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La Porte County parks board bans additional tents at rented shelters
Summary
The La Porte County Parks and Recreation Board voted to prohibit additional tents, awnings and temporary structures at county park shelters to avoid safety hazards and fairness issues; the change removes a prior exception that allowed tents with superintendent approval.
The La Porte County Parks and Recreation Board voted to prohibit additional tents, awnings and other temporary structures at county park shelters during its July 7 meeting.
The move replaces language that allowed such structures "with prior approval from the superintendent," removing that exception to prevent safety risks and perceived favoritism, Superintendent Jeremy said during the discussion.
Why it matters: Board members said guests increasingly bring personal tents that can damage turf, require staking near underground electric lines and create enforcement difficulties for weekend staff. The change also standardizes permitting and fee collection: one member suggested renting county tents for an additional fee as an alternative.
In discussion, Jeremy said the current rule "no additional tents, awnings, or other structures may be put up" would make enforcement cleaner and reduce staff burdens. Members voiced concern about exceptions for small wedding arches, but the board agreed the broad prohibition was the clearest policy.
Votes at a glance: The motion to change the rule was moved, seconded and approved by the board members present; minutes record the vote as passed with no recorded no votes.
Next steps: Staff will update reservation forms and rules language to reflect the new prohibition and circulate the revised wording to the rules committee and the board for implementation before next season.
