HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Lake Elmo Park Usage Policy -2014 edits
City of Lake Elmo
3800 Laverne Avenue North
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
651-747-3900
Lake Elmo Park Use Policy
Purpose & Intent:
The purpose of this policy is to establish a fair and equitable distribution of the limited City of Lake Elmo park
facilities. The City of Lake Elmo’s Parks Commission oversees and governs the use of fields, shelters, and other
facilities that reside in our park facilities by the City itself, school districts, athletic organizations, community
groups and the general public.
It is the intent of this policy to classify & guide potential users / residents of Lake Elmo of these facilities that
may wish to use these facilities exclusively for their activity for a specific amount of time into a priority system
that best meets the ever changing needs of the City of Lake Elmo.
User Priorities
Priority 1 – City of Lake Elmo
Priority 2 - Affiliated School Districts
Priority 3 - Affiliated Youth and Adult Athletic / Civic Organizations
Priority 4 - Non-Resident / Non-Resident Groups
Parks Available for Field Reservations
The City of Lake Elmo will begin taking park reservations on January 15th each year.
The City of Lake Elmo has (6) distinct parks available for field reservation and exclusive use. They are:
- VFW Park
- Lions Park
- Tablyn Park
- Pebble Park
- Reid Park
- Demontreville Park
For the purpose of fairness and equitable access each of the above parks can be reserved up to (2) hours per
reservation, with reservations made up to 10 business days in advance. Athletic organizations seeking larger
blocks of time or for the purpose of a tournament / scheduled competitive sporting event may schedule in
advance (10 business days) at a cost of $20 per each additional two hour block of time. If the park facility is
not scheduled for additional time by another organization / resident within the 10 business days, the
organization may use the facility up to an additional (2) hours at no charge. If an organization that pre-
reserves a field or facility, determines that they no longer have a use for the facility, the organization must
release the time back to the City of Lake Elmo within 48 hours of the reservation time or be charged $20 per
hour of unused time.
All other parks with recreational fields can be used on a first come first serve basis. Hardcourts (tennis and
basketball) are also provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Any special requests for amenities and or services (ie additional restrooms, soccer goals, dumpsters) must be
requested at the time of reservation.
If two entities are vying for the same fields, the entity with the higher priority rating will prevail. If two entities
are vying for the same field and have the same priority rating, the entity that serves the higher number of Lake
Elmo residents will prevail.
Park and Shelter Reservations for Events and Other Uses
Lake Elmo city parks and shelters may be reserved for exclusive use to accommodate small events requiring
additional space beyond field use. Examples may include run/walks, company picnics, family reunions,
wedding receptions, and other events with less than 100 attendees. Parks can be reserved for up to 6 hours
per reservation, with reservations made up to 10 business days in advance. A $50 deposit ($100 - $50 deposit
and $50 use fee for non-Lake Elmo residents) along with a park event reservation form must be presented at
time of reservation. Users of parks are required to clean facilities after use including picking up all refuse on
and around grounds and shelter, wiping off tables, and sweeping the hard surface of area used. Failure to
clean the area as defined above will result in the loss of the $50 security deposit.
Public events that are expecting more than 100 people in attendance, may be required to attain a special
event permit.
Sportsmanship / Behavior
The City of Lake Elmo has provided (17) parks and open spaces for public enjoyment. To insure that park use is
fun, comfortable, and pleasant experience the following rules of use have been established:
1. In the use of athletic fields, good sportsmanship rules apply to all players, parents, coaches and
fans involved;
2. Programmed youth sports activities must be chaperoned by adults;
3. Electronic amplification for music or voice projection and artificial lighting not provided by the City
of Lake Elmo must be approved in writing and must cease at dusk;
4. No smoking, alcohol or illegal drugs;
5. No Open fires;
6. No glass beverage containers
7. No picking of flowers, plant materials, or physical contact with shrubs or trees unless otherwise
designated as part of a nature education program;
8. All pets must be leashed at all times;
9. No solicitation of funds or sales of merchandise;
10. Litter pick-up and disposal in the responsibility of the reserving entity. Trash must be bagged,
sealed and placed in the park’s trash receptacle. Entity may be charged if the City staff has to
provide this service;
11. No parking on turf areas, with the exception of unloading and loading of sporting equipment or
gathering supplies. Parking in only assigned areas;
City Provided Lights
Field illumination is provided at Lions Park. Organizations using the facility under reservation must turn the
lights out (20) after completion of activity or be penalized $30 to offset utility costs.
Shelters
Parks with shelters can be reserved for (4) hour blocks, with reservations made up to (7) days in advance for
special events such as company picnics, family reunions, wedding reception, etc. The cost for Lake Elmo
residents is $50 deposit and $100 ($50 deposit / $50 use fee) for non-Lake Elmo residents. Users of the
shelters are required to pick up all refuse on and around the shelter, wipe off tables, and sweep the hard
surface area used. Failure to clean the area as defined above will result in the loss of the $50 security deposit.