Rules and Regulations
CHAPTER VI: Regulation of Recreational Activities
The following activities are restricted to designated areas.
Section 1. Aeronautical Activities
Aeronautical activities are permitted pursuant to airport regulations. Airplanes, helium/hot air balloons, hang gliders, parachutes, ultra-light planes, or any other person operated aircraft shall not be flown or launched from any Commission Property except in officially designated areas by permit.
Section 2. Athletics
Persons holding a permit for use of an athletic field are entitled to exclusive use of such areas on the dates and between the hours specified in the permit, however, exercising the privilege of play may be prohibited if wet grounds or other unsuitable conditions will cause damage to the field as determined within the discretion of the Director or his or her designee.
Section 3. Bicycling
Bicycle riding is permitted only on roads or trails designated for that purpose and is prohibited on tennis courts, athletic fields and other areas not designated for bicycle use. Bicycle riding is subject to the following requirements:
A. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and equestrians along the trail.
B. Use of any unauthorized motorized vehicle and equestrians on the trail is prohibited.
C. Bicycles shall not be operated at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent for existing conditions.
D. No person shall operate any bicycle in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour, unless the speed limit is otherwise posted or directed.
E. Bicycle trail users shall yield to vehicular traffic at intersecting roadways.
F. Bicyclists and hikers shall keep right except to pass and bicyclists must alert other trail users before passing.
G. Bicycle trails are considered to be "Public Bicycle Areas" and as such are subject to regulations in the Maryland Vehicle Code.
H. Bicycle helmet laws are enforced on Commission Property.
Section 4. Boating
A. No boat or other watercraft is allowed on lakes, streams, ponds, or river banks on Commission Property except by permit.
B. Manually or electrically powered privately-owned boats or other watercraft are allowed by permit on designated Commission lakes.
C. Operators and occupants of permitted watercraft will comply with all Commission, Local, State, and Federal regulations governing the use and operation of watercraft.
Section 5. Camping
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and requires payment of a fee and possession of a permit.
Section 6. Fires
A. Fires are permitted only on public campgrounds and picnic areas, but are restricted to established fireplaces constructed for this purpose, and privately owned grills or stoves.
B. Before leaving the site, persons who have made fires shall wet the hot coals until they are thoroughly soaked and cold and shall dispose of the coals in steel receptacles marked "COALS ONLY," if available, or shall remove the coals from Commission Property.
C. Building of fires may be prohibited or limited by the Director or his/her deisgnee when a fire hazard exists.
Section 7. Fishing
Fishing is permitted only in designated areas and in compliance with Maryland State Angler's license requirements.
Section 8. Golf
Playing or practicing golf is not permitted except at golf courses.
Section 9. Horseback Riding
Horses are permitted only in designated or established areas and trails.
Section 10. Hunting/Trapping
A. Trapping is permitted on Park Property for scientific and animal control purposes and requires a Commission permit.
B. Hunting is permitted only in areas designated for hunting and must comply with Federal and/or Maryland State licensing requirements.
Section 11. Picnicking
Picnicking is permitted only in designated picnic areas. Picnic areas not requiring a permit are operated on a "first come, first served" basis.
Section 12. Roller Skating/Roller Blading/In-line Skating and Skateboards
Roller skating, roller blading, in-line skating, and skateboarding are permitted only in areas designated for such use. Skateboarding is prohibited on hiker/biker trails.
Section 13. Swimming, Water Sports
Swimming and other water sports are permitted only in areas designated for such use.
Section 14. Winter Sports
Ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling or tobogganing are permitted on Park Property only where authorized by posted notice and only in accordance with special regulations on the posted notice.
Section 15. Amusement/Play Equipment
The temporary construction and/or use of amusement play equipment such as moon bounces, carousels, dunk tank, ball crawls, pony rides, etc., is prohibited except by special permits.
