Daggett County solicits public input on draft park rules covering camping, hours and event permits

Daggett County commissioners held a public meeting to gather feedback on a draft ordinance that would clarify rules and hours across county-owned facilities including the park, rodeo grounds, gun range and cemetery. Speaker 2, who opened the meeting, described the draft as "only a draft at this point" and said the goal was to reduce ambiguity and the county’s exposure to liability.

The draft proposes establishing default park hours (example language discussed: 06:00 to 22:00) and restricting overnight camping except by permit. Several residents and regular facility users argued the ordinance should allow event-related camping (for rodeos and multi‑day events) by administrative approval rather than requiring each overnight permit to be signed by the full commission. Speaker 7 proposed replacing language that requires “prior written approval by the county commission” with wording that allows a department head or an authorized agent to sign routine permits. Speaker 2 said routine, low-risk requests could be handled by the clerk’s office and that higher-risk events (for example, those involving alcohol) should be escalated to the commission.

Speakers gave practical examples to support delegation: groups traveling with horses or rodeo participants often call ahead for pens and power and expect on-site camping as part of a sanctioned event. Participants suggested charging a fee when electricity is provided to recoup costs and keeping a record of who used the grounds. Several speakers emphasized the county should avoid competing with commercial campgrounds and RV parks; one speaker suggested distinguishing livestock-capable camping (which commercial parks do not always accommodate).

Facility-specific exceptions were discussed. Speaker 3 noted a capital grant includes funds for new grandstands and a fence that could physically separate the rodeo grounds from the rest of the park, allowing different hours or rules for that area. The gun range was described by Speaker 2 as likely to operate on a dusk-to-dawn schedule for events, with lighting only for specific programmed activities. For the pickleball court, residents asked whether the 06:00 opening time could be moved earlier for early-morning play; commissioners said early-morning use has not been a source of conflict but that lighting and demand might later require reservations or time blocks.

On alcohol, Speaker 3 flagged draft language that required a law-enforcement background check prior to approval for events that include alcohol. Several participants and Speaker 2 agreed that the background-check clause appears stronger than current practice for rodeo boards and recommended revising that provision while preserving commission oversight for alcohol-related events. Vendor sales at events (for example, Daggett Days or FFA/4‑H sales) were discussed: speakers said vendors at organized events should be covered by a permit, comply with event-tax obligations and coordinate with county health requirements; informal transfers or drop-offs in the parking area were not seen as the same regulatory concern.

Speakers also debated the proposed language on dogs running at large. Several residents urged the ordinance define the standard as owner control (on‑leash or under effective voice control) rather than blanket bans; concerns centered on safety for horses and children and on realistic enforcement. Youth access to courts and fields drew strong support: multiple speakers said high-school athletes use the facilities daily, and commissioners affirmed the park should remain available for community recreation.

Speaker 2 thanked participants for their input and said staff would revise the draft ordinance to reflect the discussion before bringing updated language back to the commission for further consideration. The meeting was adjourned at about 07:07.