Public Lands Department

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  3. Parks Rules, Policy, and Etiquette

Parks Rules, Policy, and Etiquette

Park Rules

Salt Lake City Code Chapter 15.08: Park Rules

All parts of Salt Lake City Code apply to all city park users. This list represents just a few of the rules that are relevant for parks. To hold special events on city property, apply for event permits.

15.08.070: Interference with Animals or Fowl; Control of Animals

Birds or any other animals on city property must only be fed appropriate food at designated locations.

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are only allowed off leash in designated off leash areas.

15.08.080: Camping

No making fires in parks. No pitching a tent, lean to, tarp, or any other kind of camping equipment.

15.08.050: Beer and Alcoholic Beverages

No alcoholic beverages in parks outside of licensed events and vendors.

15.08.100: Fireworks, Firearms, and Explosives

No carrying or setting off fireworks, firearms, rockets, or any other explosives in parks.

Park Policies

Salt Lake City Public Lands has developed policies in the day-to-day operations of parks. These policies may change over time. Users may benefit from knowing these general guidelines for how parks are managed.

Using Sport Courts

Be considerate of other users at non-reservable open play courts. When other players are waiting, limit court use to a reasonable number of points or finishing the current game.

Pickleball Etiquette and Rules Court usage: courts are free and open to the public, all park rules and regulations apply, courts are non-reservable, no tournaments are permitted unless approved by the SLC Parks Division, courts are for pickleball only (no soccer, futsal, bike riding, roller skating, rollerblades, skateboarding, or scooters), keep courts clean and uncluttered, no food or glass containers, pets are prohibited Playing etiquette: show common courtesy and respect to all players and spectators, refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, profane language is prohibited, shoes with non-marking soles only, limit noise from music (A permit is required to use loudspeakers, amplifiers, and public address systems on public lands), and wait for play to stop before asking permission to pass through a court in use Open play rules: when courts are filled and players are waiting, play will be limited to groups of four (no singles, individual practice, or lessons when other players are waiting), all players waiting should be ready to enter the courts as a group, waiting players should use a system such as stacked paddles to establish an orderly waiting line for the next open court, players will play a single game to 11 points and then yield the court to waiting players, and have fun and enjoy the game. If courts are open and there are no waiting players, individual practice and alternative rules systems are permitted
Tennis Etiquette and Rules Court usage: courts are free and open to the public, all park rules and regulations apply, courts are non-reservable, no tournaments are permitted unless approved by the SLC Parks Division, courts are for tennis only (no soccer, futsal, bike riding, roller skating, rollerblades, skateboarding, or scooters), keep courts clean and uncluttered, no food or glass containers, pets are prohibited. Playing etiquette: show common courtesy and respect to all players and spectators, refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, profane language is prohibited, shoes with non-marking soles only, limit noise from music (A permit is required to use loudspeakers, amplifiers, and public address systems on public lands), and wait for play to stop before asking permission to pass through a court in use. Open play rules: When courts are filled and players are waiting, teams that arrive first play first, limit playing to 60 minutes for singles and 90 minutes for doubles, all players waiting to play should be ready to enter courts as a group, and have fun and enjoy the game. If courts are open and there are no waiting players, individual practice and alternative rules systems are permitted. If the court is painted for both tennis and pickleball, please use tennis open play rules.

Park Etiquette

Be W.I.L.D. Etiquette in Parks

Every park user has a role in making Salt Lake City Parks better. The Be W.I.L.D. campaign offers guidelines for how users can do their part.

Help Protect and Care for Our Public Spaces

Celebrate the beauty of our Public Lands while fostering community connection and responsibility. Dive into the diverse parks and open spaces our city boasts and join us in making our shared outdoor spaces more vibrant and cherished.

Be W.I.L.D

Salt Lake City Park Ranger Program

Park Rangers can provide more information about the Be WILD campaign. They’ll help connect you with volunteer opportunities, understand trail and park etiquette, and welcome you to new spaces in your neighborhood.

Park Ranger Program