City of Appleton Park and Trail Rules

Park Hours: Daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Trail Hours: Open 24 hours per day
Park Restrooms: Open May 1 – October 1

Alcoholic Beverages

The possession and consumption of fermented malt beverages and wine is prohibited except(1) with a written permit that has been applied for and issued by the Appleton Police Department, (2) at Reid Golf Course, and/or (3) with a license for fermented malt beverages and or wine that has been issued by the City Clerk’s office for, or in conjunction with a Special Event. All events held in a park that are open to the general public wishing to sell and serve alcohol must apply for a Temporary Class “B” license from the Appleton City Clerk’s Office. No other alcoholic beverages are allowed in city parks at any time. Persons shall not drink from, open a container of, or have in his/her possession a fermented malt beverage or wine in any city park before 10:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. except at the Appleton Memorial Park Ball Diamond Complex when organized league play is in progress, or at Reid Golf Course where the possession and consumption of a fermented malt
beverage or wine is allowed starting at 9:00 a.m.

Amplification of Sound

Amplified sound systems are prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee. Live bands are limited to one (1) four-hour time period. All systems must be shut down by 9:00 p.m. The use of amplified sound systems must not produce excessive, loud or unusual noises as defined in Sec. 13-1 of the

Municipal Code

A variance to the noise levels may be granted by the Board of Health.

Archery

Archery is prohibited except as part of an authorized recreation program or at the archery range in Appleton Memorial Park. Bows must be rated at or below 350 f.p.s. Crossbows are not permitted.

Camping

Camping is prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Damage to Property

Persons shall not in any manner mar, injure, deface or destroy any tree, shrub, or plant standing or growing in any city park or trail, nor any fence, guide post, sign, table, bench, building, or any other thing of value in any city park, grounds, or place, nor shall they disturb or interfere with any wildlife within the parks, nor shall they affix or set upon any signs, notices, solicitations, literature, exhibit, display, flyer or pamphlet on park property or to any tree, shrub, post, barrel, building, or any other plant except as permitted by law.

Fires

Fires are prohibited except when contained within grills or designated cooking devices. Coals must be thoroughly extinguished and placed in a trash receptacle.

Fireworks

Fireworks are prohibited except for programs that have obtained the necessary permits and permissions.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted during regular park hours at the Appleton Memorial Park pond and in Stormwater Detention Ponds subject to the limitations provided in Sec. 13-8 of the Municipal Code.

Glass Beverage Containers

Glass beverage containers are prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Golf

Playing golf or hitting golf balls is prohibited except at Reid Golf Course.

Hours

The use of a city park during non-park hours is prohibited without written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Hunting

Hunting, feeding, trapping or disturbing birds or any wildlife, training animals for hunting purposes, or releasing animals or fish is prohibited without written permission from the Department Director or designee and proper licensing or approval by the DNR as may be required.

Littering

Littering is prohibited and any garbage, paper or refuse must be placed in the appropriate park container or receptacle provided. No person shall bring garbage, paper or refuse from outside a park and deposit it in a park receptacle or container.

Mechanical Rides

The use of mechanical rides are prohibited unless the user provides an acceptable Certificate of Insurance to the City of Appleton’s Risk Manager at least fourteen (14) days prior to the event and a special event permit or written permission from the Department Director or designee has been issued.

Model Toys

The operation of a solid or liquid fuel powered model, toy or device, including devices operated by remote control, is prohibited without written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Motorized Vehicles

Licensed motorized vehicles are allowed on city park roads and in designated parking areas only. Operation of a motorized vehicle in an area other than a park road or designated parking area, including trails, is prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee. The speed of motor-driven vehicles or devices shall be limited to fifteen (15) miles per hour unless otherwise posted. The operation of snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, etc., in city parks and trails is prohibited.

Normal Use

Usage of a city park or trail beyond normal use or casual play, such as the exclusive use of any trail, park, facility, play area or special use area, or holding public meetings, assemblies, entertainment events or speeches, is prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Pets/Animals

Pets and other non-wildlife animals are prohibited except: (1) animals that are ADA-qualified and trained service animals, and/or (2) dogs that are on designated trails and/or walkways and restrained by a chain, rope or other type of leash that is not more than eight (8) feet in length and an individual competent to physically control and restrain the dog is in physical control of the leash at all times. Exceptions are granted only when the pet/animal is part of a special event or activity and written permission has been obtained from the Department Director or designee.

Reservations

Certain city park pavilions and special areas are available for reservation. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations may be made up to one year in advance. A completed and approved Facility Reservation Agreement is required for a reservation, and a reservation fee must be paid in advance of the reservation date.

Sales

Sales are prohibited except with written permission from the Department Director or designee.

Swimming

Swimming is prohibited except at Erb Pool and Mead Pool.

Weapons

Unless otherwise permitted by law, the possession of any firearm, air gun, spring gun and the like or weapons of any kind except for archery (see above) are prohibited in city parks and trails.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE CHAPTER 13 OF THE CITY OF APPLETON MUNICIPAL CODE OR CALL THE PARKS, RECREATION AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AT 920-832-5905.

THE VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS PUNISHABLE BY A FORFEITURE OF UP TO $200 FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE AND UP TO $500 FOR THE SECOND OFFENSE AND/OR EXPULSION FROM ALL CITY PARKS FOR UP TO ONE YEAR.