1.1 - The River Road Park and Recreation District (“District”) is a Special District of Oregon authorized to provide park and recreation services by ORS 266.410. The District Board of Directors, in accordance with ORS 266.410(7)(b), has adopted the following rules and regulations to ensure that the district park and recreation system remains beautiful, inviting, and safe for the community and our visitors. We ask for your cooperation to ensure the integrity of the park system remains intact. If you have specific questions, please call Park Services at (541) 688-4052.

1.2 - Unless otherwise authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee, the following rules and regulations govern the conduct of the users of the parks, trails, and recreation facilities located on District property within the City of Eugene and Lane County. In addition to these rules, the Superintendent is authorized to establish rules and regulations applicable to specific District properties or facilities in any manner that provides for the productive, sustainable, and safe operation and use of District resources.

1.3 - The term “Superintendent” means the District’s Superintendent who has been appointed and designated by the Board of Directors as the registered agent of the District. The term “Designee” means those persons designated by the Superintendent from time to time to monitor and enforce the District’s rules and regulations and include, but are not limited to: department directors, park stewards, facility managers, lifeguards, program staff, and contract security officers. “Parks”, “facilities”, “recreation areas” and “programs” means and refers to all property or programs owned or controlled by the District and operated for the public’s recreational use.

2.1 - No person shall disturb or otherwise endanger the comfort, health, peace, or safety of others.

2.2 - No person shall violate any city, county, state, or federal laws, ordinances, or regulations while on District property. Criminal activity on District property will be reported to the Lane County Sheriff’s Department.

2.3 - No person shall damage, remove, tamper with, modify, or deface District property, including vegetation, dirt, and rocks.

2.4 - Open fires “flame” are prohibited, the use of charcoal briquettes in designated barbecues, portable propane camp stoves and gas barbecues are permitted to the extent that they are operated in a safe manner, charcoal briquettes must remain in BBQ units and be allowed to burn out, the disposal of hot briquettes is prohibited on district grounds. 

2.5 - Possession of food or drink in the playground area is prohibited, No person shall litter on District property. Garbage and refuse shall not be brought to District property for disposal, persons may not deposit or abandon any garbage, refuse, trash, waste, or other materials except in receptacles specifically provided for such purposes.

2.6 - No person shall camp or sleep overnight on District property. To “camp” means to set up or to remain in or at a campsite. “Campsite” means a place where any bedding, sleeping bag, or other material used for bedding purposes, or any stove or fire is placed, established, or maintained for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live, whether or not such place incorporates the use of any tent, lean-to, shack, or any other structure, or any vehicle or part thereof.

2.7 - No person shall create a noise, within District property, by use of a sound-amplifying device or otherwise, that is unnecessarily loud at a distance of 50 feet from the source except as authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee. A noise is “unnecessarily loud” if it interferes with normal spoken communication or could reasonably disturb sleep.

2.8 - No person shall possess or consume alcoholic beverages on District property unless issued a permit by the Superintendent or district representative along with the proper issuance required.

2.9 - Glass containers, spray paint, firearm replicas, game and trail cameras, paintball guns, spear guns, BB or pellet guns, air soft guns, devices capable of launching a projectile by means of compressed gas, or any weapon capable of causing harm, are prohibited on District property.

2.10 - Smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco or marijuana in any form is prohibited on District property, whether or not in a vehicle.

2.11 - As of July 26, 2024, the following rules apply to all restrooms, including portable toilets located on district-owned or managed properties, changing areas and locker facilities (see Aquatics for additional guidelines for the Aquatic facilities):

• Restrooms and portable toilets are to be used only for the elimination of human waste, hand washing and other related personal hygiene functions.
• Facility locker rooms and group changing rooms are provided only to clean one’s body and to store personal belongings for the time in which the facility user is inside the building.
• Individual restrooms and restroom stalls are not to be occupied by more than one person and for no longer than 10 minutes, with the exception of those who need assistance and are accompanied by a caregiver.
• People may use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity.
• No person over the age of five years shall enter a restroom, or locker facility designated for the opposite gender. Those who need assistance and are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or caregiver may enter the restroom, changing room or locker facility that aligns with the gender of the parent, legal guardian or caregiver.
• No person shall use a cell phone, camera, recording device or other photographic equipment inside a restroom, locker room or changing area.
• No person shall urinate or defecate on district property except in restroom toilets or portable toilets.
• No person shall be within a restroom outside of posted hours of operation.
• No animals (excluding service animals), bicycles, camping materials, drug paraphernalia or items used to prepare food for consumption are allowed in restrooms, locker rooms or portable toilets.

2.12 - The following rules and regulations apply to bodies of water located within District property:

• No person shall tamper with or disturb any part of the district irrigation system, hoses, portable sprinklers or watering devices.
• No person shall bathe (unless in designated showers), wash clothing or other materials in sinks, drinking fountains, water spigots, pools, or restrooms.
• Animals e.g. (dogs) are not permitted in pools on District property except as authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee.

2.13 - The following rules and regulations apply to displays in parks and facilities upon approval of the Superintendent:

• No person shall display sexually explicit material, as defined by Oregon law, in view of minors.
• No person or group engaging in an authorized event shall display sexually explicit artwork or similar displays or performances that may interfere with other patrons’ enjoyment of District facilities.
• Artwork, displays, or performances shall be located so as to minimize disturbance to those wishing to avoid such displays or performances, minimize congestion, and promote the flow of foot traffic through the park or facility. All displays shall be placed in areas designated for that purpose.

3.1 - No person shall possess a firearm on District property within Lane County, except in accordance with Oregon and Federal law. The prohibition on firearms and weapons does not apply to a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun.

3.2 - No person shall intentionally possess a loaded or unloaded firearm or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon, while in or on a public building as defined in ORS 166.360(9), except as allowed under ORS 166.370.

3.3 - No person shall use a weapon, as defined in ORS 166.360, except as authorized under Oregon law.

3.4 -  Fishing is permitted on District property during a scheduled event, consistent with the Oregon law, including licensing requirements under ORS Chapter 497.

3.5 - Hunting, trapping, or removing any wild animal is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent, a Designee, or other government agency with jurisdiction.

3.6 - No person shall possess or use fireworks or other explosives inside River Road Park District boundaries, per Lane Code 6.725 which prohibits the manufacture, sale or use of fireworks in Lane County.

4.1- No person shall feed wildlife or place food, on district property with the intent to feed wildlife.

4.2 - No person shall damage, harm, injure, molest, or otherwise disturb any wildlife or wildlife dwelling except as authorized by the Superintendent, a Designee, or other government agency with jurisdiction.

4.3 - Horses and other stock animals are prohibited, except as authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee.

4.4 - Owners or keepers of an animal (hereinafter referred to as “Owners”) are responsible and liable for the animal’s actions. Animals or Owners may be excluded from District property for failure to abide by District rules.

4.5 - Owners shall maintain control of Animals (e.g. dogs) by securely holding onto a physical leash (not an electronic control device) of not more than eight (8) feet in length that is attached to the dog. Animals may not be secured to a stationary object and left unattended on District property. No animals are allowed in the playground area at any time, including on a leash.

4.6 - Owners are responsible for the immediate removal of all excrement generated by their animal, and the disposal of into a proper receptacle.

4.7 - Owners shall not allow an animal to damage the district property or the property of another, including by digging or burrowing, or to harass, threaten, injure, or fight with an animal or person.

4.8 - Only trained Assistance Animals that perform a specific task for a disability are allowed in District Facilities, or at District sponsored programs or sanctioned events, unless permitted by the Superintendent. Emotional support animals are not considered Assistance Animals.

4.9 - No person shall release animals, domestic, exotic or native, onto District property.

5.1 - Motorized vehicles are prohibited except in roadways and parking areas designated for motorized vehicles unless authorized by Superintendent or Designee.

5.2 - Electric assisted bicycles, as defined in ORS 801.258, and when operated in accordance with these rules, are permitted on trails and pathways when used at safe speeds, in a manner, that do not endanger people, pets, wildlife or district property, must yield and give the right of way to all non-motorized means of transportation and must remain on paved, multi-use paths and trails.

5.3 - No person shall conduct mechanical repairs or automotive maintenance on a motor vehicle while it is present at District property, except as may be minimally necessary to resolve a punctured tire or a dead battery.

5.4 - No person shall park a vehicle on District property unless the operator or passengers are using District facilities or participating in District programs. No person shall park a vehicle on District property for the purpose of offering the vehicle for sale.

5.5 - No person shall block the flow of traffic in a parking lot, or prevent emergency vehicle access, by double parking or blocking a fire lane, driveway or entry gate, or parking in an undesignated area, or no parking zone.

5.6 - No vehicle may be parked on District property between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, except:

• As authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee.
• During District programs or operating hours.

5.7 - Vehicles left upon District property in violation of these rules or in violation of Oregon law may be towed in accordance with Oregon law.

5.8 - Non-Motorized vehicles including bicycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates and roller skates and other similar devices exclusively powered by humans :

• Shall not move at a speed, or in a manner, that endangers other persons, pets, wildlife or District property.
• Shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a path, trail, disabled access ramp, or building entrances.
• Shall not be used or allowed in the playground area, or pathways in and around the playground area.
• May be further restricted during special events and under direction of the Superintendent.   

6.1 - The following activities are prohibited on District property unless specifically authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee and with evidence of such permission on their person:

• Operating a fixed or mobile concession.
• Soliciting, selling, offering for sale, peddling, hawking, advertising, or vending any goods or services.
• Displaying commercial advertisements, signs, leaflets, or business cards on the district property, including entry signs, rule signs, or facility bulletin boards without prior approval.

6.2 - No person shall organize, conduct, or participate in any event or other scheduled activity that is publicly advertised without prior authorization from the Superintendent or a Designee. All business activities on park property require a permit obtained through the District reservation system as described in the Business Operations Policy. Business activities are defined to include camps, classes, exercise classes, sale of merchandise or services, or other programmed activities under the organization, direction or supervision of an individual or organization. Scheduled District activities have priority use of District facilities.

7.1 - The use of metal detectors is prohibited on District property unless pursuant to a permit.

7.2 - No person shall tether, tie, or otherwise attach any device to any District trees, poles, or structure, excluding bike racks for their intended use, except as authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee. The use of slack lines, hammocks, and similar devices when attached to district trees, vegetation, or structures are prohibited.

7.3 - Geocaching is a treasure hunt-like recreational activity that involves navigation by GPS to find hidden containers known as geocaches. River Road Park and Recreation District encourages this family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, as it’s a great way to get outside and be active.

In order to limit the impacts to natural resources within the park, the District has created the following guidelines for geocaching on district property:

1. Virtual Caches: Including EarthCaches and Waymarking are preferred and permitted on district property. 
2. Traditional Caches:  Traditional caches are permitted when adhering to the following placement guidelines:

• Caches may not affect natural appearance of the park or structures, visitor safety or other park users.
• Caches may not be permanently attached (glued, bolted, or screwed) to any structure, monument, archaeological, natural or geological feature.
• Caches are not allowed within riparian areas, flower beds, on steep grades or at any other location where natural area damage is likely.
• Caches may not be buried, nor may vegetation, rocks or other features be marked or damaged in the process of placing, accessing or maintaining the cache.
• Physical caches are not permitted inside any Park facilities or structures.
• Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

7.4 - Activities involving the use of airborne projectiles that may harm people or property are prohibited except as authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee. This prohibition includes without limitation golfing, disc golf, archery, crossbow, discus, javelin, shot-put, hard ball baseball use, and model rockets.

7.5 - Unmanned vehicles (e.g. RC cars) aerial (e.g. drones) and other remote-controlled devices are prohibited, on district property unless authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee.

7.6 - No person shall use any rolling device including, but not limited to, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or inline skates, in a manner that could potentially harm people, pets, wildlife, or property. Such rolling devices are not permitted on park furniture or retaining walls, stairs or handrails, in playgrounds, areas reserved for special events, and other areas as designated by the Superintendent or a Designee.

7.7 - No person shall tether, launch or land a hot air balloon, para-glider, parachute, or other similar device unless authorized by the Superintendent or a Designee.

8.1 - The Superintendent or a Designee shall have the authority to issue permits, or to grant exceptions or waivers to any of the terms of these rules and regulations for authorized events and activities.

8.2 - Permit-holders shall keep the permit on their person at all times while engaging in the permitted activity.

8.3  - Permit-holders must abide by all District rules and regulations unless granted an exception or waiver by the terms of the permit. Permit-holders are required to abide by the conditions of the permit at all times.

8.4 - Permit-holders shall be liable for any loss, damage, or injury to any person, or property caused by a permit-holder’s use of District facilities pursuant to the permit.

8.5 - The Superintendent or a Designee has the authority to revoke a permit upon finding  violation of any rule, regulation or ordinance, or for other cause.

9.1 - Parks are closed from sunset to sunrise unless otherwise posted. District buildings and parking lots are closed from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am unless otherwise posted, it shall be unlawful to enter or remain on District Property during closed hours, except:

• A person may enter upon a closed District property for a reasonable amount of time to retrieve their personal property or vehicle.
•  Pedestrians may travel through District property to destinations outside of District property.
• District staff and emergency responders may enter closed areas in the course of executing their duties; or by permit.

9.2 - The Superintendent or a Designee may close or limit the use of District property to ensure the safety and security of the public and property when weather conditions, or other hazards exist.

9.3 - No person shall enter district property or refuse an order to evacuate District property during hazardous closures.

10.1 - The Superintendent, a Designee or a peace officer may exclude a person from District property if they violate Oregon law, District rules and regulations, or if the person is deemed a public threat to visitors, District staff or property.

10.2 - The Superintendent or a Designee shall determine the length of the exclusion period. If an excluded person violates the exclusion order, local law enforcement may be called, and the person may be arrested for criminal trespass.

10.3 - Verbal or written exclusions will begin immediately. The excluded person will have 10 calendar days from the effective date of the notice to appeal the exclusion. The appeal must be in writing and delivered to the Superintendent who will present the appeal to the Exclusion Appeals Hearing Panel ("Panel"). The appeal shall set forth the reason(s) that the exclusion is invalid or improper and shall request a written review. The Superintendent shall issue a written decision no later than 30 calendar days following receipt of the appeal.

10.4 - If, as part of a written appeal, the excluded person requests a hearing, it shall be conducted by the Panel within 30 calendar days of the request. The Panel will render the final decision in writing within 15 business days of the hearing date. If a hearing is requested, no written decision shall be issued until after the hearing.

10.5 - At any time during the exclusion, an excluded person may submit a petition in writing to the Panel for a temporary waiver of the exclusion.

11.1 - The Superintendent, a Designee, or any peace officer as defined under ORS 133.005(3) is vested with authority to enforce these rules and regulations and to take the following action:

• Issue citations or exclusions as provided by the District’s Park Conduct and Exclusion Policy and Oregon law to any person who violates any provision of the District’s rules and regulations.
• Refuse entrance to a District facility or program, or to require a person to leave a District property, facility, or program.

11.2 - No person shall refuse to leave any District property, facility, or program after being directed to leave by the Superintendent, a Designee or peace officer. Entering or remaining unlawfully in or upon District property may subject a person to exclusion or prosecution for criminal trespass in the second degree pursuant to ORS 164.245.

11.3 - No person shall interfere with any District personnel or peace officer enforcing these rules and regulations. Intentionally acting in a manner that prevents or attempts to prevent District personnel or a peace officer from enforcing these rules and regulations may subject a person to exclusion or prosecution pursuant to ORS 162.247.

11.4 - Should any word, sentence, paragraph, clause or phrase of this ordinance be adjudged or held to be void or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.