Parks Ordinance and Policies

Parks Ordinance

The Parks Ordinance is enacted for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations to provide for the safe and peaceful use of parklands; for the education and recreation of the public; for the protection and preservation of property, facilities, and natural resources; and for the safety and general welfare of the public.

Common Questions

Vehicle Permits

•  All vehicles entering parks (with the exception of Point Douglas Park and Hardwood Creek Regional Trail) must display a valid Washington County Vehicle Permit.
•  If you own more than one vehicle, a second annual permit may be purchased for a discount at the time you purchase the original permit.
•  The Washington County Parks vehicle permit is also valid in Anoka and Carver county parks, and Anoka and Carver county parks vehicle permits are valid in Washington County Parks.
•  Vehicle permits are not required in any Washington County Park on the first non-holiday Tuesday of each month; or on the first Saturday of June, which is Explore Your Parks Day in Washington County.

Pets

•  Pets are allowed on summer trails or in parking areas only.
•  Pets are not allowed in picnic, beach, or campground areas.
•  You must be on foot with a pet, not on a bike or in-line skates.
•  Pets must be on a leash at all times.
•  You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
•  Pets are not allowed at Square Lake Park.

Firewood

Firewood from unapproved sources are not allowed into any Washington County Park facility.
Approved firewood sources include:

•  Firewood purchased from Washington County Parks.
•  Firewood purchased from a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved vender within Washington County.
•  Kiln-dried, untreated, unpainted, and unstained dimensional lumber (such as building and construction scraps) free of metal or other foreign  substances. Pallet wood is not approved firewood. Firewood Policy

Alcoholic Beverages

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in any general use area of a park (trails, beaches, play area, general picnice areas, etc.). The consumption of beer and wine is only allowed (in limited quantities) on registered campsites and in reserved picnic shelters. Hard liquor, kegs, and excessive alcohol consumption is not allowed anywhere in the park.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco products (of any kind) are not allowed within 100 feet of any beach or playground.

Geocaching

Geocaching is allowed in Washington County Parks, provided the geocache guidelines are followed. Geocache Policy

Other Rules

The complete Parks Ordinance, which covers the rules on a wide variety of topics, is available at right.