Policies, Rules and Guidelines

These general rules should be followed at each park or facility to ensure a safe and fun visit for everyone.

GENERAL PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Baltimore County Code—specifically Article 12 (Animals)(link is external) and Article 30 (Recreation and Parks)(link is external)—is enforced at all Recreation and Parks sites.

  • Parks are open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited without a written permit.
  • Park permits are required for groups.
  • Dogs must be leashed.
  • Unauthorized motor vehicles and horses are prohibited.
  • Open fires and weapons are prohibited.
  • Swimming and boating are prohibited unless otherwise noted by the individual park amenities.

If you have questions or concerns regarding individual park rules and regulations or park amenities, please contact the local community office. 

RECREATION FACILITY RULES

  • Adults are responsible for supervising and monitoring any non-participating children that accompany them.
  • Gang related colors or clothing will not be allowed in the facility.
  • No one is to be in any other area of the facility other than where his/her program is operating.
  • Anyone falsely activating a fire alarm will be suspended from the facility.
  • No food or drink is permitted on the field, only water.
  • No one is to be on or using any equipment that is not related to the program currently operating.
  • Damaging displays and posted materials will not be tolerated.
  • All individuals are expected to place all trash in proper receptacles.
  • Vandalism will not be tolerated.
  • No alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances permitted.
  • Foul language will not be tolerated in the facility.
  • No ball playing in the building corridors.
  • No running or unruly behavior in the facility.

Violations of the above rules may result in the immediate removal of an individual or team from the facility or cancellation of the permitted program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

View specific Recreation and Parks procedures and policies below.

SMOKING POLICY

A person may not smoke within the general boundary of the outdoor area of the following Recreation and Parks facilities:

  • Playgrounds and tot lots
  • Dog parks
  • Organized games or events at athletic fields sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks or a local recreation council
  • Within 30 feet of a Recreation and Parks building

"Smoking" is defined as:

  • The act of smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, pipe of any kind or any lighted tobacco
  • The act of lighting a cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, pipe of any kind or tobacco of any kind

JOINT USE AGREEMENT

The school-recreation center concept is formally adopted through a "Joint Use Agreement" between the Department of Recreation and Parks, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the Baltimore County Board of Education, and the Baltimore County Board of Recreation and Parks.