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Guidelines and Conditions of Use

Park Activity Buildings
Group Picnic Areas
Local Park and Regional/Recreational Park Picnic Shelters
Picnic Shelter, Electric Site – Internet & Picnic Shelter, Large Electric
Campsites
In-Line Rink
Bus Spaces
Community Gardens

Park Activity Buildings

  1. Weather Cancellations for Park Activity Buildings:In the event of inclement weather, Park Activity Buildings will follow closings issued by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Closings will be posted on www.ParkPermits.org and recorded on the Park Permits phone line, 301-495-2525. In the event of a closure due to inclement weather, please contact the Permit Office at 301-495-2525 to obtain a refund or to reschedule your event.
  2. No alcoholic beverage of any kind is permitted (including beer and champagne).
  3. DECORATING: Masking tape only may be used to attach decorations to walls or other surfaces.  The permit holder will be responsible for any damage resulting from use of any other adhesive tape or substance.  All decorations must be removed by the end of the permitted time.
  4. The permit holder must BRING their own CLEANING SUPPLIES (broom, mop for spills, etc.) and trash bags, and must clean up before leaving the facility.  Trash MUST be taken offsite with permittee for proper disposal/recycling.
  5. KEY PICKUP. You are required to come to the Park Permits office 1-2 workdays prior to your event to pick up the facility key and sign your contract (the Park Permits office is closed on weekends and holidays). You may contact Park Police to open the facility due to the loss of key or if you did not pick up the facility key, you will forfeit your whole security deposit of $175.00. Also, if the key is NOT returned, both deposits WILL be forfeited. If the building is not properly secured you will be charged an automatic $50.00 fee.
  6. The permit holder must turn off all lights inside the facility, close and lock all doors and windows, reset alarm (if applicable), and extinguish any fires or smoking materials before leaving the permitted facility.
  7. Youth event requirement: One adult over 21 must be present for every ten children under 18; a chaperon list is required in advance.
  8. Energy conservation requirement. Doors are not to be propped open at any time, especially at air-conditioned facilities, or during the winter months.
  9. Charcoal fires only.  GAS GRILLS, WOOD BURNING FIRES, and GENERATORS ARE PROHIBITED.
  10. No Moon Bounces or other outside amusement /play equipment allowed without the prior approval from the Park manager.
  11. No collection of fees/admissions or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.
  12. Cancellation Policy - Facility cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 30 days prior to date of event, a fee of $50.00 is required at the time of the change.  Reservation changes must be submitted in writing at least 7 days in advance of requested date, a fee of $50.00 is required for each change.

NOTE:  If you post any directional signs/balloons on road way signs or anywhere in the surrounding neighborhood, please remove them after your function.  There will be an additional $50 service charge fee if signs are not removed and if reported by the community.

Any violation to the above rules, including lost keys, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, forfeiture of the entire deposit, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  All administrative fees are non-refundable.  Fees are subject to change without notice.

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Group Picnic Areas

  1. The Permit is valid from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm or sunset, whichever comes first.
  2. Beer and wine may be served and consumed with the Group Picnic Area ONLY.  NO OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED.  Maryland State Law as to age for consumption of alcoholic beverages applies.  Beer must be dispensed from kegs and wine must be served from 1 liter or larger containers in paper or plastic cups.
  3. CHARCOAL FIRES ONLY are permitted.  Gas grills, wood burning fires and generators are strictly prohibited.
  4. Sports equipment and keys must be picked up 1-2 work days at one the Park Permit Offices and returned IN PERSON, within three work days of the reservation.  Appropriate fees will be charged for lost or damaged equipment.  Only sports/game equipment that is either furnished or authorized by the Commission will be allowed at the Group Picnic Area.  No other equipment is authorized without advance approval from the Park manager.  Additionally, refundable security deposits will be issued after Park inspection and may take a few weeks for processing.
  5. Cancellation Policy: If the reservation is canceled at least 30 calendar days in advance, the fee will be refunded and $50 of the damage deposit retained to cover administrative costs.  If cancellation occurs less than 30 days in advance, there is no refund of fees.  Date or reservation changes must be submitted in writing and require a $50 administrative fee.
  6. Barring weather related emergency requiring closure; Group Picnic Areas will be open and available for use on the day of the reservation.  If your reservation is canceled due to inclement weather and the reservation cannot be rescheduled, the fee will be returned and the deposit retained to cover administrative costs.  NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE ONCE THE PERMITHOLDER HAS ENTERED THE PARK SITE TO USE THE FACILITY.
  7. The permit holder must BRING their own CLEANING SUPPLIES (broom, mop for spills, etc.) and trash bags, and must clean up before leaving the facility.  Trash MUST be taken with permittee offsite for proper disposal/recycling.
  8. Charcoal fires only.  GAS GRILLS, WOOD BURNING FIRES, and GENERATORS ARE PROHIBITED.
  9. No collection of fees/admissions, or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you post any directional signs or balloons on the road way or anywhere in the surrounding neighborhood, please remove them after your function ($50 additional service charge will be assessed if not removed and or if reported by the community).  All administrative fees are non-refundable and fees subject to change without notice.

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Local and Regional/Recreational Park Picnic Shelters

  1. Permit is valid 9:00 am to 8:00 pm or SUNSET, whichever comes first.
  2. No alcoholic beverage of any kind is permitted (including beer and champagne).
  3. The shelter capacity is the maximum number of persons allowed in attendance at any time, either in or around the picnic shelter.
  4. Permit holder is responsible for notifying guests of the shelter's letter(s) and/or location within the park.
  5. LIMITED PARKING at some regional parks - PLEASE CARPOOL.
  6. Charcoal fires only, no personal grills.  GAS GRILLS, WOOD BURNING FIRES, and GENERATORS ARE PROHIBITED.
  7. Moon bounces are only permitted at facilities with electrical outlets and prior approval from the Park Manager is required. No water balloons are allowed in restrooms. Additionally, other outside amusement/play equipment is allowed with the prior approval of the Park Manager.
  8. CANCELLATION POLICY:  Shelter(s) FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.  Reservation changes must be submitted in writing at least one week prior to date of use, a $50 administrative fee is required.  Additionally, refundable security deposits will be issued after Park inspection and may take few weeks for processing.
  9. Catering is allowed only at the BLACK HILL shelters A, B, C, J, I; S. Germantown all shelters; Ovid Hazen Wells all shelter and at DAMASCUS all shelters.
  10. Trash MUST be taken with permittee offsite for proper disposal/recycling.
  11. No collection of fees/admissions, or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.

Any violation to the above rules, including lost keys, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  All administrative fees are non-refundable.

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Picnic Shelter, Electric Site – Internet & Picnic Shelter, Large Electric

  1. Permit is valid 9:00 am to 8:00 pm or SUNSET, whichever comes first.
  2. No alcoholic beverage of any kind is permitted (including beer and champagne).
  3. The shelter capacity is the maximum number of persons allowed in attendance at any time, either in or around the picnic shelter.
  4. Permit holder is responsible for notifying guests of the shelter's letter(s) and/or location within the park.
  5. LIMITED PARKING at some regional parks - PLEASE CARPOOL.
  6. Charcoal fires only, no personal grills.  GAS GRILLS, WOOD BURNING FIRES, and GENERATORS ARE PROHIBITED.
  7. Moon bounces are only permitted at facilities with electrical outlets and prior approval from the Park Manager is required. No water balloons are allowed in restrooms. Additionally, other outside amusement/play equipment is allowed with the prior approval of the Park Manager..
  8. CANCELLATION POLICY:  Shelter(s) FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.  Reservation changes must be submitted in writing at least one week prior to date of use, a $50 administrative fee is required.  Additionally, refundable security deposits will be issued after Park inspection and may take few weeks for processing.
  9. Catering is allowed only at the BLACK HILL shelters A, B, C, J, I; S. Germantown all shelters; Ovid Hazen Wells all shelter and at DAMASCUS all shelters.
  10. Trash MUST be taken with permittee offsite for proper disposal/recycling.
  11. No collection of fees/admissions, or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.
  12. Access to electricity requires an advance fee of $30 per date of use, fee is non-refundable\

Any violation to the above rules, including lost keys, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  All administrative fees are non-refundable.

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Campsites

  1. All attendees must be residents of Montgomery County, MD.
  2. No pets allowed.
  3. Charcoal fires only, no personal grills.  GAS GRILLS, WOOD BURNING FIRES, and GENERATORS ARE PROHIBITED
  4. Fires allowed in metal fire grills only.  Fires must be attended at all times or extinguished when not in use.  Use DEAD or DOWNED wood ONLY for fires.
  5. Tents must be erected on tent pads only.  Do not trench around tents; do not drive nails into any trees.
  6. Vehicles must park in designated areas only.
  7. The fire ring area cannot be reserved.
  8. If the key is NOT returned IN PERSON, the deposit WILL be forfeited.
  9. Group size must not exceed maximum site capacity.
  10. Permit holder is required to provide trash bags, to bag trash and remove it from site for proper disposal/recycling.
  11. No alcoholic beverage of any kind is permitted (including beer and champagne).
  12. No collection of fees/admissions, or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.
  13. Trash MUST be taken with permittee offsite for proper disposal/recycling
  14. YOUTH EVENT REQUIREMENT:  One adult over 21 must be present for every ten children under 18; a chaperon list is required in advance.

Any violation to the above rules, including lost keys, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  All administrative fees are non-refundable.  Administrative fees are non-refundable and fees subject to change without notice.

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In-Line Rink

  1. Rink may not be used during other permitted times.  NO USE PERMITTED AFTER DARK.
  2. To be valid, this permit must be in permit holder's possession at the facility site at all times.
  3. This permit is valid for use only by the team, group, or designated individual (s) on the permit.
  4. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:  Use of RINK is prohibited when:
    • A steady rain is falling
    • A lightning or electrical storm is occurring
    • Water is standing or the rink surface is wet.
  5. ABSOLUTELY - NO SKATE BOARDS, BIKES, SCOOTERS OR JUMP STRUCTURES ARE ALLOWED!!  ** GOALS ARE NOT TO BE MOVED BY USERS**!
  6. NO PETS!  (Pets may be taken to designated dog exercise area located in the Park).
  7. NO FOOD OUR DRINKS ALLOWED ON THE SKATING SURFACE AREA.  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PROHIBITED ON PARK PROPERTY.
  8. BE CONSIDERATE OF FELLOW SKATERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE YOUNGER OR LESS SKILLED!  Have a safe and pleasant experience!
  9. Vehicle parking is allowed in designated parking areas only.  Limited parking--please carpool!
  10. All trash MUST be taken offsite with permittee for proper disposal/recycling.
  11. No exchanges of monies or collection of fees permitted on park property.  The sale of food or merchandise is PROHIBITED without prior approval for a concession from the Park Manager.
  12. No Moon Bounces or other outside amusement /play equipment allowed without the prior approval of the Park Manager.
  13. CANCELLATION POLICY:  Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.  The Permit Office must be notified immediately at least one week in advance, IN WRITING of any cancellations or date changes.  (All date changes require a $50 change fee.)
  14. No alcoholic beverage of any kind is permitted (including beer and champagne).

Any violation to the above rules, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  Administrative ar non-refundable and are subject to change without notice.

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Bus Spaces

  1. The permit must be displayed in the front window of the bus upon entering the Park.
  2. Buses are allowed in the park only between 9 am and 4 pm, and only on Monday through Friday.
  3. Buses must park in designated spaces only, one bus per space.
  4. YOUTH EVENT REQUIREMENT:  One adult over 21 must be present for every ten children under 18; a chaperon list is required in advance.
  5. All buses for Cabin John Regional Park must use the Westlake Drive entrance.
  6. Trash MUST be taken with permittee offsite for proper disposal/recycling.
  7. CANCELLATION POLICY:  Fees are non-refundable
  8. No collection of fees/admissions, or money exchange is permitted on Park Property. A concession/vendor permit is required to sell food and/or memorabilia; however, a request must be submitted in advance for approval from the Director of Parks.

Any violation to the above rules, or to the rules/regulations stated on the permit, will result in an automatic $50 service charge, and might result in charges for any additional hours used or damages incurred.  Administrative fees are non-refundable fees subject to change without notice.

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Community Gardens

 M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Conditions of Use for Community Gardens

2013

RULES: Administrative | Garden | Fencing, Stakes, Structure | Getting Along & Courtesy

Administrative Rules

  1. M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks plots are rented “as is” (current condition).  Montgomery Parks does not perform annual tilling.
  2.  Plots are not transferable, and fees will not be refunded or pro-rated.  Plots that are given up or are revoked for cause will be returned to Parks for re-assignment.
  3. Gardeners must maintain a current email address and phone number on file with Parks.  Contact changes should be sent to the Community Garden Coordinator, patricia.lynch@montgomeryparks.org.
  4. To receive important information and updates, gardeners are expected to become members of the Montgomery Parks garden information electronic list and the specific garden information electronic list for the garden where they rent a plot.  If gardeners do not have an email address, they will need to make arrangements to check the websites on a regular basis.  The Montgomery County Parks Yahoo list can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCPcommunitygardens.  The individual garden Yahoo list addresses will be sent with the confirmation of the plot rental.

Gardening Rules

  1. Gardeners are expected to help with community garden chores.  These include filling the water tanks, weeding and chipping common areas, fence lines, and paths, keeping the garden trash-free, and other garden tasks as requested by the volunteer garden liaisons or the Coordinator.  Wood chips provided by Parks will be delivered to each garden.  Volunteer garden liaisons will request supplies on behalf of the community gardens.
  2. Gardeners are required to work in their plots at least once a week. Each gardener is responsible for weeding, cultivating, and/or watering, and must arrange for someone to maintain the garden plot if they are away or are not able to perform maintenance tasks every week.
  3. By April 1, gardeners must begin work on their plots including weeding, soil amendment, and cultivation.  By June 1, gardeners must have planted seeds, seedlings, or transplants in their plots.  By November 15, gardeners must remove dead plants and summer garden debris from plots.
  4. Organic practices are required in all parts of the community garden.  Garden pests and plant diseases can be especially serious in the community garden setting.  Gardeners are expected to monitor their plants and plots for signs of pest problems and plant diseases.  Only organic methods such as handpicking bugs, row covers, and pesticides labeled as OMRI- approved or organic can be used in the community garden.  The garden liaison volunteer(s) in each garden, the Master Gardeners, or the Community Garden Coordinator can help you locate information about controlling pests, treating and/or removing diseased plants.
  5. To reduce weeds and pests, improve the soil, and maintain the garden’s appearance, mulch is strongly recommended.  Gardeners are encouraged to use materials such as aged compost, composted manure, leaves, straw, burlap, weed cloth, layers of newspaper, or plastic (away from lawn areas)  to protect the soil and reduce weeds.  Carpet, stone, and sod mulch are not allowed.
  6. Gardeners are encouraged to plant fall and winter crops if they wish.  If not, they should take steps to protect the soil by planting cover crops or covering their plots with barriers to reduce winter weeds.  Acceptable barriers include:  newspaper (non-shiny parts) covered with mulch/ compost, burlap bags, weed cloth, plastic covering or tarps.
  7. Invasive plants are not allowed in the garden.  Information about invasive plants in Maryland can be found at http://www.hgic.umd.edu/content/generalinformation.cfm   Aggressive plants like mint, lemon balm, and similar plants must be grown in containers, and should not be allowed to establish themselves in other parts of the garden.
  8. Montgomery Parks is responsible for maintaining the areas outside the community garden fence line.  Every effort will be made to avoid using chemical sprays near the community gardens.   If a situation arises where a chemical application is necessary after exhausting alternatives, the gardeners will be notified of any use of chemical applications taking place within 25 feet of the fence line at least 48 hours in advance.  If chemical application is deemed essential, the application will be done in accordance with Maryland Department of Agriculture guidelines by certified/registered applicators.
  9. Water conservation must be practiced at all times.  Please concentrate on watering roots rather than other parts of the plants.  Gardeners must be present when watering.  Do NOT leave water running unattended.  Watering is limited to 15 minutes at a time, especially when others are waiting to water.  Open containers of water are not allowed for health-related reasons.   If you wish to keep water in your plot, containers must be kept covered when not in use.
  10. All gardens are subject to regular inspections.  If a garden plot is not in compliance with the established rules, notifications will be sent by email.  A follow-up inspection will be performed 2 weeks after the email notice.  If the plot is still not in compliance, it will be revoked and returned to Parks for re-assignment.  All fees will be forfeited.

Fencing, Stakes, and Structure Rules

  1. Plot markers must be upright and visible at all times.  Gardeners are not allowed to relocate any plot markers.  Plot markers should not be used as fencing material, plant structures, or watering can holders.   Encroachment into paths or other garden plots is not permitted.  Please remember all plot sizes are approximate and there may be slight variation from garden to garden.
  2. Plant supports or stakes are allowed, but cannot exceed six feet or shade adjoining plots.  No structures of any kind can be built without written approval by Montgomery Parks.
  3. Fences up to 3 feet high can be installed in your garden inside the plot boundaries.  The materials must be neutral in color (black, grey, green, silver are okay, red, yellow, orange are not), and not create tripping or other safety hazards.  Parks reserves the right to remove fences that are unsightly or negatively affect gardeners or other plots.  Removal will be at the gardener’s expense.  Requests for higher fences should be sent to the Community Garden Coordinator, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Getting Along and Courtesy in the Gardens

  1. Pets are not allowed within the community garden fence.
  2. Littering and dumping are forbidden.  Community Gardens are trash free, carry- in and carry-out facilities.  Only plant waste is allowed in the compost areas.  All trash must be removed from the site and disposed of by the gardeners.
  3. Gardeners are not allowed to trap animals (such as ground hogs, raccoons, etc.) in the Community Gardens at any time.
  4. All personal tools, wheelbarrows, hoses should be marked with the plot number and the plot holders initials. Gardeners are not permitted to borrow or move tools, wheel barrows, etc. without the express permission of the owner.  All borrowed items should be returned in the same condition as borrowed.
  5. Children are welcome in the garden, but must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  6. The community gardens are alcohol and smoke-free areas.  Loud radios and/or music are not allowed.
  7. All general parks rules apply to the Community Gardens, see http://www.montgomeryparks.org/rules/rules_regs_ch5.shtm
  8. Conditions of Use and Garden Rules are subject to annual review and revision.

Revised 12/6/2012

 

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