Hours

All parks are open from dawn till dusk unless noted below.

Degenhart Park

Open from dawn until 10 p.m. during Eastern Daylight Savings Time and until dusk during Eastern Standard Time unless a special event is taking place and a later closing time is authorized and posted by the Administrator.

Veteran's Park

Open 24 hours per day if lighted.

Heritage Park

Open from dawn until dusk, unless a special event is taking place and a later closing time is authorized and posted by the Administrator.

Rules

Pond Rules

• Boating, swimming, ice fishing, ice skating and walking on ice is prohibited, unless approved by Administrator.
• Persons 16 years of age and older must catch and release fish, except during two-week period of scheduled fish releases/stocking.
• During the two-week period of scheduled fish releases/stocking, the limit that can be taken is 5.
• Any bass or catfish under 16 inches in length must be released.
• Hunting or collecting of frogs, turtles, birds or other animals on park property is prohibited, unless otherwise authorized by State law.
• Seining (casting of fish nets for purpose of catching fish) is prohibited.
• Boating and operation of gas powered model boats is prohibited.
• All other state and federal wildlife statutes shall be applicable.

Leisure Path Rules

• All City Codes and State Ordinances will be enforced.
• Unauthorized motor vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, golf carts and motorized scooters) are prohibited. Persons with disabilities are permitted to use a motorized wheelchair or similar means for transportation.
• 15 mph speed limit.
• Keep right, pass on left.
• Give an audible signal when passing.
• Yield when entering and crossing path.
• Be courteous and predictable.
• Do not block the path.
• Pets must be walked off the path on a 6 feet. leash max.

Pedestrians & Runners

• Watch for other path users and listen for audible signals.
• Allow faster runners to pass safely.

Cyclists & Skaters

• Maintain safe speed and yield right of way to pedestrians.
• Slow down in congested areas or reduced visibility conditions.
• Ride single file.

General Guidelines for Playground Equipment Use

• Adult supervision is highly recommended.
• Use common sense when playing on equipment.
• Inspect the play area before starting to play.
• If you notice any broken equipment or anything that may require immediate attention, please contact the Groveport Rec Center at 614-836-1000.
• Please always wear shoes when playing on the equipment as bare feet may cause injury.
• Please do not run on the equipment.
• Please do not push or shove other people on the equipment.
• Please do not ride the slides in a head first fashion.
• Please do not use the equipment when it is wet.
• Please do not ride bicycles, roller blades or skate boards on the equipment.
• Metal slides and/or metal equipment can become hot during the summer months.

Rules (Ord. No. 2021-025

• The use of alcoholic beverages in any City park is hereby prohibited unless otherwise approved by Council and provided compliance with all other state & local laws. 
• Unauthorized motor vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, golf carts and motorized scooters) are prohibited. Persons with disabilities are permitted to use a motorized wheelchair or similar means for transportation.
• Only leashed pets are permitted (6 feet. leash max).
• Pet owners are required to remove of and dispose of their pet's waste.
• Bounce houses, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoos and farm animals are prohibited, unless a part of a City sponsored event. 
• Overnight parking, camping and golfing are prohibited unless approved by Administrator.
• Use of firearms, fireworks, BB guns, archery equipment, sling shots and paint guns and metal detectors are prohibited.
• A permit is required for athletic activities not affiliated with the Groveport Parks and Rec. Department
• Illegal and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.
• Amplified sound shall not interfere will other visitors, with the exception of City sponsored or permitted events.
• Dispose of litter in receptacle.
• Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
• Any aircraft (including model-type), airships, hot-air balloons, ultra-lights and hand gliders & drones may not ascend or descend in a park except in emergency or with the prior written consent of City Administrator. In the case of drones, this provision shall not apply to any drone activity or operation conducted by a federal, state or local government entity or political subdivision. 
• No person shall conduct, sponsor or promote a special event, concert, theater, athletic event/lesson or other public activity in a park without prior written consent of Administrator.
• Parking in City parks is permitted only in parking lots & designated parking spaces. Overflow parking outside of established parking spaces is permissible only upon written authorization by the Director of Recreation, or designee. 
• Open fires, such as camp fires, are prohibited without the prior written consent of the Administrator. Cooking fires, which are contained in a barbecue, are permitted. Persons may bring their personal grill to use provided that it is not used under a picnic shelter. Anyone using a grill in the City's parks must ensure that all coals have cooled before leaving the park.
• No nailing, stapling or tacking of any kind on shelter houses or tables. 
• Administrator may permit food trucks to operate in all City parks provided the vendor complies with all State & Local laws and/or regulations with respect to the operation of said business. 
• All local, state and federal laws and ordinances apply.

941.99 PENALTY

• Whoever violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If you would like to print a copy of the Ordinance, please click on the PDF listed below.