations related to water supply and signage could force the county to scale back or end overnight camping at Rockbridge and Viola parks.

The parks staff member who briefed the committee said the county received “several violations and citations, for the park's main property,” including that potable water under pressure must be supplied within 400 feet walking distance of each campsite and that a sign must point to the nearest available telephone (the county was told a landline, not a cell phone, is required). The staff member said those findings mean “we will not be able to allow camping on the backside of the wall because we have no means of running water,” and that the county may have to reduce the number of campsites and limit overnight use to tent camping near the park entrance.

The committee was told there are no fines at this time, but the citations remain on the county’s record. The parks staff member said parts for a separate well repair had arrived but that recent heavy rains delayed work and water-sample collection. The staff member recommended the committee take the information, investigate options and return with a fuller discussion when the full committee is present.

Committee members pressed on practical implications and equity concerns. Committee member Daniel McGuire described tent campers he had visited as “lovely people” who camp out of a desire to be in nature and said he was reluctant to remove camping that benefits low-income or retired residents. Supervisor Roberts questioned whether the state’s measurement of 400 feet matched how other parks operate and suggested the county communicate with state inspectors to seek clarification or context.

Staff and committee members discussed narrower alternatives: designating tent-only, primitive camping with clear signage and limiting RV access; moving campsites closer to existing wells; or converting some parks to day-use only to avoid violating water-supply rules. Several committee members urged involving the county’s tourism office and pursuing private donations or grants to fund infrastructure (water lines and testing) instead of relying on the county’s limited general fund.

The committee did not adopt any policy change at the meeting. Members agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting after additional research and with the full committee present.

Next steps noted by the committee: staff follow up with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection to clarify requirements, confirm which telephone types meet the signage requirement, and return to the committee with options for tent-only designation, limits on sites, cost estimates for water-line work and a plan for involving tourism and potential donors.