Park Safety

Some ground rules.

A passion for Louisville and its parks, a respect for people and nature, a safeguarding of a new suburban landscape — these are all cornerstone values of The Parklands. Our park rules are set up to ensure a safe, clean, fun and beautiful visitor experience and to protect countless species of birds and mammals and native plants.

See the natural order of things.

Emergency Information:
Emergency: Call 911
LMPD Non-Emergency: 502-574-2111
General Parklands Information: 502-584-0350

Park Rules and Regulations

  • ATVs are not permitted.
  • Please obey all posted signs.
  • Speed limit of 25 MPH on park roads.
  • Speed limit of 15 MPH on Louisville Loop and park trails.
  • Vehicles must remain on park roads and in designated parking areas.
  • Parks are open from dawn till dusk every day unless otherwise noted or programmed.
  • The use of tobacco products is not permitted in the playground and sprayground areas.
  • Activities that involve flying projectiles — including but not limited to rockets and golfing — are prohibited. Archery is only permitted at the Pope Lick Archery Range.
  • Sales, solicitation, littering, dumping, hunting, fireworks, open fires, metal detecting, sledding, and glass containers are prohibited.
  • Food sales and distribution, amplified sound and music, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and disturbing or collecting any vegetation or natural resources are all prohibited, except by permit issued by The Parklands of Floyds Fork.
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles, including drones, are prohibited in all areas of The Parklands unless in the service of official Parklands work or with the written consent of the park management team.
  • Gas grills are only permitted in the PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Pavilion in Beckley Creek Park and the Ogle Foundation Woodland Pavilion in Broad Run Park. Charcoal grills are not permitted.
  • Any organization using The Parklands that charges a fee for participation in their activity by the participants — fitness classes, photography sessions, and so on — must get an annually approved commercial use permit. This policy does not distinguish between for-profit and nonprofit commercial use.

Dog, Animal, and Wildlife Rules

  • Do not feed or harass wildlife.
  • No hunting or trapping permitted.
  • Horses and hoofed animals are not permitted in The Parklands at this time.
  • Anglers must adhere to all Kentucky Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations.
  • If you see a sick, injured, or dead animal in a public area of the park, do not attempt to touch or move it. Call 502-584-0350 immediately.
  • Dogs are welcome in the Parklands. Owners are responsible for sanitary disposal of dog feces and for keeping their pets on leashes. A designated off-leash play area is provided within the Barklands of Beckley Creek Park. A membership with the Louisville Dog Run Association is required for use.

For Your Enjoyment and Safety

  • Watch the weather.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Carry a mobile phone.
  • Adults should supervise children at all times.
  • Do not use soft-surface trails when they are muddy.
  • Use only park equipment or facilities for their intended purposes.
  • During hot days, avoid unnecessary exposure to heat, and drink plenty of water.
  • Do not take unnecessary valuables with you on your outing, and never leave any valuables unattended in the park or in your car.
  • When you’re paddling on Floyds Fork, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and follow posted safety guidelines.
  • If you’re out on a trail or on Floyds Fork, let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Be aware that the water levels rise quickly on Floyds Fork and smaller creeks, and note the name of the park or the trail that you’re on, including the mile distances on the Loop or Floyds Fork.

Playground and Sprayground Rules

  • No running or rough play allowed.
  • Tobacco products are prohibited in the playground and sprayground areas.
  • No food, drink, or gum is allowed on the play features or in the spray areas.
  • Clear the playground and sprayground when thunder is heard or lightning is seen.
  • Don’t urinate or change diapers in the sprayground areas. Use the provided restrooms.
  • There is no lifeguard on duty. As such, a responsible adult should be actively supervising children at play.
  • Any person with a contagious disease or infectious condition may not use the sprayground areas.
  • Use the facility at your own risk. (KRS KY 411.190: Kentucky Recreational Users Statute applies to all park visitors.)
  • Pop-up tents, canopies, and beach umbrellas are not allowed inside the gate of the playground or sprayground areas.
  • Persons with excessive sunburns, open abrasions, or bandages of any kind are not permitted in the sprayground areas.
  • No pets, dogs, alcohol, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or glass containers are allowed inside the gate. Service dogs are permitted.
  • Please wear sunscreen and footwear at all times. Apparel worn in the spraygrounds must be clean. Swim diapers are required for children who are not yet potty trained.
  • Do not block the sprayground drains. Do not walk or stand or climb on the spray heads. Do not drink the sprayground water or place your face directly into the streams of water.
  • Tables and picnic areas within the playground and sprayground areas may not be reserved (with the exception of the Redbud Shelter in Broad Run Park). If you’re interested in reserving space, please call 502-584-0350 and ask about our pavilions and facilities.
  • Grills are not permitted in the playground or sprayground areas. Charcoal grills are prohibited — only gas grills may be used. Grill use is restricted to the PricewaterhouseCooper LLP Pavilion in Beckley Creek Park and the Ogle Woodland Pavilion in Broad Run Park.

Please follow these rules for the safety of your fellow park users, and to make the experience of visiting The Parklands more enjoyable for everyone. And keep it clean — cleanliness is the responsibility of all park users. Place trash in the proper receptacles, and please report any trash, damage, graffiti, vandalism, or unsafe conduct to our staff: 502-584-0350 or www.theparklands.org. Emergency: Call 911.

Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden Rules

  • No dogs.
  • No bikes, skates or skateboards.
  • No climbing on trees or rocks.
  • No wading in water.
  • Supervise children at all times.
  • Watch your step – walking surfaces are uneven.
  • Stay on pathways.
  • Do not disturb or step on any plants.

Silo Lookout Rules

  • Umbrellas are prohibited in the Silo.
  • Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco in the Silo.
  • Throwing objects of any kind off of the Silo is prohibited.
  • No pets are allowed in the Silo (with the exception of service animals).
  • We recommend that you wear proper shoes when climbing the Silo. Heels and bare feet are discouraged.
  • When the Silo door is locked, the Silo is closed to the public. Forced entry of the secure area may result in an arrest for criminal trespass.
  • For their safety and for the safety of other visitors to the Silo, no person may be lifted or carried up the Silo steps. Running, jumping, or stomping in the Silo is prohibited.
  • The Silo is open from dawn to dusk during normal weather conditions. Our staff reserves the right to close the Silo at any time for any reason, including for special events or poor weather.
  • An adult who is 16 years of age or older must accompany children 11 years of age or younger into the Silo. To go up into the Silo, children must be at least 42 inches (3.5 feet) tall and capable of climbing all the steps on their own.

E-Bike Policy

  • The Parklands authorizes persons over the age of 16 to use “Class I” electronic-assist bicycles — commonly known as “e-bikes” — on roadways and authorized bike trails throughout The Parklands. These bikes are subject to the same rules, regulations, ordinances, and laws as those applicable to traditional human-powered bicycles.
  • This policy is limited to Class I e-bikes, which are defined as “bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 MPH.”
  • At this time, Class II and Class III e-bikes are not permitted within The Parklands.
  • Types of e-bikes:
    • Class I Bicycles are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 MPH. (Approved for use in The Parklands.)
    • Class II Bicycles are equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 MPH. (Use is prohibited in The Parklands.)
    • Class III Bicycles are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance at 28 MPH. (Use is prohibited in The Parklands.)

BRANCH OUT.

The Parklands is free to enter and open to the public 365 days a year. This is your park, so we want you to feel involved at all times. Volunteer with us, donate to become a Member, sponsor an event, or purchase a commemorative.