Park & Trail Regulations

This page explains the rules and regulations to be followed while using Lacey parks, trails or other property. Please note that these rules are in addition to any already existing municipal laws.

Rule Breaking & Consequences

A person who commits any of the following acts within a park, parkway, trail or other reactional facility owned, operated or used for recreational purposes by the City of Lacey shall, pursuant to Section 2.44.060 and 2.44.070 of the Lacey Municipal Code, be guilty of a misdemeanor and/or shall be subject to a civil fine of up to $100.00 and/or and/or shall be subject to trespass from all City owned, or jointly owned, parks, parkways, trails and other recreational facilities for a period of one year from the date of the violation. Additional fines may be assessed as appropriate for the infraction (such as vehicle towing, replacement of property, etc.).

Infraction Notices

Notices of infractions shall be issued to said persons which infractions shall be assessed in the same manner as traffic infractions. Said infractions shall be processed and fines paid in the manner set forth in Section 7 (1) of Chapter 236, Laws of 1985, Regular Session with fines assessed and recovered to be paid to the City.

Defining “Prior Approval”

The term “prior approval” as used herein shall be only by the Director of Parks, Culture, & Recreation or his or her designee in written form. Written prior approval is required to be on the person and premises while use is occurring, and displayed to park and/or law enforcement personnel when requested.

Rules For All Lacey Parks & Trails

Misuse or Damage of City Property

  • Do not willfully mutilate, damage, injure, deface, destroy, or take any tree, shrub, timber, plant, turf area, or natural object, or any synthetic turf area, guidepost, notice, table, fence, enclosure, structure, facility, or any other park improvement.
  • No fires are permitted except in designated places. Do not willfully or carelessly permit any fire to spread or extend to any of the shrubbery, trees, timber, structure, or park improvements.
  • Do not place or affix to any object, any word, sign, circular, character or device without prior approval.
  • The use of park facilities outside of standard park hours, which are 7:00 a.m. to dark unless otherwise posted, is not permitted.
  • The depositing of litter, yard waste, construction debris, or household / commercial garbage is not permitted.
  • The collection of a fee for use of a park or facility, or conducting an organized activity for which a fee is collected or donations solicited, is not permitted without prior approval.
  • Selling or distributing food, refreshments, or merchandise is not permitted without prior approval or a concession contract.
  • Do not swim in non designated areas
  • Do not erect, maintain or occupy any temporary or inflatable structure, tent or shelter, without prior approval.
  • Do not use skateboards, in –line skates, roller skates, scooters, or bicycles on any basketball court, tennis court, pickleball court, stage, bench, picnic table, retaining wall, or parking lot except when use is necessary to access recreational facilities.
  • Do not hit golf balls in any turf area or athletic field.

Other Unacceptable Conduct

  • The use of profane, threatening, or abusive language
  • Engagement in disorderly conduct
  • Skinny dipping or appearing nude
  • The use of sound amplification systems, including vehicular, portable, or similar sound system devices, that disrupts the enjoyment of other park users, without prior approval.
  • Launching or detonating any object, such as rockets, fireworks, etc., without prior approval with the exception of recreational drones and model aircraft.

Drones & Model Aircraft

  • All drones and model aircraft must comply with FAA rules and regulations.  Please visit faa.gov/uas for the full regulations, but here are some of the basics for recreational flyers and modelers:
    • Keep drone within visual line of sight
    • Give way and do not interfere with manned aircraft
    • Fly at or below 400’
    • Take TRUST
    • Have a current registration

Vehicles

Vehicles in violation of park rules are subject to being towed at the owners expense.

  • Do not operate a motor vehicle or motorized device of any type anywhere other than designated roadways or parking areas, except for individuals with a mobility disability in possession of valid, state issued proof of disability.
  • Do not leave a vehicle in the parking lot outside of standard park hours, unless permitted to do so. Vehicles left will get locked in, to be retrieved during normal operating hours.
  • Do not occupy more than one parking space with vehicle, unless permitted to do so.

Animals & Wildlife

  • Do not injure, kill or pursue with intent to kill any birds, animals or other wildlife.
  • Dogs are allowed in parks and facilities on a leash.
  • No dogs are allowed on turf fields or the beach.
  • Please clean up after your pet.
  • No feeding wildlife or fishing outside of approved areas. This includes leaving, placing or distributing food with the intent to feed wildlife
  • Do not take fish from the waters of any park, except in conformity with such general rules and regulations of the City, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or RCW 77.15.
  • Do not bring an animal into a park, parkway, trail, structure, or recreational facility, unless leashed and in a designated area. The Director of Parks and Recreation shall have the authority to designate areas where leashed animals may enter. Provided, however, that such restrictions or prohibitions shall not apply to service animals.
  • Do not bring an animal into a City park, parkway, trail, structure, or recreational facility and fails to possess the equipment or material necessary to, or does not, remove fecal matter deposited by the animal. The fecal matter is to be placed in a plastic bag and deposited in a solid waste container.

Substances

  • No alcohol in the parks, unless by special permit.
  • No smoking, vaping, or use of any tobacco product.
  • No illegal controlled substances.
  • No consumption, or package opening, of marijuana, usable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product.

Long Lake Beach

Beach Rules

  • No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk!
  • Watch children closely!
  • The best way to prevent water-related emergencies is to watch children closely.
    • An adult should be in the water and within reach of children.
    • One adult should supervise no more than five children.
    • Guardians should closely supervise children 12 years old or younger.
  • No rough play.
  • No throwing rocks or other dangerous objects.
  • No vulgar or offensive language.
  • No large flotation devices allowed in swim area.
  • Swim in designated area only.  No standing/sitting on float lines.
  • No entry into small craft launch area unless launching or returning.
  • No animals in the swim area or on the beach.   Animals in other areas of the park must be on a leash.
  • No feeding or chasing the wildlife.  No fishing.
  • No pop up tents allowed.
  • No glass or fires.
  • Portable barbecues in designated area only while under constant adult supervision.  No charcoal briquettes. Designated area is at the top of the hill, on the West side of the volleyball courts.
  • No use of tobacco, vaping, or consumption of alcohol or any controlled substances.

Cautionary Information

  • Be careful at all times.
  • Hazards may exist: vegetation, drop-offs, rocks, sharp objects, deep water and poor water quality.   Conditions are not monitored outside the swim area.
  • Always swim with a friend.
  • Night swimming is prohibited.
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices are recommended.
  • Avoid swallowing the lake water, there is bacteria you cannot see that can be harmful to you. 
  • Wear swim diapers if not toilet trained.
  • If you hear thunder or see lightning, do not remain in the water.  Seek shelter in your vehicle.