Chapter 12.04 PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

A. “Assignee” means that person, appointed by the county, for the purpose of carrying out the operation responsibilities of the park and recreation department, i.e., park and recreation direction.

B. “Domesticated animal” includes, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine and fowl.

C. “Joyriding” means that activity whereby a motor vehicle is used on park roads, parking lots, paths and/or trails for purposes other than that which is necessary for entering or departing from park grounds.

D. “Noise disturbance” means that level of noise which causes disturbance to at least three other park users who have complained that the sound level is irritating beyond fifty feet from the origin of the noise. “Noise disturbance” includes, but is not limited to, artificial noises created by devices such as amplifiers for musical instruments and/or loud, profane or obnoxious language which causes a disturbance to a sufficient number of park users. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01, Appendix A)

12.04.020 Erection of signs, notices or placards prohibited—Exceptions.

It is unlawful to use, place or erect any placard, notice, sign or device of any kind for advertising in any park, or to place or erect a structure of any kind in any park; provided, however, that the parks and recreation board or their assignee may permit the erection of temporary directional signs, decorations or temporary stands and buildings on occasions of group or public celebrations. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 1)

12.04.030 Destruction or injury of property prohibited.

It is unlawful to destroy, injure, deface, remove or disturb any public building, sign, equipment, marker, or other structure or property or vegetative plant or natural feature. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 2)

12.04.040 Domesticated animals—Regulations.

It is unlawful to allow or permit any domesticated animal to run at large in any park, or to enter any lake, pond, fountain, or stream therein. Where permitted, domesticated animals must be kept under leash restraint at all times, with the exception of those areas prescribed as special animal training grounds. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 3)

12.04.050 Fireworks or explosives prohibited—Exception.

It is unlawful to possess, use or explode any fireworks or explosives of any kind in any park, except as part of a duly authorized public fireworks display. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 4)

12.04.060 Discharge of weapons prohibited—Exception.

It is unlawful in any park to use or discharge any firearms, air gun, BB gun or sling shot, or to use any bow and arrow except in connection with an organized program authorized by the county. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 5)

12.04.070 Molestation of animals or birds prohibited.

It is unlawful in any park to molest, catch, injure or kill, or throw any stone or missile of any kind at, or to strike with any stick or weapon, any animal or bird. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 6)

12.04.080 Solicitation or sale of money or goods—Permission for concession required.

It is unlawful in any park to solicit or ask for any payment or gift of money, or to sell, offer or solicit for sale any goods, services or merchandise without the written permission of the county, or a concession contract issued by the county. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 7)

12.04.090 Disturbing noises prohibited—Exception.

It is unlawful to play radios, televisions, musical instruments and other noise-producing devices in such a manner as to disturb other persons. It is unlawful to operate or use any loudspeaker or mechanical means of amplifying sound in any park, except in connection with an organized program authorized by the county or their assignee. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 8)

12.04.100 Circus or carnival—Authorization required.

It is unlawful to operate or conduct any circus, carnival or similar exhibition except as part of an organized program authorized by the county. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 9)

12.04.110 Political meeting or assembly—Registration required.

It is unlawful to conduct or participate in any political meeting or other assembly or to distribute literature of any kind in any park without first registering with the county. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 10)

12.04.120 Boat or watercraft—Operation restricted.

It is unlawful to have, keep or operate any boat or other watercraft within the limits of any park or to land the same at any point on the shore bordering upon any park, except at places designated for such purposes or in an emergency. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 11)

12.04.130 Motor vehicle operation.

It is unlawful to ride, drive or park any motor vehicle or trailer over or through any park except along and upon the public roads, streets, or other designated areas, or to operate any motor vehicle for the purpose of joyriding over or through any park except in those areas designated for that purpose, or to operate any vehicle at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 12)

12.04.140 Horses—Permitted where.

It is unlawful to have or ride any horse within any park except along and upon designated bridle trails and/or other designated areas. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 13)

12.04.150 Certain games restricted to certain areas.

It is unlawful to practice or play golf, baseball or other games of like character in any park except at places designated for such purposes. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 14)

12.04.160 Deposit of refuse prohibited.

It is unlawful to throw or deposit any refuse, litter, garbage, or other waste materials on park grounds, or to use park litter receptacles to dispose of solid waste, including but not limited to refuse, litter, garbage, animal and/or fish offal, or other similar waste materials accumulated in or generated by residences or places of business. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 2000-03 (part): Ord. 1974-01 § 15)

12.04.170 Fires—Permitted where.

It is unlawful to make or kindle any fire in any park except at places designated for such purpose. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 16)

12.04.180 Dumping of wastewater permitted where.

It is unlawful to drain or dump wastewater or sewage from trailers or other vehicles except in places or receptacles provided for such uses. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 17)

12.04.200 Camping regulations.

It is unlawful to enter or remain in any park except those allowing overnight camping during the posted closed hours, or to leave camping equipment set up and unattended for more than twenty-four consecutive hours, or to camp at the same park for more than fourteen continuous days. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 19)

12.04.210 Violation—Penalty.

Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this article shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days in jail, or both; except that, in the case of children under eighteen years of age, the juvenile offender will be referred to the juvenile court for appropriate action. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Ord. 1974-01 § 20)

Article II. Rental Policy for Skamania County Fairgrounds, County Parks and Rock Creek Hegewald Center.

12.04.220 Purpose.

The Skamania County fairgrounds, county parks (Prindle, Rock Creek, Home Valley, and Big Cedars) and Rock Creek Hegewald Center are owned and operated by county citizens under the auspices of Skamania County Government. These facilities exist to allow citizens and visitors to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and to enhance Skamania County’s cultural and economic life. The variety of fairground and park facilities is available for rental or use and scheduled citizen use is encouraged.

The Skamania County board of commissioners establishes procedures for using county fairgrounds and park facilities that will include, but not be limited to, rental fees, supervisory requirements, restrictions, and security, which shall be established and amended by Resolution. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1997-18 (part))

12.04.230 Eligible renters/users of Skamania County fairground facilities, park picnic shelters and Rock Creek Hegewald Center.

A. The county shall make buildings, facilities, and grounds available for rental to county departments, the Skamania County fair board, individuals, other public agencies, organizations, and businesses when such use does not conflict or interfere with county activities.

B. Attendance at an activity held at county facilities must be open to anyone whose interest is consistent with the purpose for which the group is assembled. Authorization for use of county facilities shall not be considered an endorsement of or approval of the activity group or organization, nor for the purpose it represents. County facilities may be available to church groups on a short-term basis, but shall not be rented as permanent places of worship.

C. Facility users must comply with Skamania County’s policy on nondiscrimination. User groups must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1997-18 §§ 1.1—1.3)

12.04.240 Application for rental of facilities.

A. All renters, including governmental agencies and county departments, shall submit a “facility use application” form to the Skamania County General Services Department using the approved “facility use application” or “event application” form. The director or their assignee shall determine the availability of facilities requested and acquaint the applicant with the existing policies, regulations, and fees.

B. The county reserves the right to deny applications not submitted in a timely manner if all requirements for renting, including securing appropriate insurance, cannot be met.

C. Whenever possible, the county shall make the requested buildings available to applicants. The county reserves the right to assign other space because of building security issues, availability, maintenance requirements, and appropriateness of the activity for the area requested.

D. To cancel any previously scheduled facility use, the applicant shall give adequate notice to the General Services Department. Without notification, the county may charge for expenses incurred.

E. Approval for the use of fairgrounds and park facilities is based on the following priority order:

1. Skamania County fair;

2. County sponsored activities;

3. Cooperative extension/4-H sponsored activities and fair board activities other than the Skamania County fair;

4. Community groups, individual citizens, organizations for charitable, civic, social or educational purposes;

5. All other eligible users.

F. The General Services Director has authority to make the final decision on the use of fairground facilities and park picnic shelters by an eligible user. The eligible user may appeal such decisions to the board of commissioners.

G. The General Services Director and board of commissioners retain the right to alter, cancel, or reschedule any facility user’s request after careful consideration if such action is deemed advisable and in the best interest of the county. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1997-18 §§ 2.1—2.7)

12.04.250 Rental requirements.

A. All approved applicants must enter into the Skamania County rental agreement and/or event contract for the use of the facility.

B. All applicants must abide by the Skamania County policy on liability insurance requirements and procedures for special events, adopted by Resolution 2005-11 or as hereafter amended.

C. Any damage by the user to the facilities or equipment other than normal wear and tear will be the financial responsibility of the agreement holder. Facility use may be denied if a previous activity sponsored by the applicant resulted in damage to facilities or violations of this policy.

D. Picnic shelters are open to the general public for use during park hours; however, groups holding receipts of reservations have priority use for the designated reserved hours. Those occupying a picnic shelter without reservations shall voluntarily vacate the picnic shelter upon the arrival of the group with the proof of reservation. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1998-10 (part); Res. 1997-18 §§ 3.1—3.3)

12.04.260 Facility use regulations.

A. Regulation of Activities.

1. Facility users must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, city and county ordinances, administrative directives, policies and rental agreement conditions. All measures necessary to insure safe, healthy, and lawful conduct of the activities, including but not limited to crowd control measures and police and fire protection shall be undertaken and financed as outlined in the rental agreement. Facility users agree to obtain all necessary permits or licenses for the conduct of their activities.

2. Quiet hours are ten p.m. to eight a.m. on weekdays and Sundays and eleven p.m. to eight a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. No outdoor music or entertainment may be conducted during these hours without permit.

3. Facility users will voluntarily turn down noise levels for community comfort, if deemed too loud by county/city authorities.

4. Use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except in designated areas as defined by permit.

5. The possession and use of illicit drugs are prohibited.

6. Smoking is prohibited, except in designated areas.

7. Profane or improper language or actions are prohibited and may result in expulsion from the grounds.

8. Facility users shall not operate or use any county equipment other than that stipulated in the “facility use application” and/or “event contract.”

9. County keys shall not be issued or loaned to noncounty personnel except by permission of the Director of General Services or his/her designee. If no key is issued or loaned, doors will be opened by authorized personnel. Keys are not to be loaned to any other person. No copies of keys are to be made.

10. After use for partisan or religious activities, each group or individual shall police the area to ensure that no partisan or religious information, literature, papers or documents of any kind remain in the facility.

11. Games of chance, lotteries, amusement games as defined by state law are permitted in the Skamania County fairgrounds only when licensed under state law.

12. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Dogs disrupting others (e.g., excessive barking or aggressive behavior) are prohibited.

13. Fires are only permitted in designated fire grills, during times when fires are otherwise allowed, unless permitted in writing by the Director of General Services.

14. No person may use a county park for more than fourteen consecutive days per calendar year, unless otherwise expressly permitted in writing by the Director of General Services. Permits for extending the length of stay shall not exceed seven days, for a total stay of a maximum of twenty-one days for any person within a calendar year. In order to receive the seven-day permit extension, campers must vacate the camp for twenty-four hours before returning with the seven-day extended permit.

15. No camping outside of designated areas allowed without the written permission of the Director of General Services.

16. No loaded firearms allowed in parks without proof of legal permit.

17. Motorized vehicles shall only be allowed in roadways and parking areas designated for vehicular use.

18. No cutting of any trees or other vegetation allowed within county park boundaries without the written permission of the Director of General Services.

19. No parking in day use areas between the hours of eleven p.m. and five a.m.

20. One vehicle per site allowed. Additional vehicle charges will apply.

21. No horses allowed in Big Cedars Park, Prindle Park or Home Valley Park without special permission by permission of the Director of General Services.

22. Any violation of this policy or any applicable county ordinance may result in immediate and/or future termination of the use of the facility by the individual or group using the facility.

B. Condition of Facilities.

1. Tables, kitchen equipment or any other county furniture or equipment shall not be removed from buildings to which they belong except by authorization from the Director of General Services.

2. Prior approval from the Director of General Services or their designee will be required before decoration or other materials may be applied to walls or floors. Users are required to remove, at their expense, decorations, materials, equipment, furnishings and rubbish left after use of the facilities.

3. Facilities are to be cleaned and put in order after use or the cleaning deposit will be forfeited. An additional fee will be assessed by the Director of General Services if labor and materials is required beyond the value of the cleaning deposit.

C. Supervision and Emergency Requirements.

1. Adult leaders of youth organizations using county facilities shall remain with their groups throughout their scheduled rental period and be responsible for the conduct of participant children.

2. Satisfactory sponsorship, crowd control, and adequate adult supervision, including police and fire protection surveillance, where necessary, shall be required of users for all activities.

3. Because of emergency situations that could develop during the rental period, the following items should be provided by the renter for possible use: first aid kit and phone.

D. Camping Requirements at Skamania County Fairgrounds/Rock Creek Park.

1. Group camping shall be allowed by permit only. Capacities and layouts will be specified in the permit.

2. Fire lanes twenty feet wide are required for all camping groups. Camping areas must not exceed seventy feet in width without a fire lane.

3. No camping or traffic is permitted within fifteen feet of the lake or play equipment.

4. No camping within ten feet of buildings.

5. Play equipment, paved pathway and picnic shelter (unless rented) are open to the public at all time.

6. No vehicular use of paved pathway around park. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1998-10 (part); Res. 1997-18 §§ 4.1—4.4)

12.04.270 Classification of facility users and rental rates for Skamania County fairgrounds/Rock Creek Park.

A. General Classification and Fee Guidelines.

1. All users will be assigned a classification by the Director of General Services based on the user definitions for each classification. The classification is based on which individual or entity assumes financial responsibility for the event and guarantees payment of the fees to county.

2. Fees for facility rentals, including deposits, and additional staffing and supplies fees are based upon resolution of the Board of County Commissioners or upon fee setting criteria established by the Board.

3. The Board of County Commissioners may waive or reduce fees when in the public interest.

4. All campers (tents or recreational vehicles) will pay the camping fees set forth by resolution except when camping occurs at an event open to the public in which other park county facilities are rented. When camping occurs as part of the rental event, the applicant may choose to pay the camping fees previously mentioned or the group camping fee established as provided herein.

B. Class 1—In-County Local Governmental Entities.

1. Class 1 Users. Users include all Skamania County government departments, Skamania County fair board, WSU cooperative extension, other local government agencies.

2. Class 1 Daily Fees. No fees are charged Class 1 users.

C. Class 2—In-County Entities/Nonlocal Government Agencies.

1. Class 2 Users.

(a) Skamania County residents, county organizations and county businesses located in Skamania County;

(b) State, federal, and non-Skamania County governmental agencies and schools.

2. Class 2 Daily Fees. Set by resolution.

D. Class 3—Out-of-County Entities.

1. Class 3 Users. Non-county residents, organizations and businesses.

2. Class 3 Daily Fees. Fees are set by resolution. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1997-18 §§ 5.1—5.4)

12.04.280 General camping fees at county parks and Skamania County fairgrounds.

A. Home Valley and Big Cedars Park.

1. The daily camping fee for Home Valley Park and Big Cedars Park shall be set by resolution.

2. Limit of one tent or recreational vehicle per campsite.

3. Group tent camping available by prearrangement. Group camping fees are set by resolution.

4. To register for camp sites the following procedures shall be taken:

(a) Select open site and fill out registration envelope;

(b) Insert fee in registration envelope and deposit in cash box;

5. Check-out time for campsites is one p.m. the following day.

B. Prindle Park.

1. No camping is available at Prindle Park.

C. Rock Creek Fair Grounds.

1. Individual camping may occur only when events are not scheduled and the grounds are posted open for individual camping. Fees are set by resolution.

2. Groups may camp by prearrangement with the General Services Department. Fees for use are set by resolution.

3. Proof of residency may be required for Skamania County resident rates. (Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13; Res. 1998-10 (part); Res. 1997-18 §§ 6.1—6.3)

12.04.290 Boat launch and parking facilities.

Wind River Boat Launch, Old Hatchery Road and Drano Lake Boat Launch (launch):

Old Hatchery Road is intended for access for water recreation and sports fishing type activities, therefore included in this section.

A. It shall be unlawful to launch a boat at either launch without paying the launch use fee established by Skamania County by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

B. It shall be unlawful to park a boat trailer or other vehicle at a launch or upon Old Hatchery Road without visibly displaying a permit valid for the current date in the manner established and posted for displaying such permit.

C. It shall be unlawful to park an unattended vehicle within one mile of either launch on any public road or public right-of-way and with a boat trailer attached without displaying a permit as instructed and valid for the current date.

D. No vehicle or trailer shall park on or block the launch, except for loading and unloading boats.

E. No vehicle without an attached trailer can park on the launch parking lot without a valid handicap parking permit.

F. No vehicle and/or boat trailer parking on launch ramp or in areas marked as no parking, except for loading or unloading boats.

G. Any person, or persons, blocking the launch site for longer than fifteen minutes may be cited for a violation of this section.

H. No vehicles, trailer or tent shall be parked, placed, maintained or stored upon any area of the launch sites, or along the Old Hatchery Road between the hours of one a.m. and three a.m.

I. No vehicles shall be left in the parking area for longer than twenty-four consecutive hours.

J. No person, or persons, shall cause any fires to be started in the parking area or along the roadway.

K. No fireworks will be allowed anywhere in the area or along said roadway.

L. No obstructions, either gear or equipment, shall be placed on launch ramp, or in the parking area, except as provided above.

M. No boat shall be left unattended at the ramp or adjacent shore, except for brief period necessary to retrieve a vehicle and/or trailer for its removal.

N. No commercial activity, including charter operator use, shall take place at said site without obtaining a permit from Skamania County for such commercial activity and paying the associated fees as provided by resolution.

O. In addition to any other penalties provided elsewhere herein, any person, or persons, not abiding by the above-mentioned items may be cited for a violation of this section and shall be subject to a civil penalty.

1. Infractions not related to launch permit requirements shall be one hundred three dollars, including any assessments.

2. Violations for not obtaining the county annual, daily and three-day permit shall be one hundred three dollars, including any assessments.

3. Violations for not obtaining an out-of-county annual permit shall be one hundred three dollars, including any assessments.

4. Violations for not obtaining a commercial guide service permit shall be four hundred dollars, including any assessments.

5. In the case of juveniles under eighteen years of age violating any provision of this section, the offender will be referred to the juvenile court for appropriate action. (Ord. 2018-09, 12-11-18; Ord. 2018-02, 2-13-18; Ord. 2013-01, 3-12-13)