HomeMy WebLinkAboutA033 - Discussion on modifications to Municipal Code Chapter 19: Parks and RecreationITEM #:33
DEPT:P&R
November 18, 2025
Staff Report
DISCUSSION ON MODIFICATIONS TO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19:
PARKS AND RECREATION
BACKGROUND:
At the March 11, 2025 City Council meeting, City staff presented on the topic of micromobility
uses in the City of Ames. As part of that presentation, City Council referred the micromobility
uses in parks to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Shortly afterwards, at the March 27, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, City
staff presented on the topic of micromobility. A lengthy discussion occurred (see Attachment
A), and the Commission proceeded to review Chapter 19 to see how it might address
micromobility use in the parks.
Upon reviewing Chapter 19, the Commission realized there were other sections of Chapter 19
and the Park Rules that could use some updates to reflect current practices and/or to provide
clarity on expectations of park use.
As such, the Commission engaged the public and sought feedback regarding Chapter 19 and
the Park Rules. An in-person public input session was held on April 2, 2025 (see Attachment
B) and a public survey was made available (see Attachment C). There were also additional
email correspondences with community members on these topics (see Attachment D).
Having received public feedback, the Commission has proposed updates to its Park Rules
(see Attachment E) and is proposing changes to Chapter 19 (see Attachment F). Notably, as
it relates to micromobility and personal transportation device uses, the Parks
Commission is recommending a 10 mph speed limit on park trails and paths. The main
concerns heard involved multi-modal uses on park trails and paths, and the need to institute a
speed limit for safety purposes. This will be discussed more in depth when a formal ordinance
update is being considered by Council.
In addition to the micromobility issue, the City Council is being asked to consider other
changes to Chapter 19, highlighted in red in Attachment F.
If the Council is supportive of considering the Commission's recommendations to
modify Chapter 19 of the Municipal Code, it would be appropriate for the Council to
make a motion directing the City Attorney to draft an updated ordinance for Chapter 19.
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OPTIONS:
Option 1 - Direct the City Attorney's Office to draft a modified ordinance for Chapter 19.
Option 2 - Do not direct the City Attorney's Office to draft a modified ordinance for Chapter 19
except for any references to micromobility.
Option 3 - Do not modify Chapter 19 at this time.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Staff agrees with the Commission that modifications to Chapter 19 and Park Rules
would be appropriate in order to reflect current practices and desired expectations as
presented in Attachments E and F. Therefore, staff is recommending that the Council
approve Option 1 which is to direct the City Attorney's Office to draft a modified
ordinance for the Council's approval at a future date.
Please note that the responsibility of updating the Park Rules is a function of the Parks and
Recreation Commission and Council need not take any action regarding Park Rules.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A: Parks Commission March 27 2025 Minutes.pdf
Attachment B: Park Policies - Public Input 4-2-25.pdf
Attachment C: Parks Policy Survey Results.pdf
Attachment D: Park Policies - Email Correspondence.pdf
Attachment E: Park Policies Draft.pdf
Attachment F: Chapter 19 - Parks and Recreation 2018-3 (Revised - Staff Mark-up).pdf
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CITY OF AMES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE March 27, 2025
COMMISSION
PRESENT
ABSENT Jeff White
STAFF Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson
1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: (Reeves/Iles) to approve the February 20, 2025, meeting minutes.
MOTION PASSED: (5-0)
3. PUBLIC FORUM
None
4. MOTION APPROVING THE JAYCEES REQUEST TO:
Ames Jaycees’ request to use Bandshell Park for the 2025 Ames on the Half Shell event is like
previous requests, Abraham reported. Rental fee options were discussed when staff met with
Ames Jaycees representatives in late 2024. Staff could not justify further fee reductions.
Reeves asked if fee concerns might suggest Ames Jaycees will consider relocating the event to
the CYTown “Cylo” amphitheater. Abraham indicated that has not been communicated to City
staff. Bandshell Park is a great venue for the event, and similar attendance numbers at CYTown
would not fill the venue. Abraham pointed out the existing arrangement with Ames Jaycees is
mutually agreeable, and the concert proceeds are returned to the community in various ways.
MOTION: (Iles/Rathe) to recommend Alternative 1, which states:
Approve the Jaycees’ request to:
a. Sponsor “Ames on the Half Shell” utilizing Bandshell Park on five Fridays
between May 30 and June 27, with the band playing from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM,
ending no later than 8:30 PM, and teardown by 9:30 PM; and
b. Recommend City Council approve alcohol sales at Bandshell Park on five
Fridays between May 30 and June 27, between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM,
consumed at ground level within a fenced-in area, with the area cleared no later
than 9:00 PM or the fence removal, whichever comes first, and City Council
require the Jaycees to obtain a State liquor license to comply with local and State
liquor laws; and
c. Waive the Jaycees payment of $1.00 per ticket sold and 10% of gross food and
beverage sales.
MOTION PASSED: (5-0)
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5. MOTION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVE NAMING RIGHTS OF THE MINI-
PITCH PROJECT AT LLOYD KURTZ PARK
At its November 12, 2024, meeting, City Council directed staff to secure funding to reduce the
City’s commitment for a mini-pitch installation at Lloyd Kurtz Park. Following contract awarding
at the December 10, 2024, City Council meeting, staff successfully solicited donor funds,
Abraham reported, with Central Iowa Bank, Draintech, and Greater Iowa Credit Union each
responding with $1,500 bench donation commitments. Kurt and Sindy Friedrich pledged
$50,000 for rights to name the mini-pitch amenity “The Friedrich Pitch.” This donation
represents 14 percent of the project cost. Staff believes the request fits with the Parks and
Recreation Naming Policy, Friedrich Realty is a reputable company, and the Friedrich family are
outstanding citizens with daughters who grew up playing soccer in Ames.
MOTION: (Rathe/Iles) to recommend Alternative 1, which states:
Recommend City Council approve the request to name the Mini-Pitch located in Lloyd Kurtz
Park ”The Friedrich Pitch.”
MOTION PASSED: (5-0)
6. MOTION APPROVING THE YOUTH VOLLEYBALL CAMPS AGREEMENT WITH AMES
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025
This agreement with Ames High School Volleyball (AHSVB) regarding indoor and sand
volleyball camps is brought to the Commission annually. Abraham explained AHSVB provides
instruction and retains 70 percent of program fees, while the City retains 30 percent of paid fees
for assisting with promotion, registrations, and payments. Abraham described the agreement as
a win-win for two organizations that reach more people by partnering.
MOTION: (Tapp/Iles) to recommend Alternative 1, which states:
Approve the Youth Volleyball Campus Agreement with Ames High School Volleyball program
for calendar year 2025.
MOTION PASSED: (5-0)
7. MICROMOBILITY UPDATE
Abraham summarized City Council micromobility discussions spanning several years. Last
October, City Council instructed staff to develop a micromobility ordinance. Staff was looking for
direction from City Council and topics for consideration were discussed at the meeting held
March 11, 2025. Concerns arose about park-specific issues, with Council making
recommendations for a micromobility ordinance including streets, sidewalks – i.e., all but parks.
Council directed the Parks and Recreation Commission to include micromobility in any
Commission consideration of park rules and ordinance changes. Abraham reviewed the
standard e-bicycle classification system. He referenced comments made at the March 11 City
Council meeting by Ronn Ritz, owner of Skunk River Cycles. Ritz stresses how fast the user
should go, not how fast the device can go. Staff recommends a 10 MPH limit within parks,
maybe less in certain areas with safety being the key consideration.
Abraham reviewed micromobility definitions and Ames Municipal Code Chapter 4: Bicycles
ordinance, noting it does not currently include personal transportation devices. Also reviewed:
where to allow devices; speed limits; State of Iowa code; code from other Iowa communities, as
well as out-of-state examples; and various exceptions.
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Abraham noted two upcoming public meetings, one to educate the public on the Ada Hayden
Heritage Park trail widening project (April 1) and another to gather public input on park rules and
ordinance changes (April 2). Staff will also develop a survey to gather a more representative
community response. Abraham indicated staff will return with recommendations but also seeks
Commission feedback on park rule and/or ordinance updates regarding personal transportation
devices in parks. A draft updated ordinance will be brought to City Council soon.
8. PARK RULES AND ORDINANCES DISCUSSION
Iles asked how the City would enforce micromobility ordinances. Abraham acknowledged it
would be difficult and would require self-enforcement, or perhaps installation of radar speed
signs in some areas. Staff struggles with the idea of implementing an ordinance it knows will not
be enforced.
Cady stated a ban of e-bikes or e-scooters in parks would be short-sighted. Users should be
mindful when encountering other traffic on shared use paths. She stressed the importance of
educating community members about general trail and roadway safety, and noted new
technology is sometimes abused. More separated infrastructure and/or wider paths would help.
[Shimanek joined the meeting at 4:42 PM.]
Reeves and Cady discussed e-bicycle and performance/speed variations.
Abraham observed e-bikes may enable individuals to get out and enjoy the outdoors, something
they may not be able to do without it. Cady related personal experiences following a car
accident and how her e-bike provided valuable assistance.
Reeves asked if it would be possible to create rules for specific personal transportation devices.
Abraham said the Commission may examine any situation and make specific recommendations
about problems and solutions to ensure public safety within the park system.
Shimanek stated enforcing speed on trails is impossible. He agreed with the focus on prioritizing
safety and commented something going 30 MPH next to someone walking is not safe.
Tam Lorenz, 311 S Maple AVE, spoke about concerns with Brookside Park. Her presence there
has decreased in recent years not because of her ability but because it is “more of a stressor
than a pleasure to be there.” She urged the Commission to recommend to City Council reducing
the allowed distance between trainers and a dog from 90 feet to 12 feet. Cady asked if requiring
leashes when on a trail should be a consideration. Lorenz spoke about well-trained service
animals versus untrained dogs. Her other source of stress is cyclists dominating shared use
paths by speeding, making walking on paths sometimes frightening, especially when it may be
hard to hear bikes coming. She asked the Commission to set a speed limit of 5 to 10 MPH and
to require brakes, pointing out it is not just as issue of how fast one can go but how fast one can
stop. Lorenz suggested additional speed limit signage, widening paths to provide separation
from pedestrians, and further education to develop etiquette to make parks safer for all users.
9. ADA HAYDEN BOAT RENTALS MEMO
For 20 years, JAX Outdoor Gear provided weekend boat rentals at Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
This year, Abraham reported, JAX Outdoor Gear does not have adequate staff to support these
rentals but will continue to rent boats from its store. Abraham thanked JAX Outdoor Gear for a
wonderful partnership spanning many years.
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Staff researched self-serve rental options, however the required capital outlay is not budgeted. If
this were pursued and funded, Abraham indicated self-serve rentals could commence in 2026
and be available daily and for more of the year than the weekends-only from Memorial Day
weekend to Labor Day rental schedule used by JAX Outdoor Gear.
Cady asked if it would be possible to continue the partnership if the City purchased equipment
needed for storage and checkout, with JAX Outdoor Gear maintaining the watercraft. Abraham
indicated that would duplicate some of what JAX Outdoor Gear already does, and would also
require City capital, storage, and additional City staffing. The self-serve rental option would
include maintenance by the rental company. Abraham pointed out it is possible JAX Outdoor
Gear may wish to resume weekend boat rentals in the future.
[Abraham requested moving Agenda Items 11 and 12 ahead of Agenda Item 10.]
11. PROJECT UPDATES
a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Abraham summarized construction progress, noting: walls and steel up, roofs
almost complete, some electrical conduit and ductwork up, pool basin digging
beginning soon, and plans underway for work on non-natatorium areas. Change
orders are minimal. The substantial completion and facility opening dates moved
to January and March 2026, respectively. Story Construction and RDG Planning
& Design staff will explain the substantial completion date change at an in-person
City Council update scheduled for April 2025.
b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza
Everything Ice and Trane recently tested chiller equipment used to produce ice
for the plaza skating ribbon feature. Concerns arose about the consistency of the
ice, with some ice being brittle and other areas soft. Additional tests are planned.
Abraham indicated the ice-skating surface remains a big concern. Staff asked
Henkel Construction to provide an updated punch list and timeline for completion
of other construction and landscaping items. Next week Fountain Tech will test
the spray pad. When all necessary information is available, City Council will
decide about opening the rest of the plaza if the ice ribbon is not done. Iles asked
if there is a warranty for the plant materials. Thompson said one year.
c. Agility Course at Carr Park
Dirt is being moved, Abraham said, and the site is being prepared for equipment
installation. Thompson indicated the project will be completed by the end of May.
d. Daley Park Splash Pad
Abraham indicated staff plans to get a request for proposals for equipment and
installation out within the next week. On April 22, plans and specifications for the
rest of the project will be brought to City Council for consideration.
e. Park Maintenance Facility Expansion Project
This project includes renovations to the existing maintenance building along with
construction of additional cold storage. Plans and specifications for this project
will also go to City Council on April 22. Abraham reported the cost opinion for this
project exceeds available funding, while costs for the Daley Park Splash Pad are
less than available funding. Staff anticipates these cost savings will be available
to cover the funding shortfall for the maintenance building project.
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f. Parks and Recreation Administration Office Renovation
Building improvements completed during the past eight months include structural
changes to repurpose space, painting, and restroom renovations. Abraham said
visitors notice the improvements. New furniture will arrive by early June.
12. MONTHLY REPORT
Thompson reported the following:
A Conservation Corps of Iowa/Minnesota crew and City staff removed woody vegetation at
Ada Hayden Heritage Park. This work was funded by Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park,
Abraham added.
Fish habitat was installed in the north lake of Ada Hayden Heritage Park by Ames Anglers,
volunteers, and the Iowa DNR and City staff. This was the second habitat installation.
10. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR 2025/26
a. New Members
Commissioners Isles and Rathe were reappointed, both to serve three-year terms.
Hannah Sappenfield joins the Commission in April 2025 and will serve a one-year term.
b. Sarah Cady
Cady concluded eight years on the Commission. Abraham thanked her for serving and
contributing and presented thank-you gifts. Cady narrated a presentation highlighting
projects, ribbon cuttings, and milestones from years she served. Cady expressed pride
in project accomplishments and thanked staff and commissioners for a great experience.
13. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Reeves thanked Cady for her commitment to public service, steady presence, and for being an
advocate for the Parks and Recreation Commission, the community, and for parks.
14. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)
15. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION (Reeves) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM.
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ATTACHMENT B
Park Policies
Public Input
April 2, 2025
Notes
Presentation:
Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that staff has been directed by the Parks and
Recreation Commision and City Council to review park policies which includes both ordinances and
rules. Ordinances are approved by City Council, are a municipal infraction, and enforceable by the
Police Department. Rules on the other hand, are set by the Parks and Recreation Commission, are not
a municipal infraction, and not enforceable by the Police Department unless an individual continues to
not follow a rule.
Abraham also reviewed some of the issues and/or problems staff experience within the park system
and asked attendees for input and/or comments related to these issues or other concerns they may
have related to park policies. Comments and questions received have been categorized by issue below.
If a question was asked, a staff response is shown in green.
A survey will also be developed and distributed in a variety of ways for residents and park users to
provide additional input. All of this information will then be shared with the Parks and Recreation
Commission and City Council prior to any proposed changes being approved
Personal Transportation Devices:
• Technology is changing rapidly (i.e. e-bikes, etc.) and policies can become outdated or not
address new transportation devices.
o Speed limits would help cover as technology evolves.
• Has the City contacted bicycle clubs, groups, and organizations (i.e. VELO, ABC, etc.) to let
them know that Ada Hayden is not a racetrack?
o Staff has not done this but will reach out to different groups.
• Some form of a bike lane would help separate bikers and pedestrians.
• What is the existing bike lane width on R38 and could that width be used at Ada Hayden?
o One-way bike lanes must be a minimum of 4’ wide.
• Could you use speed cameras or effective safe speed bumps to control speed?
o Speed cameras will take additional resource and be hard to enforce. Speed bumps are
not practical as they create barriers for the mobility impaired. Since trails are used all year
round, speed bumps would make plowing very difficult.
• We ride our E-bikes at Ada Hayden 4-5 times per week and travel at a speed of 8-14 miles per
hour (mph). There seems to be a lot of negativity about E-bikes. We offer the following
comments:
o Suggest higher speed limits than 10 mph
o Always ring the bell, common courtesy
o We need to be kind to one another
o Disappointed if E-bikes were prohibited
• I own E-Bike Iowa and offer the following comments:
o E-bikes help clients to be more active
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o Ames is amazing to commute through and parks are a big component of commuter routes
o In favor of speed limit
o Is the speed limit on path/trails 20 mph?
The current ordinance has a speed limit of 20 mph on streets and trails. City
Council has directed staff to consider keeping 20 mph for streets. Council asked
the Parks and Recreation Commission to include speed limits within the park
system as part of its park policy review.
• Having lines separating wheeled devices from pedestrians and speed limists are great
• I work with immigration services and most clients are unable to obtain a license. Their mode of
transportation is oftentimes bicycles. Do not limit individuals from being able to go to work without
utilizing trails within the park system.
• Not comfortable using bike lanes on streets but do feel comfortable riding in parks
• People use bikes to conduct wildlife surveys
• County park speed limit within campground at Hickory Grove is 10 mph. Other areas are 20 mph
• People need to announce when you’re passing
• Speed limit could change based on how busy the park is
• E-bikes help older people enjoy the parks and Parks and Recreation should consider the
following:
o Slow down on your bike when going around people
o 13th Street shared us path (SUP) by Haber Road is not safe for bicyclists
o Car drivers are not courteous to bicyclists
o Want to continue to bike through Brookside
o Consider the Idaho stop (if no vehicles are around, roll through a stop sign)
o Need a public education campaign
Park Hours:
• Why do parks close at 10:30 p.m.?
o Many of the parks are adjacent neighborhoods and Parks and Recreation want to be good
neighbors so the parks close at 10:30 p.m. It also limits noisy and/or illegal activities from
taking place in the park after hours.
Unhoused:
• How much money is being spent on stopping camping (i.e. moving campers along, clean-up,
etc.)? Could this money be redirect to fix the real problems (i.e. substance abuse, mental health,
and lack of housing)?
o Staff does not know the cost of addressing unhoused issues within the park system.
• Post a list of resources in the restrooms
• Promote good behavior
• Have a mobile response to provide responses and support
o Through Mary Greeley Medical Center, an ARCH unit does address some of these
issues. There are also other organizations that provide support to the unhoused.
• There is the potential for an increase in the unhoused population only exacerbating the problem
• Need to accommodate the anti-social population
• Are showers mandated at the spray/splashpad?
o Both the spraypad and splash pad will have a recirculation system which is similar to a
swimming pool. Because of this system, showers are mandated by the state of Iowa.
• The Romero House offers a shower in a private setting (educate people about this)
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• Way back, County homes were available which provided housing and oftentimes a job. These
homes addressed a need. Is this a possible solution?
o Staff would need to research, however, funding will most likely be a barrier.
• Is the concrete surface of the Schainker Plaza Ice Skating Ribbon resolved?
o The City and the Contractor are continuing to discuss potential solutions.
Damaging Plants, Foraging, Etc.:
• What about cutting invasives (i.e., garlic mustard)?
o Currently the ordinance doesn’t allow individuals from removing invasives unless it is part
of a managed event. Staff will review.
• What is the major issue with foraging?
o Nothing, other than it is not currently allowed. The ordinance will need to be revised.
• Pro-foraging
Safety:
• Fireworks not allowed in the park system is not on the park rules sheet.
o There is a City ordinance but staff will review and consider putting it on the rules sheet.
• Concerned about real versus perceived threats. How many assaults are taking place in the
parks?
o Staff is not aware of many assaults that take place in the parks but believe one is too
many. Perception is reality for many people and if people perceive an area is unsafe, they
will stop using it. Staff want to ensure as best we can, a safe environment for all users.
• Are individuals not carrying weapons to protect themselves?
o Don’t know how to answer this one besides some most likely do and some don’t.
• If parents/guardians were responsible for the actions of their children, would parents be levied
fines?
o When researching park policies from other communities, some policies included a section
on Parental Responsibility. Consequences included fines and restitution.
Trash:
• There is always a lot of trash on South Duff. Can you make businesses responsible for clean-
up?
o Don’t know.
• Are developers responsible for trash they generate?
o They should be cleaning up their trash but that doesn't always happen.
• There are a lot of stickers on posts, signs, etc. on South Duff. Can businesses, groups, or
organizations be responsible for clean up if there stickers are found on items they should not be
on?
o Don’t know.
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
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Appendix A
(Q3) Do you or anyone in your household utilize City of Ames Parks? If not, why? – 14
responses
1. Age
2. Don’t know
3. handicapped; too hard to walk distances. i have enjoyed FREE GOLF CART
TOURS OF ADA HAYDEN THAT "THEY" PUT ON IN FALL. IN MY YOUNGER YEARS
WHEN SINGLE, WE WOULD GO TO BROOKSIDE PARK AND BBQ SUPPER THERE. I
USED TO PLAY WOMEN'S LEAGUE SOFTBALL FOR MANY YEARS until my knee
injuries from HS took its toll on my body and made me quit. my knee went out
more than i personally went out! lol.
4. have no reason to use it
5. I had to purchase an early bird pass at Furman Aquatic Center just to coach my kids.
I don’t get to utilize the pass I was forced to purchase to keep my kids safe, yet I
6. I only work in Ames, so I do not spend much time outside of work other places.
7. Just moving to the area and haven’t had an opportunity to do so
8. Limited free time.
9. Mostly do indoor activities
N/A
11. Not able to be out in the sun or hot weather
12.
13. Only lived in Ames a year so not familiar with parks in Ames
14. We just do not go to parks. I don’t walk very well anymore, so we don’t take hikes.
(Q6) If you are unsure about what you can or cannot do within the park system, how do
r? Other (please specify) – 44 responses
1. Behave like an adult and assume this is okay
2.
3. Check city code
4. Check signage or brochures at the Park for information (e.g. hours)
5. Don’t ask
6. Don’t ask
7. Don't know
8. google
9. Google
google
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Appendix A
11. Google, AI answer
12. I abide by social contract and don’t be an asshole
13. I don’t normally do things that would likely be problematic
14. I don't do it
15. I just do whatever I was planning to do and stop if I’m asked to
16. Just keep doing it until I get in trouble
17. Like a majority of other people I'd apologize rather than ask permission.
18. Look at the sign with rules next to the entrance
19. Look for a sign in the park
Look for park signage
21. Look for physical signs at the park
22. Look for signage
23. Look for signage
24. Look for signage at the applicable park
25. Look for signs
26. Look for signs
27. Look for signs in the area
28. Mostly I just check for signs
29. NA
Nothing
31. Nothing, just not be an idiot
32. read posted signs
33. Read signage at parks
34. Read signage at the park
35. read signs
36. Rules posted sometimes
37.
38. Use common sense
39. Use common sense
Use common sense
41. Use common sense and reason
42. Use common sense.
43. wait see what happens
44.
(Q7) Do you or anyone in your household own any of the following? Other (please
specify) – 77 responses
46
Appendix A
1. Autos
2. Boat
3. Car
4. Dogs
5. Dogs
6. E trike
7. electric unicycle
8. Feet... We walk
9. Golf cart
Hoverboard
11. Hoverboards (w/ go-kart attachment)
12. I own a bicycle, but at this time, I am no longer use it. planning to donate
13. Inline skates
14. inline skates, SUP, kayak
15. kayak, SUP
16. Kayaking
17. Kids’ tricycles
18. Kyak
19. L
Mountain Bike
21. No, none, none of the above, nothing (17 total)
22. Paddle board
23. Paddle board, kayak
24. recumbent tadpole bike
25. Rollar skates
26. Roller blades
27. Roller blades
28. roller blades
29. Roller blades
Roller blades
31. Roller skates
32. Roller skates
33. Roller skates
34. Roller Skates
35. roller skates (quads)
36. Rollerblade
37. Rollerblades
38. Rollerblades
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Appendix A
39. Rollerblades
Rollerblades
41. Rollerblades
42. Rollerblades
43. Rollerblades and roller-skates.
44. Rollerblades/rollerskates
45. run/jog/walk
46. Single and double strollers, bike trailers
47. Stroller
48. Stroller
49. Stroller
Stroller
51. Stroller
52.
tax payers. This is a waste of tax payers money.
53. Wagon
54. Wagon to carry kids in
55. Walk
56. Walk
57. Walk
58. Walking
59. Walking
Walking only
61. We walk.
(Q8) Do you or anyone in your household use any of the following within the park
system? Other (please specify) – 117 responses
1.
funds.
2. Biking to the parks
3. Boat
4. Car
5. do not use within the parks
6. Dog park
7. Dogs
8. Dogs
9. don't use bikes in park
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Appendix A
E trike
11. electric unicycle
12. Feet
13. Feet, we walk
14. Fishing pole
15. Golf course
16. Homewood Golf Course
17. I
18. i don't use any in the parks
19. Inline skates
inline skates, SUP, kayak
21. just walk
22. Kayaks
23. kayay, SUP
24. Kyak
25. Loaned to younger relative currently
26. Maybe bike? I'm not the one in the household with the bike
27. My feet
28. No, None, None of the above (49 total)
29. Paddle board
Paddle board, kayak
31. Playground and parhways
32. recumbent tadpole bike
33. Roller Blades
34. Roller blades
35. roller blades
36. Roller blades
37. Roller skates
38. Roller skates
39. Roller skates
roller skates (quads)
41. Rollerblade
42. Rollerblades
43. Rollerblades
44. Rollerblades
45. Rollerblades
46. Rollerblades
47. rollerblades and roller-skates.
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Appendix A
48. Single and double strollers, bike trailers
49. Stroller
Stroller
51. Stroller
52. Stroller
53. Stroller
54. Stroller
55. Stroller
56. Unicycle, pogo stick, piano on wheels
57. Wagon
58. Wagon to carry kids in
59. Walk
Walk
61. Walk
62. Walk!
63. Walking
64. Walking
65. Walking
66. We do not use any of these in the parks.
67. We mostly run/walk, no wheels
68. We walk
69. We walk.
(Q9) Please select your top three forms of transportation within the park system.
(Maximum of three) Other (please specify) – 48 responses
1. Biking/e-biking are both with stroller trailer
2. Boat
3. Car
4. City board members should be ashamed of stealing tax payer money for an animal
shelter and saying it is from the city counsel.
5. Cross-country skis
6. Do not run
7. Dog walking; taking photos
8. Driving in a car.
9. E trike
electric unicycle
11. Just
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12. Just the other 2
13. Kayak
14. Kayak
15. Kayak
16. Kayaking
17.
18. Kayaks
19. Na
None
21. Paddle board
22. Pickleball
23. Playground
24. Playground
25. Playgrounds
26. recumbent tadpole bike
27. Roller Blades
28. Roller blading
29. roller skates
Roller skates
31. roller skates (quads)
32. Rollerblade
33. Rollerblades
34. Rollerblades; Kayak
35. Rollerblading
36. Stroller
37. Stroller
38. Stroller
39. Stroller
Stroller
41. Stroller
42. Stroller
43. Stroller
44. Swimming
45. Swimming
46. wagon to carry kids in
47. Walker
48. walking with stroller
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(Q10) What form of transportation do you use most often within the park system?
Other (please specify) – 17 responses
1. Boat
2. Car
3. Driving car
4. E trike
5. Golf course
6. Just walking and biking
7. Kayak
8. Kayaking
9. Kayaking
Playground
11. recumbent tadpole bike
12. roller skates (quads)
13. Stroller
14. Stroller
15. SUP
16.
17. With a bike trailer
(Q11) Which park(s) do you regularly visit? – 1,095 responses
Park Name Mentions (approx.)
Brookside
Inis Grove / Inis Grove Park
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
Moore Memorial Park
Miracle Park
Emma McCarthy Lee Park
Bandshell Park
Roosevelt Park
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Park Name Mentions (approx.)
Stuart Smith Park
Daley Park
Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor
Carr Park
River Valley Park
Harrison Park
Hira Park
Homewood Park
Moore Park
McFarland Park
Miracle Playground
O’Neil Park
Patio Homes West Park
Roosevelt
(Q16) Have you experienced or witnessed any of the following issues regarding
personal transportation devices within the park system? (Select all that apply) Other
(please specify) – 225 responses
1.
2. golf carts
3. 4 ppl walking next to one another and bikes go into grass, headphone users just as
bad.
4. Ada Hayden is probably the worst place to go. Not because of transportation
devices, but there is frankly just too many people/overcrowded.
5. All of the above. I use a park daily. People don't announce etc.
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6. Ames Iowa city counsel likes to waste tax payer money on their own personal pet
projects.
7. Bikers need to use bells, not just shout.
8.
9. Discriminatory questions. Your intent is to ban bikes.
Dog leash tripping hazard.
11. Dog owners not hsving dogs on leashes ehich then jump up pn people.
12. Dog walkers let there dogs on a long leash and they suddenly react to something
and if on a bike, you can’t react fast enough to it
13. Dog walkers not paying attention to where their dog is on the trail.
14. Dogs not on leash
15. Don’t usually see wheeled transportation in the parks
16. Drunks
17. Earbuds on, impeding safety
18. even walkers and joggers can be disrespectful of other users (i.e. taking up the
whole path, not moving over for others, not paying attention, etc.)
19. folks on foot have the right of way. Speed wheel people dont seen to care or even
know that sometimes
Folks typically announce themselves to others or slow down
21. have not experience any of these
22. Have not experienced any of these when I have been at the parks.
23. Have not had any problems
24. Have not personally witnessed any of the above.
25. Have not witnessed
26. Haven't experienced issues
27. Haven't seen any
28.
29. Headphone use while biking/skateboarding
Headphone users curse even if you announce your bike presence
31. Homeless people interactions
32. I am most bothered by people wearing headphones, whether on for it in wheels, and
unaware of their surroundings. Even for those of us who do call out, I have had close
calls coming up behind a pedestrian while I am on a bicycle
33. I feel at Ada Hayden especially, they go too fast, zig and zag through people, not
announce themselves properly and are dangerous to dogs.
34. I have no problem with any of this. I have a problem with people smoking in miracle
Park, the signs are not very large saying that it’s not allowed. It also happens around
the library entrance.
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35. I have not witnessed any of these events.(10 total)
36. I have witnessed most of these but that doesn't necessarily mean there should a
total revamping of policy. There will always be outliers.
37. I haven't experienced anything. Read the below answer.
38. I rarely see the above. Most often it is due to one person not paying attention. Then
one or more people are rude to each other.
39. It seems most people are considerate.
Joggers/walkers ignoring people on mobile vehicles and being in the middle of the
path refusing to move
41. Loud music coming from bicycles
42. loud sound of combustion-assisted bicycle
43. Maybe just some hiccups between people sharing the trails.
44. Mostly experience joggers that enter crosswalks that do not even care that a car is
about to turn
45.
46. N/A, no, no issues, none, none of the above, nothing, not really, nope (136 total)
47. No, I actually don't feel that they are being used enough!
48. none-mostly I witness people in automobiles being oblivous to pedestrians and
cyclists
49. Not all parks have bathroom/potopottys, this is a major issue.
Not enough lighting in parks or none at all.
51. on their phone while operating - should be same as road and banned
52. Only had positive experiences
53. People being inconsiderate and entitled pricks. People walking 3-4 wide in a trails is
nonsense. Those a probably the same people complaining and whining about how
unsafe a one wheel is.
54. People seem generally polite and aware of the need to share the trails.
55. People using both sides of the trail and not always staying to the right.
56. People walking dogs on retractable leashes are by far the biggest hazards on the
trails.
57.
58. Reckless kids
59.
attacks.
riding bikes where it is prohibited
61.
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62. The e bikes/scooters think they have right away and walkers and joggers should yield
to them. Don’t belong on the walking/bike paths
63. The problem I see are people walking /riding with their ear buds and bikers/ walking
with music too loud. There is no common curtesory. Walkers walk 3 abreast on
paths. I ride an e-bike and when I ring my bell or say on your left people don't move
over. I always slow down when passing. Other bike riders pass me all the time and I
am on an e-
respectful. Some Dog walkers are letting their animals run back and forth and don't
pick up the poop.
64. There are speed concerns, being Startled when a fast approaching bike says they
are approaching, especially if you are also keeping a pet in control. Possibly there
work, play or are
able to get to a park with their schedule?!?!?! Also it could be hard to enforce.
Possibly some parks could be for people & some for vehicles, but then if a person
guring this
out?!!!
65. There have been many instances of being forced to jump out of the way of a bike
rider who has not used common bike courtesy.
66. This is required, so I have to answer, but people on wheeled transportation seem
very respectful.
67. Too fast bicycles on walking trails
68. Unleashed dogs
69. Unnecessary 48 hour parking ticket notices and unnecessary issued reverse park
parking tickets.
Use of motorbikes on the trails at Moore park
71. Walkers / dogs take up too much width (3 across or leashes). Paved paths could
have dirt / crushed gravel shoulders for running / walking. Better on the knees than
concrete anyway and would ease congestion
72. Walkers and joggers are also rude, inconsiderate, and disrespectful of other park
users who are on foot or using personal transportation devices.
73. Walkers in groups taking entire pathway. People not staying to the right when
walking.
74. Walkers not responding to communication because of personal listening devices.
75. Walkers wear earphones and become unaware of their environment. It makes it
impossible to let them know that a bike is passing them.
76. walkers wearing listening devices such as Air Pods and not staying to the left cannot
hear bicycle riders when they try to pass.
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77. Walkers with earbuds in, not paying attention to bike bell or "on your left" when
passing on a bicycle
78. We're fairly new to Ames and only rarely encounter transportation devices on our
walks
79. What I most frequently witness is that walkers use headphones or earbuds
(presumably to listen to music, podcasts, phonecalls). As a cyclist, I announce
myself to walkers but they cannot hear me because they are using headphones or
earbuds. I'm sure some cyclists or wheeled-device users don't announce
themselves properly. But I'd like some blame on walkers who shut themselves out of
reality/nature/others by constantly being obsessed with listening devices.
when approaching walkers while on my bike I announce where I am and often do
receive a response so I don't know if they heard me or if they have ear buds in. If you
announce and then ding your bell it seems to irritate some people. It would be
helpful if walkers would acknowledge the announcement
81. When bicycling often people walking have devices in their ears and walk in the
middle of the trail and don't hear me when I warn them of my approach
(Q17) Are there other safety concerns you have about the use of personal
transportation devices within the park system? – 344 responses
1. I just think they should be banned altogether for the safety of those who wak or sit
quietly in the park Seniors especially are at risk from all those transportation devices.
They are dangerous enough on the roads!
2. 1) Inconsistent use of R side of shared paths, perhaps because of lack of understanding
of standard protocol. Maybe paint intermittent direction arrows directly on path
(especially at Ada Hayden). 2) People walking pets on leashes (esp at Ada Hayden) with
humans on one side of path and pets on the other, so leashes cross path and create
hazard for others on wheels. 3) People, often in groups, using the full width of shared
paths (especially at Ada Hayden) without paying attention to others and condensing to
the R side when others approach from in front or from behind. Additional note: Parks
are some of the only safe places for young kids to practice on bikes and such. I wouldn’t
want to lose that.
3. a few cyclists go much too fast at Ada Hayden, riding more like it's a bike track
4. A friend recently lost her sister to an e-bike accident. Going too fast and hit culvert.
5. A universal speed limit doesn't make sense. Some trails are clearly suited to higher
speed limits.
6. Ada Hayden is the park where I have most experienced bicycles traveling at speeds
incompatible with pedestrians on the paths.
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7.
dogs on leashes and
as they attempt to set speed records and get around the lake as quickly as possible. We
have bike lanes in our town for a reason.
8. Ada Hayden needs clearer signs telling cyclists to announce their presence as they
approach and go around pedestrians
9. All the options above also apply to all sidewalks, shared trails, etc outside of the parks.
It's extremely frightening. As a walker, I HAVE to walk in the streets to avoid being ran
over.
Although I have not personally witnessed it in the past, my main concern would be with
users of these devices traveling too fast in the presence of slower pedestrians and
when the trails are congested. I do not believe that excluding people on these devices is
the answer. Many people use them (especially e-bikes) not to travel fast, but to
extended their stamina and ability to get outdoors to the parks at all. I think speed limits
on all trails in parks make perfect sense - they make it clear that while these devices are
welcome, giving them a place to go fast is NOT the function of the park trails and this is
a space that must be shared in a neighborly way with users at a range of speeds.
11.
human powered devices, and a narrow path that winds through a neighborhood Park.
I'm also concerned about E-Bikes and similar that are much heavier than traditional
there, yet riding one of these quickly doesn't demand the same level of discipline and
practice as traditional cycling.
12. Anything but man powered devices have no business within a park. This is a no brainer.
13. As a cyclist, the use of headphones/earbuds by walkers and joggers also presents
challenges for those using a personal transportation device. So in response to device
users not announcing their presence, at times this does nothing due to walkers and
joggers being unable to hear what is going on in their surroundings. Personal
transportation devices do present safety issues but inattentive walkers and joggers do
as well.
14. as park users we need to be careful and I like it when I see police on bikes in the parks
15. As someone who loves her E bike, I try to be very considerate and announce my
presence when passing people. I’ve had fellow bicycles past me, and I don’t have a clue
they’re there unless I see them in my rearview mirror. Bikes go way too fast out at Ada
Hayden, and they seem to think it’s their personal training ground for whatever race
they’re entering next. I know Ada Hayden was never designed for that, and I’m a strong
believer in putting in speed bumps or limiting the speed or bikers only go one way and
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Appendix A
walkers go the other. There are really serious accidents just waiting to happen out there.
As usual, a few ruin it for us who are just out on our bike and enjoying the beauty of that
park.
16. At Ada Hayden, bikers often come up behind walkers/dogs and pass without any
warning.
17. Bicycles go too fast at Ada Hayden where people are walking with kids and dogs
18.
19. Bikers going to fast and not letting walkers know they are passing.
Bikes etc should be allowed as long as they slow down near walkers/runners and
announce they are there
21. Bikes never stop at stop signs but cars have to?
22. Blocked views around corners, particularly Ada Hayden and bikers coming fast at small
kids.
23. Bridge to path unevenness. Valleys in the paths where the asphalt has cracked and
sank over time.
24. Camping
25. Carr woods trails need to have no wheeled vehicles more clearly marked. As an
ambulatory person in the park system I have never had a safe or respectful encounter
with a motorized vehicle on the paths. They all go as fast as they can and fail to
announce themselves
26. Cars are the problem, not bikes or skateboards.
27. Children on golf carts
28. Children’s motorized cars and jeeps tearing up the turf and destroying green space.
The option ‘only when dark’ makes no sense in response to the questions about “Do you
feel safe.”
29. Class 3 ebikes should be banned from park trails
Communication issue such as some walkers don't understand, "on your left"
sometimes they step left in front of the bicyclist
31. Connect Ames Bike Trail network to High Trestle Trail. R38 is a busy highway and not
safe for most cyclists. If Ames would connect to High Trestle Trail network, that would
connect us to a huge network and bring cycling tourism to Ames.
32. Dead wood, falling branches, trees.
33. Distracted individuals seemingly unaware of others using the park path
34. Dogs along side a biker, sometimes leashed and sometimes not.
35. Dogs and their humans are also issues for both walkers and bicyclists. Dogs are often
-leash. Some dogs on leashes are poorly controlled by the human and given too
much rope, allowing them to run out in front of others.
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36.
owner. It's not safe.
37.
38. E bikes often travel too fast
39.
already. "use at your own risk" is a good policy. Schainker park is a joke -why didn't you
send a survey for that so common sense could come into play for it. No one will use
that park except the homeless. PLUS stop naming parks for people like this -give him a
cheap gold watch & send him on his way. I won't use that park just because it is named
as such.
E-bikes at Ada Hayden go so very fast and they are often used by older individuals
where the control, stability and reaction time is quite delayed. I have seen many
examples of close calls with myself and others and an E-bike rider.
41. E-bikes can go so fast without experience level to be considerate to other trail users.
Not always the case most are good but some bad apples.
42. E-bikes should be pedal assist with limited speeds on paths. High speed e-bikes, e-
scooters, and e-skateboards should be limited to 15 mph max or limited to roads.
43.
44. Especially at ada Hayden I’ve noticed bikers and others using transportation devices do
NOT announce their presence and go SO fast. Personally, it’s one of my least favorite
things about this park and I usually avoid this park now because of it. I know this is a
good place to ride bikes too, but wish the path was larger and motorists would
announce their presence better and slow down!
45. Flooding
46.
47. Generally people are very careful and respectful. I don’t know if any additional oversight
48. GET RID OF BIKES
49. Given the centrality of many parks and the wide paths through them, I think that it
would be UNSAFE to ban using personal transportation through the parks. This would
push more of those devices to interact with cars at higher speeds. Negative outcomes
within the park are generally at low speeds and have limited negative impacts.
Good luck enforcing this.
51. Had some kids riding around the park last month in a golf cart, had no clue what they
were doing so I called the cops.
52. Homeless individuals using vehicles to transport personal belongings.
53. Homeless population on or near many trail systems
54. Homelessness
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55. Honestly I feel everyone on Ames park trails is very respectful and safe. I’ve never had
any issues!
56. How in the world would a speed limit be enforced? Ridiculous idea!
57. I am concerned about someone colliding with my young child or my stroller
58. I appreciate bikes being able to be used on trails (we use them as well to pull our tag
along bikes for young daughters), I think that a few bad apples have messed things up
for those that are being safe and sharing the space
59. I bike ride on trails early in the morning only at brookside and AH and there rarely have
been riders who are going too fast in my opinion, but they do call out, and I’m assuming
they are training. I’m always more concerned w walkers with headphones or speakers,
who can’t hear me calling out “bike on your left”, but I also am riding casually and in no
hurry. Also those w dogs on a long leash wandering all over side to side, I don’t mind
slowing up, but talking with your speaker on loud as you’re walking and not paying
startled, is not the bikers fault. Also I’ve heard of people yelling at bikers and not
wanting them at AH, but I’ve not had that experience between 6-7 am, and I’ve been
walkers and riders. I would imagine there could be safety concerns with bikers vs
walkers during busy afternoons or weekends, and if it’s crowded, I for one would never
choose to bike in a crowd, but my early morning rides are quiet and peaceful, and I have
never experienced any walker who seemed angry at me.
I don’t think electric bikes or anything electric should be allowed because they go too
fast and these places are too short in distance for people to be riding these on there.
They need to go somewhere like the HTT where they can go a far distance because they
cover it in such a short amount of time because of how fast they go. These places were
never built to be for that, rather mainly for walking and maybe running or just
meandering.
61. I feel most people when they are at the parks are already in a happy mood. The only
thing I would suggest is that we get more biking trails from park to park.
62.
are oncoming, and announce themselves (try not to startle) and ride slowly when
passing in same direction. If no pedestrians in site, then they can speed up all they
want, as long as they do not risk hitting wildlife.
63.
electric devices on these trails.
64. I feel that the parks are for everyone. Walkers and joggers should not have priority over
other modes. You can legislate all you want, but how do you propose to actually
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Appendix A
vancouver and Anchorage. They have trail systems designed for multi use (mainly
walking, jogging, bikes, horses as they aren't paved in many cases). Signage is
available to help with educating about etiquette. I saw no interaction issues there.
They were extremely heavily used ama yet everyone was polite.
65. I have concerns over “lane usage” - I think encouraging Ames to be a walkable and bike-
an integral to community needs as safe roads, housing and water. However, most of
the public is uneducated on what the “rules” are as most of the US has moved away
from such life breathing city-scape. How do we continue to educate those operating
these path vehicles while also teaching joggers walkers the proper etiquette as well?
66. I have frequently noticed that people have not picked up after their pets despite the
clear signage and free bags.
67. I have not encountered anything unsafe on park trails
68. I have not witnessed any safety concerns as a pedestrian in the park systems. I often
wish there were more designated trails for bikes. Sometimes Ada Hayden has a lot of
people out and about and I am worried a dog will jump out on the path when I am on my
bike, even after announcing my presence (Bicycle on your left please)
69. I have noticed there are some dogs that get very anxious with personal transportation
devices. A dog on a leash and an e-bike almost got tangled up recently.
I haven’t experienced any problems & I think most people have common sense about
safe use of their mobility devices
71. I haven't had any issues as a walker, jogger or bike rider
72. I haven't witnessed anything mentioned above, so maybe my answers are not fully
informed (and I am also rethinking the speed limit I mentioned on the previous page). I
could see how there could be concerns and safety issues if someone or a group was
using electric modes of transportation at higher rates of speed and/or recklessly. I think
they should be permitted if used appropriately and safely while being aware of those
around them.
73. I love seeing wildlife, however the deer and I have spooked each other and appeared too
close to each other on occasion
74. I mostly use Country Gables and haven't had any problems in this small park.
75. I see the biggest problem with the large, heavy and quite fast E-Bikes. These are
essentially electric motorcycles. If ridden responsibly, none of these devices would be
a problem. But too many folks ride at or near the limit of their machines and not
sensibly based on the other path users.
76. i think bicycles and other similar wheeled devices are safer on the sidewalk then the
road. A bicycle is faster then a walker but closer in weight to a walker then to a car.
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Appendix A
77. I think generally all park users are very considerate. It helps to have alternatives for
wheeled transportation so if riders want to get a good workout or get from point a to b
78. I think it should be shared use, but have a riding lane that walkers do not walk in
79. I think it's important to make more nuanced distinctions between parks, trails within
various parks and perhaps zones within parks. The questions so far have been blanket
questions that suggest a policy would apply to an entire park system, or to the entire
Ames city park system. But I think safety issues, crowding or other issues really
for instance, on the dirt and grass trails, I think it's appropriate to restrict wheeled
devices there for a few reasons. One, because of the surface -- and that it's prone to
erosion in spots. Two, to respect the area as a home for wildlife as well. Too many
vehicles whizzing about would be a nuisance to people walking and jogging, and to
other animals living in the woods. And three, because the trails are narrower in spots
and could present crowding problems -- not to mention causing damage to the trail
surfaces. However, on *paved* trails -- such as the paved Carr Park trail -- the path is
wider and can accommodate more people and potentially more wheeled devices.
While I prefer parks to be a little more wild, and would not want to see noisy E-bikes and
E-scooters becoming noise and speed hazards, I think people who prefer to use those
transportation devices should have some spaces within the park system where they'd
be allowed to do so. But thinking about courtesy and multiuse aspects (so that
pedestrians don't feel intimidated, or parents with young kids, etc.) is also important.
As is considering wildlife, natural aesthetic values and trail type.
I think there is absolutely a place for e-bikes and scooters—especially if it gets
someone out that couldn’t otherwise. It just seems like the riders are often times not
that and those in that “other” category treat them like trail mopeds and have zero trail
etiquette. My kid has crashed on a pedal bike more than once as an e-bike ripped
around her. They need governors.
81.
bicycles (even those with power assist) and electric bikes/scooters. I’ve found regular
bicycles/scooters/ skateboards to be generally more cautious than electric users.
82. I walk daily of the multi-use paths and on several occasions in the past year I've been
passed at very high speed, without warning from the rider, by an e-bike. In each case
-25 mph and totally unsafe in conditions with pedestrians on
the path.
83. I want people to have a place to bike, but I am always concerned about safety,
especially when the people are going very fast. My kids would love to ride their bikes
ay
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least for the paved paths at the parks. Or, make more bike paths so that they don't
Ames and how few bike paths. My kids live less than 2 miles from the Gilbert HS and 2
miles for Lloyd Kurtz, and they can't ride their bikes to either without being on the road.
drive
between the deer and the bikers with no side walk and no shoulder or path for a large
length of road. I would say focus less on policing the parks and more on creating safe
places for people to use these transportation methods outside of the parks.
84. I wish there was a cooldown area for nervous/aggressive dogs to go to and be semi-
isolated.
85. I would like completely separate trails for walkers and bicyclists because the bicyclists
come up on walkers too fast and they are going so fast, even when they announce they
are already on you. ESPECIALLY AT ADA HAYDEN!!!!!
86. I wouldn’t mind having bikes on the trails/paths if the riders would treat the paths as
“shared” and not just bike paths and would slow down near walkers and dogs and
announce their presence. More than 5 mph in the parks is too fast.
87. I'd be concerned about restricting the use of E--
abled populations. I believe the use of these devices increases park and recreational
accessibility immensely. The only other safety concerns I have pertain to reckless
individuals within the parks, not their modes of transportation. I don't believe increased
policies will prevent disrespectful behavior.
88. If there are a lot of walkers around, some people need to slow way down.
89. If there are walkers coming from both directions and a bike races up at a high rate of
speed, they expect us to rush into the grass to get out of their way. It’s not a race track
and shouldn’t be used for training. It’s a walking path not a race track.
If they are traveling at near road speeds they need to be on the roads.
91.
but I feel uncomfortable next to the device without brakes, such as monowheel or e-
skateboard
92. IMO the rude bicyclists are the riders training or wanting to go fast. These are adults and
not kids
93. In general, all are not announcing when when passing. People walking/riding (roller
blades) while looking at their phone the entire time. Pedestrians wearing headphones
and unable to hear bikers announce. Lack of helmets. I get this is a personal
preference, I just wish there would be more young riders getting used to wearing head
issues--we often drive elsewhere to have an enjoyable bike ride. There needs to be
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some sort of crossing signal at 13th/River Valley Park near the river bridge if/when the
bike paths are expanded (I didn't see one on the plan). This is a safety concern because
of the 45mph speed limit up to River Valley Park, with cars exceeding the limit and
with poor visibility around corners due to the height of summer vegetation. I am a dog
owner and loved walking my dogs on trails, but it is important to be aware of what is
going on around you in terms of other pedestrians and cyclists of any kind. I am
supportive of inexperienced riders--there is nothing which warms my heart more than
seeing a parent teaching their child to safely enjoy cycling and teaching them about trail
etiquette. Yay! Education would help with a lot of these issues.
94. inadequate evening/night lighting; surfaces that are not well maintained
95. it depends on the park
96. it helps when paths have a pedestrian section and a wheeled section marked. like,
pedestrians can walk in the wheeled section, but it helps people know when and how to
pass. I've appreciated it on the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville SC
97. It is interesting that the survey ask about device users announcing their presence. The
biggest issue is that pedestrians/runners are generally using noise-cancelling
headphones and are not aware of their environment. Another concern, whether I am
the one walking or biking is dogs that are unleashed or on a long leash
98. It seems like there are probably some inexperienced riders, and a couple of jerks. I
bad experiences. I have regularly used the parks for 15 years (less now, my kids are
older and I’m the one on a bike going around strollers) and this has not been a
persistent problem
99. It’s a challenge to walk with young kids and a stroller at Ada Hayden. We have had close
calls with adult riders who don’t announce themselves or slow down around children. I
have not experienced this at the other parks we visit in Ames.
-leash dogs in North River Valley Park / Carr Park, and
that is a huge safety concern.
Just announce more and people need to not wear headphones when walking
Just speed and consideration of others, which combined can cause injuries.
Just that bikers need to announce themselves!
Keeping paths clean from branches, debri and plants going wild
Many of the paths through our more established parks have narrow sidewalks instead of
paths. This makes sharing the walkways feel more dangerous. Some of them, like Stuart
Smith, the bridge entrance in Daley Park, and the paths out of Christopher Gartner Park
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have tight or blind corners that make me feel less safe when riding my bike or running
those paths. Unleashed dogs or dogs on long/retractable leashes make me nervous as
well as dogs don't feel under control. I have also noticed more people walking, running,
walking dogs, and using personal transportation devices while wearing headphones or
ear buds, often leaving them less aware of their surroundings. When I call out and ring
my bell while riding my bike, they often don't hear me. Lane striping on paths to remind
groups of people to keep right may also be helpful on routes more frequently used for
moving around the city.
many parks are not accessible for all, the city has invested in new equipment for parks
and are now surveying about devices used within the parks system but are not
addressing the bigger issue regarding the lack of accessible parks in our town by
eliminating the use of rocks or woodchips. Inis grove continues to be the most heavily
used park because it is accessible to ALL! Please consider budgeting and investing
more in the rubber surfaces for parks and more accessible equipment at various
locations. I often cannot take my disabled child to inis grove because there is no
parking/crowding issues. Give the town more options that are accessible!
Many people use bikes through city parks because roads are not as safe.
maybe this is where or when I use the trails, but I rarely see ebikes aside from older
adults chilling on rides together.
111. McFarland Park the trails are narrow and can’t always see bikes around curves (but
maybe not in city)?
112. Mobility for handicap individuals as sometimes the trails do not easily link up to the
parking lot.
113. More sidewalks for wheelchairs and strollers
114. More with dogs than transportation devices
115. Most incidents I have witnessed involve minors on electric scooters. Most states have
age limits for these but Iowa does not. Could the city institute an age limit?
116. Most individuals use common sense and are considerate. However, we need rules and
accountability.
117. Most people have been very respectfull.
118. Mostly concerned about the speed of some devices.
119. My biggest safety concern is the speed of bicycles at Ada Hayden.
N/A, no, none, not at this time (117 total)
121. No - the devices that are electric just need a reasonable speed limit.
122. No - the trail system is operating well and doesn't seem to need major changes. I
bicycle almost daily and have had no problems I can recall.
123. No concerning safety issues. The park system should be available to all users.
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124. No I think the park system should be available to use for all forms of personal
transportation
125. NO MOTORS!!
126. No- policing of bikes and skateboards is not necessary
127. No, but I do feel we need to create more paths that focus on those using personal
transportation devices than more walking trails. A dedicated pumptrack or mtb
jumplines like the FourMile MTB in des moines would be a great addition for bikers in
ames.
128. No, but I wanted to explain my answer to 14. There will always be inexperienced users in
any situation. I think the parks are a great place to gain experience and to learn to work
together.
129.
building a new one.
No. Parks are a great safe place for less experienced riders to learn how to ride safely.
I've seen plenty of kids and less experienced bikers that likely don't feel safe riding on
the road that are outdoors exercising in our parks. I've never had an issue with them
being disrespectful or disruptive and I'm happy to share the trail so that they also have a
safe place for recreation.
131. No. I think all people whether on foot or wheels should be allowed to use all parts of the
parks.
132.
slow down for safe passing.
133. none - no speed limit on non motorized devices
134. Not announcing approach for when walking dogs.
135. Not having dogs on leashes Having dogs leashed and running beside bikes
136. Not really. Would like to see a dedicated area in all of our parks for skateboards,
unicycles, etc.
137. Not sure if there is anything that can be done about it but teens using profanity (very
loudly) or destroying property
138. not unless the trails become a lot more crowded than I've seen so far
139. Not usually I am cautious at Ada Hayden because of fast bikes around blind curves
as keep right and not walking abreast and blocking trail or path
141. nuisance for walkers
142. of trail riders are very bad
143. Often pedestrians walk 4 across on shared use paths. We should have lanes marked on
the shared use paths and add signage that tells pedestrians how to share the path. We
also shouldn't allow bikes/etc on sidewalks, only on the wider paths in parks.
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144. Older mobility chair users with leashed dogs. They take up the entire trail, can't hear my
bike bell, and then create back ups. Sometimes sitting stationary around a corner and
causing many near collisions. Sand on the northern part of the Brookside path, making
it less safe for bikes.
145. One wheeled users have often been going too fast and inconsiderate.
146. Only concern that if bicycles aren’t allowed, it forces them onto streets which is unsafe.
147.
148. Parents NOT watching children!
149. Pavement repair
People are often wearing headphones or on their phones and unaware of their
surroundings. I don’t think you should limit park use, people just need to be
considerate and aware of their surroundings.
151. People going too fast…. Bike riders already zoom by on crowded trails while walking our
dog without announcing their presence. Allowing more devices = more safety risk
152.
153. People use small motorcycles on pathways and it is not good.
154. People using both sides of the trail and not always staying to the right. This is by far the
biggest safety concern I see in the parks and on the trails.
155. People using cell phones and not paying attention
156. People using cell phones on bikes and scooters. This is dangerous.
157. People walking are unaware of cyclist due to head phones
158. People wearing headphones so that they are unaware
159. Perhaps restricting e-bikes to only assisted pedaling and not continuous electric motor
powering the bike. We experienced this restriction in Acadia National Park.
161. Present trails not designed for high speeds. Those desiring fast riding of any kind need
to go elsewhere.
162. Question rewuired an answer but had no option for " none of the above* which seems
prejudicial against people using transportation devices
163. Require bells or horns to warn others
164. Riding with pets on leashes causing or risking entanglement with pedestrians or
objects.
165. Runners with dogs
166. see above
167. Seems like a non issue
168. Seems like there should be a separate lane for bicycles on the loops at Ada Hayden
Lake, but if not possible, it is hard to manage "speed limit". Also, most people use ear
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169. Separate or divided paths are needed to accommodate the various needs, not
restrictions
Sharing the paths.
171.
172. Should be speed limits near playgrounds and shelters, can go faster on trails away from
crowds
173. Small children moving suddenly.
174. Some fast moving devices (electric? motorized?) are very dangerous at intersections
175. Some of the parks lack lighting. This can cause issues with people not being seen if they
don’t have lights.
176. Some parks need more lighting in the area for we can utilize bike trails in reverting
177.
ect for wheelchairs
178. Some people seem not to know to ride/walk on the right. Pass on the left.
179. Speed bikes on Ada Hayden. Such a popular place for walkers, joggers, dogs on leash,
and even families on bikes. But the people that train for speed are putting everyone at
risk; even themselves. Even a well-. And
elderly people walkers that don't have enough time to react to a fast moving bike.
Speed is biggest concern when powered by motor (or downhill at Moore Memorial).
Also, at Brookside it seems like there is one much wider trail that is more conducive to
bikes.
181. Speed is more of an issue at ADA Hayden. I think making it clear it is a multi use path is
important. Educating people about two way paths, announcing themselves if coming
upon slower users, and reminding walkers to not walk so many abreast that others can’t
get around them/that they too need to yield and not expect bikers to ride on the grass,
182. Speed limits on wheeled devices is overdue. Publicize or post clear guidelines for trail
-speed,passing, announce, etc
183. Speed limits, who will enforce. Bike and wheeled transportation in parks will create
unsafe and dangerous. Makes parks uncool and un-hip!
184. Speed on electric powered transportation
185. Speeds hv increased to such a degree that it is unsafe to walk dogs andcthat makes it
186. Spraying Chemicals by Park and Rec.
187. That everyone slows down in the park area
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188. The "bike lanes" in Ames are absolutely awful (poorly maintained, not generally
street, and/or not wide enough to get around the storm drains that cover the entire
width of the bike lane). Combined with the huge distracted driving issue in Ames, the
current road setup is absolutely not safe even though there is a line painted on the
ground that's supposed to keep the cars away from the bikes. I've almost been hit
several times while riding in the bike lanes on the road, and many others I know who
ride bikes in Ames have similar experiences. While I understand the need to consider
safety of shared routes, it would be very frustrating if bikes were entirely banned (or
given an unreasonable speed limit like 5mph) within parks because this would take
away what is literally the only safe option to ride a bike in Ames. This could be
-road bike paths
like many other cities have. As it stands right now, though, the options to ride a bike in
Ames are either to bike within a park or take an unnecessarily high risk of being hit by a
car. I would support putting speed limits on motorized bikes/scooters, etc. since they
can very clearly see and control how fast they're going. In comparison, the average
person can't just get on a bike and reach/maintain speeds of 15-
while this can be done easily by someone with little to no actual biking experience on
an e-bike. If someone on a road bike is maintaining those high speeds, they would have
to be fairly serious about the sport and would know enough to be cautious on shared-
on a real
-bike which creates the issue of riding at high
speeds while also distracted by conversation, headphones, etc. and not paying
attention to what's around them. I would also argue that the average bystander would
have no idea how to guess a bike's current speed by watching it go by, but putting a
bunch of new rules in place is going to result in bikers being unfairly targeted and
harassed by people who "just feel like that biker is going too fast." Since real bikes don't
have speedometers, there's no way to prove that they were actually going a reasonable
speed and it's likely that the city will side with the person complaining whether or not
it's warranted. One thing I feel absolutely should be addressed is the use of things like
headphones and cell phones while on a bike/skateboard. This is inherently unsafe
anyways, but also reduces bikers' awareness of what's going on around them when they
need to be paying attention. I would propose splitting the shared paths (with an actual
line) to have a biking side and a walking/running side. While not a perfect solution, this
could at least help to keep some separation to avoid accidents. Finally, there is a very
vocal minority within Ames with strong animosity towards biking in general (which I'm
assuming is, in large part, who's probably behind the fact that you're even considering
completely banning bikes in the parks). While bike riders absolutely have responsibility
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to be safe on shared paths, it's also important to acknowledge that walkers play a part
in this as well. People on bikes aren't intentionally swerving way out of the way to run
into people who are walking, and there needs to be some education on how to be safe
as a walker/runner. As a biker, I always announce myself when passing someone on
foot, but they often have headphones in and can't hear me. Small children are often
running around unsupervised while parents are on their phones not paying attention.
-leash dogs are absolutely everywhere in Ames, and I can't even count how many
times I've been chased and lunged at by people's uncontrolled animals. There are many
everything on bikers when that simply isn't the case. A quick scroll on the Ames People
Facebook page will show you that there are already several Ames residents who take
pride in their decisions to not even move over a little for bikers who are in the bike lanes
and will even go out of their way to drive closer to a biker to make them feel unsafe on
the roads. Many others also argue that anything at all that would make Ames a more
bikeable town (even just painting a line on the street for a bike lane!) is a waste of
riders cause all the problems and will continue to go out of their way to make Ames an
actively unsafe environment for biking. Ames claims to be "extremely bike friendly" on
several of its websites. While my experience actually living in Ames has shown this
statement to be dishonest anyways (as Ames is, without question, the worst city I have
bikes in parks would take
this one step further. There are already very few safe places to ride a bike in Ames, so I
would beg you to consider not taking away the very few safe options that we even have
189. The age of the individual using motorized devices
like they can throw it out the window while driving down the road.
191. The city might consider disallowing e-bikes with a throttle. I have an e-bike that helps
me bike with kids on the back, but it requires pedaling like a regular bike. My maximum
speed is comparable to a regular cyclist. This is not the same as a more powerful e-bike
with a throttle and higher speeds.
192. The downhill trail at McCarthy Lee is very unsafe. People go much too fast on the trail
and parking lot.
193. the e-bikes go very fast sometimes and not safe with walkers at times. also many bikes
don't have lights and I've seen them at night.
194. The hill to the bottom of McCarthy Lee is regularly taken at high speed. Have seen a
near collision with a car and people by bikes
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195. The only park that I can think of that should allow mobile transportation is Ada Hayden
and bike trails throughout town as there is a hard surface trail - Don't really think any
wheeled vehicles should be other parks as they are not practical. Go to fast and not
paying attention to those walking.
196. The parks should not be a "wild west" of transportation. They are now, and it needs to
stop.
197. The paths should be wider. Maybe a separate bike lane could be put in. I believe the
trails should be for all to enjoy and use proper etiquette .
198. The presence of other people makes me feel safer in the parks, so a policy change that
decreased overall usage of the park trails could inadvertently make me feel less safe
199. The safety of walkers and children who enjoy the park is it steak when individuals abuse
the speed of their E or motorized vehicles.
the sidewalks and trails should be maintained, so we dont trip and fall
The speed and inconsiderate behavior of riders on e-powered devices.
The speed of bicycles in Ada Hayden is crazy almost taking out my slower riding kids
multiple times
The speed of e-devices, lack of safety knowledge/practices
The true concern is not the transportation is coming up to a man when there is no one
else around and not much visibility
There are some areas on trails that are quite remote and I always feel uneasy in those
places if I come across someone else on the trail and I am by myself
There is currently almost no courtesy announcements given for blind/visually impaired
people that are using a white cane to navigate. Everyone should know what a white
startle them.
There needs to be clear signage as to who has right of way. OR pave some newer trails
for bicycles only.
There seems to be a general lack of respect for others from "E" riders of all types.
Entitled might be a word I'd use....
There should be separate trails for safety, there is no way to “police” this otherwise
These questions are all valid, but I think that no matter what policies are implemented,
there will always be rude/disrespectful park users. Banning bikes/skateboards/etc
won't necessarily solve anything.
211. These questions cause me a lot of concern. There are inconsiderate users of all things
in society, I hope we are not intending to let a few bad apples limit the use of our trail
would
want to use a trail only in the dark.
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212. They should announce their presence earlier based on speed so walkers don’t need to
be hyper vigilant looking behind
213. Too many weirdos seem to lurk about as a woman I will not go without my husband due
to this.
214. Trail lighting for safety
215. Triathletes training at Ada Haden are dangerous and rude.
216. Unleashed dogs are a problem
217. Use of headphones while moving and thus not aware of surroundings.
218. Vehicles that cross near trails or along bike lanes on streets. The residential areas are
intersections and stop signs.
219. Walkers/joggers need to have spatial awareness as well as personal transportation
device users. Everyone shares the responsibility for safety.
We don't need more rules, just more respectful users that have common sense.
221. We just need to have people announce their presence and slow down when passing
222.
was built? Parkers on Hyde have no option for parking. And it is even more congested
nty of
land to built a parking lot there.
223. yes as i mentioned. right of way and slow down. I get the fun part but not on a shared
walking path—speed
224. Yes, please see previous comments!! It is Startling when keeping a nice pet, in control
& then hearing a bell or “on your left”, Almost after the bike is past you!! This does
happen even if your pet is safely controlled on your “right” side near the edge of the trail.
Also it’s important for the pet owner to be mindful that a faster bike/etc could arrive at
any time!!! Also park users should use good manners at all times & watch for possible
negative interactions with children, pets elderly, trikes/toys in the way or anything that
could cause an accident!!! Thanks for having this survey!!
225. Yes, walkers, runners/joggers, as well as bikers and skateboarders should not have
earbuds or headphones on (particularly in both ears). It's a safety hazard to be unable
to communicate. Particularly walkers who are lost in whatever it is they are listening to
and not paying attention to their surroundings.
226. Yes, when they are on unmotorized bike walking paths.
227. You could build a park made for people that want to do more than just walk and ride
road bikes. Maybe build a MTB park that could have jumps, pump tracks, drops, ect…
you tailor everything to walkers and road bikes but nothing to all of the young people
you have in this city.
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228. Young, unsupervised device users
(Q19) Are there other safety concerns you have about the use of personal
transportation devices within the park system? – 379 responses
1. ?
2. 1. The quality of the trail surfaces. There are numerous places where the trail surface
needs to be repaired. 2. Connect the trails together. Getting onto the streets to go
es safe.
3. accessibility, trash management, hot equipment due to lack of shade
4. Ada Hayden vehicle break ins
5. Ada Hayden—holy smokes MUCH improved. I didn’t realize how socked in I felt running
there—until it wasn’t! Most revolve for me around sight lines: I also appreciate all the
work on sight lines in the Carr woods area.
6. Add more benches on paths for those with limited walking ability
7. Additional lighting
8. Additional lighting. During the winter months, it's more encouraging to be outdoors if
there is additional lighting when it gets darker earlier
9. Adequate lighting at night
Agitated transient/homeless interactions
11. Alcohol consumption and discarded beverage containers/trash, cigarettes/smoking,
nicotine pouches, etc.
12. All the above seem like the most common issues, especially at Ada.
13. Ames does a great job.
14. Anything you can do to have parks well lit… I’m concerned with assault, but I did not
have any bad experiences or close calls while in Ames
15.
16. As a friend of many people in the homeless/unhoused/transient population of Ames, I
understand and accept that public parks are a wonderful place for them to relax and
stay safe for the day. The public nature of parks makes it hard for bad things to happen. I
don't want to ban or prevent the impoverished from enjoying free goods and services!
behavior from obviously strung out/substance abusing/mentally ill individuals in parks.
I've seen drug use happen in park bathrooms and drug deals happen in park bathrooms
and parking lots. I've also seen obviously atypical behavior (shouting, obscenities,
erratic movements, inappropriate dressing [not talking about Richard here. he was
clearly put together according to his desires], and other boundary violations) and felt
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like my only recourse was to leave the space. Posted guides about how to approach
those types of encounters would be helpful! and having more obviously delineated
spaces that draw attention to inappropriate behavior, especially around children, would
be helpful. For example, the Inis Grove park has like barriers and walkways. If a
homeless adult goes in there, it's easy to say, "hey, thanks for enjoying the city. this
space is for kids. Would you mind sitting on those benches made for the general adult
popu
kids on the playground are relatively boundaried against individuals loitering in the
shelters and around the bathrooms.
17. Bathroom availability
18. Bathrooms are not locked at night/early morning and gives opportunity for sexual and
drug activity.
19.
Be sure to keep homeless vagrants from sleeping or camping to ensure park trails
especially through the woods remain safe
21. Beside the bikes riding too fast, there’s a safety issue with the weeds growing between
the sidewalk and the lake at Ada Hayden. It’s better this year since volunteers took out a
lot of the willow trees, but it would be safer if people on the lake, or on the walking trail
occasions, there were people hiding that couldn’t be seen till you were right beside
them. I felt very unsafe.
22. Besides regular maintenance of facilities, and regular patrol by the Ames PD, Not
really...
23. Better signage at Ada Hayden instructing cyclists to announce their presence, the
current signs are not well placed and there aren't enough of them
24. bicycles at unsafe speeds
25. Bicycles going too fast around walkers. People oblivious to others using the path. Wake
up, it's not all about you!
26. Bicyclists at Ada Hayden very frequently create dangerous and borderline deadly
situations.
27. big brittle trees with brunches hanging above walking and grass areas
28. Bike and skate board speed.
29. BIKE RIDERS GO TO FAST
Bikers addressing their presence to walkers
31. Bikes coming up from behind at unsafe speeds and failing to announce themselves.
32. Brookeside homeless people sleeping
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33. Brookside dirt paths need to be maintained better, foliage cut back some, a tree has
been blocking a path for weeks. I like to ride my bike as well as walk on Brookside trails.
They are not very good to ride in their current condition.
34.
understand the schedule - I've had close calls with deer when running in the morning
because I couldn't see them until I was right next to them.
35. Bushes in Franklin Patk
36. Camping in the park is a concern when I use the parks early in the morning
37. Careless users of grills.
38. Change lighting to motion sensitive- safer for pedestrians and better for birds and
pollinators
39. Chemical
City vehicles on shared use paths feel unsafe to us sometimes. People often bike in the
woods at Carr Park, and that feels unsafe.
41. Clean up picnic debris in and around shelters.
42. Cleanliness of parks and playgrounds especially after a rental has happened
43. Cleanliness. There should not be litter. As for dog poop, people are quite good at picking
up their pets’ poop.
44. Closing bathrooms during the night to avoid possible damage.
45. Common courtesy on shared use trails would would result in fewer problems. Wheeled
transportation should slow down and warn walkers. Walkers should stay to the right
and not have their earbuds up so high.
46. Concerns about homeless in the woods, groups of teens in woods
47. Continue the brush management- honeysuckle, other understory, cocklebur
48. Cracks in sidewalks
49. Dead or dying trees need to be removed before someone get hit with a falling tree or
branch.
dead trees need to be removed for safety
51. Do more about invasive noxious weeds
52. dog owners who do not have their dog on a leash
53. Dog poop
54. Dog rules need to be enforced for everyone’s safety.
55. Dogs not leashed or leash extended so far that owners don’t have safe control of dogs
or leash is trip hazard when it’s across the pathway and oncoming users have to stop to
not trip across it.
56. Dogs not on leashes
57.
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58.use at band shell and brookside - I watched a man use trash to
kid’s class found an unconscious person in the bathroom.
59.
-
owners rude
61. Dogs that are not on leash. Pedestrians and dog walkers that use Homewood Golf
course during play as though it were a park.
62. DOGS.
63. Down trees on trails remove promptly
64. drug transactions-but that goes on all around Ames and no one seems to care until
someone gets shot because Ames pretends that we don't have this problem
65. Ensure there are no encampments in the more obscure parts of the park.
66. Ensuring foliage and trees at "blind turns" are maintained and cut back as necessary to
reduce risk of collision.
67. Excessive use of mosquito spraying and other herbicide/pesticide usages - I would also
appreciate park postage’s on when sprays have been done and will be done if they
continue to do so.
68. Feels unsafe to enter wooded areas due to common presence of homeless. We never
let our children use public restrooms because of homeless and/or dangerous persons
camping in bathrooms, or the risk of dangerous objects in the bathrooms (glass,
needles, etc). We leave the park and travel home for bathroom usage. We used to use
so. Some bathrooms just seem very dangerous and dark, with twists and turns where
people could be hiding, examples include Emma McCarthy Lee, North River Valley,
Bandshell. Whenever we have to enter a restroom in a park it feels unsafe, plus kind of
rundown or dingy. Nothing compared to the bathroom facilities in Polk County parks,
Ankeny, West Des Moines, etc which are always brightly lit, brightly colored, and clean.
69. Fire works being used in the park and the lack of police response. Cars in the park after
hours spinning donuts on pavement and the grass areas. Cars speeding around the
park.
Fireworks
71. Franklin Park - have witnessed multiple times cars driving on the trail through the park,
go by me. I believe people think it is a street as it appears that way. Maybe put signage
up at Franlin Street prohibiting cars if it is just to be a trail.
72. Gaps between concrete sections can make bike riding more challenging to navigate and
can bumb the bike rider up and cause control issues. And
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73. Gateway Hills and other parks that have recreational disc golf should have clear signs
and give guidance to park sharing rules.
74. Generally, I think the City of Ames does a great job keeping our park system safe!
75.
med. People will brush it while going by
76. Golf carts
77. Good to see the concerns with E scooters/skater boards/etc not only in the parks but
through out the city. These users tend to jump from street to sidewalk at higher rates of
speed with very little regard to any rules. It is hard to know what they will be doing
78. Handicap accessibility
79. Have not experienced any I assume
Having access to bathrooms as year round as possible.
81. Having more bike repair stations and water fountains would be good, wider trails as well
- they should all be double wide.
82.
83. Homeless
84. Homeless
85. Homeless
86. Homeless
87. Homeless camping in parks and drug use
88.
89. Homeless encampments
Homeless in bathrooms or near bathrooms
91. Homeless loitering
92. Homeless people
93. Homeless people camping under brides and making make shift homes on river banks
94. homeless people have frequented some parks so it feels unsafe with kids
95. Homeless persons spending the night in parks.
96. Homeless population
97. Homeless presence at Bandshell Park.
98. Homeless sleeping in parks overnight
99. Homeless sleeping on benches and tables
homeless sleeping on picnic tables. I do not feel safe
Homeless tents (Brookside, North River Valley), Drug Sales in the back parking lot
the sidewalks, hot cigarette butts on sidewalks.
Homelessness
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Homelessness
Homelessness and safety
Homelessness and trash, and trail maintenance. When the trails(through forested
areas) are maintained/mowed, there seems to be less of a trash issue. Homeless
people have also been camping in brookeside park the last few weeks.
Homelessness, and lack of facilities for them, resulting in increased use of park areas.
Homelessness, poison ivy, burrs
I am not aware of any.
I am not sure.
Walking in wooded areas alone, as a woman, occassionaly brings some angst as
darkness comes.
111. I don't know
112. I don't think so - they are as safe as anyplace in Ames
113. I don't want a police state but I rarely see any police presence in the park. Although I'm
a white male and consider myself non-threatening, I can see how some females
walking alone in the park might consider me a threat.
114. I fear that if you take away the option to use e-bikes or e-scooters, you will lose
segments of the population. Older people often enjoy riding e-bikes through the parks
for exercise. Many of the e-
engaging in other outdoor activities. We WANT them outside!! Speed limits in higher
115. I feel like at Ada Hayden since they have allowed so much brush to grow along the
shoreline visibility is reduced at curves so that individuals using the path cannot
116. I feel safe when I am using the parks. I am not in the parks late at night so not sure of
issues then. More lighting or signage is always helpful.
117. I feel very safe in the parks. They are well cared for!
118. I generally feel safe in the parks I frequent. It never hurts to have periodic oversight by
law enforcement just to keep people on their toes. For example, the little free library is
sometimes vandalized in parks. I do NOT want to have to remove them.
119. I have not always felt safe while using paths, especially when they go under bridges and
in tunnels. Lower visibility and public visibility are concerning. I also think there is
overcrowding at certain parks because they have more of what people are looking for,
like Ada Hayden and Brookside. If there was another option like Ada Hayden, I think
many people would use the space and it would provide another option for less
crowding.
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loud/confrontational with the homeless Unsanitary cleaning practices in bathrooms
121. I have personally felt very safe in the parks.
122. I listed some in the earlier text box.
123. I seldom walk the trails, although I would love to. I feel uneasy being alone on a trail. I
am elderly and know of numerous instances around the country where someone has
been accosted in the woods. The one trail where I feel comfortable is at Daley Park,
because it goes past so many residential dwellings. That said, I am in favor of keeping
wooded areas natural, because they provide habitat for wild animals, birds, etc, and of
d
areas in Ames.
124. I was at McFarland Park over the weekend and noticed a lot of fallen branches in the
pathways, so having more routine path clearing.
125. I wonder about homeless people sometimes. And also with picking fruit and
mushrooms—where it’s safe to do so. I feel like people could easily pick the wrong thing
and get sick.
126. I’d love to see more equipment for toddlers! Many of the playgrounds are full of tall drop
127. If foraging is allowed, safety and information signs about what to look for and what
could be harmful should also be in the area.
128. In Daley Park it would be nice to have some lighting along our trail. That would be
especially useful in the late Fall and Winter when it is dark so much longer in the day. It
would make you feel safer when you walk through there at that time and would allow for
more walking or running opportunities later in the day or early morning.
129. invasive, pain causing plants
Is there a policy to address possible indigent camping due to the number of unsheltered
in our city?
131.
peaceful ride (prime example is connecting Ada Hayden to the river trail). Road
crossings and cars are always a bigger concern than other trail users in my opinion.
132. I've addressed it in the previous comment box.
133. I've heard some people have had their cars broken into in the parking lot but I have not
experienced that.
134. I've heard some worry about child safety, especially at miracle playground, regarding
"unsafe" people. But I personally have never seen any or had any issues. Perhaps a
concern with homeless people around Carr Park. I wouldn't walk there at night. Though
it's been a while since evidence of any there.
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135. I've seen a huge uptick recently with unleashed dogs that have me genuinely worried,
both for my own safety and the safety of the dogs
136. just homeless people
137.
Ada Hayden. Other trails (High Trestle etc) people are very good about it.
138.
139. keep lighting updated
Keeping dogs on leashes. People using Carroll Marty Disc Golf Course as a dog park.
141. Lack of adequate lighting in parking areas, number of cars entering parks late at night
142. Lazy dog owners who ignore their dog’s poop, or pick it up and throw it in the
grass/weeds rather than carry it to a trash can.
143. Lightening in some areas
144. Lighting
145. Lighting
146. Lighting
147. Lighting at Ada Hayden would be nice in the Spring and Fall busy hours.
148. Lighting at community gardens, especially at the Ioway Creek Park. There are vehicles
suspicious activity there as well.
149. Lighting should be plentiful and maintained
Lights
151. Lights
152. Lights should not remain on whole night, so that wild animals can rest.
153.
the alley with driveways. Lights keep it safe. Less reason for people to damage items.
154. lights. path maintenance, toilet and shelter maintenance, chaining down tables so not
moved all over the park
155. Limiting herbicide/pesticide spraying in public areas. Also, fogging while parks are open
- was sprayed twice by fogging truck being at the skatepark during open hours. Gross
and not responsible.
156. Littering
157.
areas.
158. Lloyd Kurtz Park has a serious safety issue with parents and kids having to cross Hyde to
get to the park due to the lack of parking on the same side of the street as the park. Kids
and parents haphazardly dart across the street. Car doors are opening int
have enough room to miss a car door or child. This is an accident waiting to happen.
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Cars back up on Hyde in this block because they can't safely pass. A parking lot would
better serve this park and increase its safety.
159.
restrictions on them.
Maintain regular police patrol in parks. There have been some unsafe situations in the
past
161. Maintenance of playground equipment should be improved.
162. Making sure paths are safe for wheelchair mobility devices use.
163. Making sure there is adequate lighting in parking lots and around restrooms. Maybe
having cameras to monitor the parks, parking lots, and bathrooms?
164. Making sure trails for walking and jogging are properly lit at night.
165.
166. Maybe add educational signage at these designated areas that show what things are
edible and what is poisonous
167. maybe some people sleeping under the bridges. Just don't want anything bad to happen
to someone walking especially at night.
168. Mo
169. Monitoring of people taking up temporary residence in parks, especially those with
playgrounds.
More infrastructure related, but the cracks in some of the trails could be hazardous
171. More lighting after dark especially going through brookside from 13th St.
172.
neighborhood park - Patio Homes West.
173. Motion sensitive lighting
174. Motorized vehicles on pathways
175. Mountain
176. My biggest concern right now are e-vehicles, especially the one wheeled thingies. They
always seem like they're going extremely fast. Roller bladers are another tricky one I
have noticed going quite fast at Ada Hayden. Since it's more of a loop/circuit, I think
some folks see it as a race track :)
177. N/A, no, none, not that I am aware of, etc (73 total)
178. need lights added to brookside tennis courts
179. No lighting in the trails when dark
No smoking, especially around children’s play equipment!!!!
181. No spraying if foraging is allowed
182. Not really. I'm in them constantly. Most people are very polite and interact safely and
kindly. I actually have seen more rudeness from walkers than from any other group.
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183.
184. Occasionally homeless people
185. Occasionally I’ve seen needles or other evidence of misuse at Carr Park and Bandshell
Park. Also signs of someone camping out at Carr Park and Brookside.
186. Of course. The City has been irresponsible in its management of the trails. They are
unsafe because of allowing devices at irresponsible speeds. Ames is both
embarrassing and danger.
187.
188.
189.-way to S. 16th along
-leash dogs
191.-leash dogs in Carr Park (and over the bridge) and North River Valley Park. People will
the river, posing a safety risk, especially with a new playground in the works. I have
never seen leash laws enforced.
192. Old broken structures and that are rusting. Climbing structures with missing or broken
climbing stones.
193. Older kids being too rough or inappropriate, teenagers hanging out on the playgrounds.
Some parks have no bathroom
194. Only the above matter of personal transportation devices.
195. Our parks feel quite safe to me!
196. Over run with deer. Deer population needs to be addressed ASAP. DEER MANAGEMENT
program doesn't work. Deer are disease carriers and parasites.
197. Overall, mostly I feel safe within our city parks. There have been a few instances where
there have been people who have made me uncomfortable on the trail that runs from
Carr Park to the back of Inis Grove. I will ride there when I have my riding partner along,
otherwise I ride somewhere else. Tedesco trail is nice!
198. Overgrown areas
199. Parents should be watching their children and dog owners taking proper care of their
animals.
Parking (esp. @ Lloyd Kurtz Park). Need dedicated parking lot here, not church parking
park (especially from north).
paths in remote areas should be lit
Patio Homes needs a touch up on the playground area. The equipment is starting to
warp and crack.
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playground. Miracle Park also has a high volume of unsupervised children
People camping underneath the bridges
People let their dogs in the water
People need to leave the animals alone and there needs to be less light pollution.
People pooping on slides.
People riding bikes with earbuds in; illegal drug use
Perhaps bicycle on Unpaved trails
211.
212. Please install good lightings around the McCarthy Lee park with Pickleball and Tennis
courts, its the most frequently used ones. Sidewalk, trails and lights need to be given
extra attention. its so dark out there, lets say people withoput a vehicle wants to go to
the park in the evening, and there arent any street lights, its so dangerous to do so.
213. Plenty of lights along paved parhd
214. Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are quite abundant. Many folks still don't know the
phototoxicity danger of touching those plants, nor the overall lethal toxicity of hemlock.
Munn Woods' Hickory Drive access stairs are in pretty serious disrepair with damage to
both steps and railings, with exposed sharp nails in at least one point along the railing.
215. Potential violence resulting from illegal.
216. powered speed, common sense. Cant be regulated i guess
217. Presence of homeless addicts and encampments.
218. Proper lighting and sidewalks in Franklin Park
219. Restrooms at Bandshell…lots of debris from adults/young adults who maybe stay in the
Hayden
Rules make inconsiderate users and encourage rude behaviors. Parks are quite safe
now.
221. safety after dark
222. Safety for individual park users (especially women).
223. Separate or divided paths are needed to accommodate the various needs, not
restrictions
224. Should be
225. Should have access to hydration stations and benches.
226. Sidewalk gaps and uneven surfaces
227. Signage is inadequate.
228. Signs listing the rules of the parks seem to be lacking at some of the parks.
229. Signs telling rule of bike use: need to announce passing walkers.
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Since overnight parking and camping is not allowed in the parks, there is a need for a
designated space to accommodate unhoused people to park cars, camp or sleep safely
at night within the city and with restroom facilities available.
231. Sleeping in the parks has become a noticeable concern. With the growth of a homeless
population in Ames, we have people living and sleeping in the parks (Bandshell is most
obvious). As a female, I do not feel safe anymore walking in the parks alone.
232. Smoking cigarettes, vapers and pot that smells like a skunk
233. Some dog walkers release their dogs in the parks or let the reels out on retractable
leashes, blocking the trail for others. In Moore park, there has been occasion of people
driving their cars into the park for "photo opportunities."
234.
joggers, biking
235. Some of the trails are rough and can be dangerous for some bikers or walkers. The
236.
mostly the dogs seem well behaved but that’s not an appropriate use of space and my
dog can be leash reactive so I often avoid those places so I don’t have dogs running up
to us.
237. Some trails have become bumpy due to tree root growth underneath.
238. Some walking/riding paths are too narrow.
239. Someone picks the wrong mushroom, gets sick, sues. City then has to treat all parks for
mushrooms. Bid dent in the budget.
Speed and un leashed dogs
241. Spraying of herbicides while kids/adults are playing/using the park.
242. Squatters/homeless
243.sone of the gravel inside the
stairs comes out over time and can lead to tripping hazards for those working their way
downhill.
244. Stairs lacking handrails. As in Brookside park
245. Strange men alone who do not seem to be walkers, bikers etc.
246. Tbh the bike and scooter riders are not the problem. Homeless people/campers who
are drunk/impaired have been involved in most of the issues I’ve witnessed at the parks.
I understand that they don’t want to be disturbed but the parks are for everyone to use,
not just them.
247. The bandshell park got a new playground but I do not feel safe taking my children there
especially not by myself. ACPC took a child to the restroom where they found an
unconscious person in the stall and had to contact police. I have witnessed other
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situations there that have made me uncomfortable. I have grown up in this town and I
have rarely felt nervous and uncomfortable like I do there.
248. The baseball area at Brookside park needs more attention. It’s looking very shabby. Not
mowed/trimmed good.
249. The bathrooms need more frequent cleaning
The college golfer that was killed by the city allowing homeless people to live in areas
along the trails is VERY dangerous.
251.
252. The greenbelt is very uneven and needs to be repaved.
253. The homeless people sleeping at Bandshell and Brookside feels unsafe to me with
younger kids. Also at Old Town park there was/is a sharp piece of metal on the
254. The new mini soccer pitch was build oddly close to Bloomington Rd, a pretty busy and
fairly fast traveled road. I have already witnessed many balls being kicked outside the
pitch fencing and small children retrieving them. A better backstop should now be
considered since it was decided to put it there.
255. The only unsafe users I’ve found have been young children/adolescents speeding rather
than teens/college students
256. The parks are very well maintained, thank you!
257. The paths at Ada Hayden are cracked and lumpy and sprouting grass and weeds
258. The play structures are being built only for older children (6 and up). Toddler and
preschool aged children can't even go to a few of the well visited parks because the play
structures are not safe for them.
259. The speed of some people on e-bikes or racing bicycles
The unevenness of the trails is an issue with the asphalt. I do like the give of asphalt
over concrete though.
261. The unleashed dogs
262. There are also walkers that are fairly unaware of their surroundings and sometimes
taking the full width of paths.
263. There are areas with poison ivy
264.
at Lloyd Kutz park. Maybe a net behind the street side could be put up.
265. There are quite a few people living in the parks (e.g., tents set up in the woods in
Brookside or under the 13th Street bridge), especially in late Spring and Summer
months.
266. There could always be more lighting on trails (I run early in the morning), but this isn't a
major issue.
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267.
268. There seems to be quite a bit of poison ivy near the paths and the interior of the park at
Brookside.
269. There should be designated cross country ski trails where walkers are not allowed with
clear signage. Bike trails should link together and connect various parks with clear
signage. Thank you.
271. Transients soliciting or congregating around public facilities (restrooms at Brookside,
outside library)
272. Troublemakers drug abuse after hours is a bigger problem than ebijes/foraging.
273. Unaware
274. Unclean toilets, no water in the faucets of the toilets, really unclean water fountains.
275. Unhoused population sleeping in parks
276. Unleashed animals are still common in spite of current policy. The same owners who
let their dogs roam tend to have untrained pets, which is even a more severe safety
issues for anyone walking a leashed pet
277. Unleashed dogs
278. Unleashed dogs (in parks where that isn’t allowed) make me feel unsafe when I am with
my anxious, leashed dog.
279. Unleashed dogs (OK if well-behaved, controlled/kept in sight of owners)
stop to it!
281. Unleashed dogs in the open areas rushing at leashed dogs and humans. This issue has
cut down on my use of Brookside Park. Many times I’ve had to pick up my dog and hold
her high to avoid an unleashed dog near me. I’ve yet to encounter the owner of such a
dog to be apologetic or even civil.
282. Unleashed dogs. Especially during the evening
283. Unlit areas, overgrown areas preventing deer or riders from view.
284. Unlit walking paths and lack of emergency boxes
285. Unsure
286. Vagrants
287. Water quality testing
288. We feel safe in our parks. Thank you for continuous, thoughtful improvements.
289. weapons at Ada Hayden, drug trade in rear parking lot at Miracle park
What to do about large groups of older kids (like 13-16) who roam around in groups
looking for things to do. They like to climb up on top of park shelter roofs and do dumb
291. Wheeled transport on walking trails
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292. When the grass is being treated, can you guys announce that before hand and also put
up a bigger sign since kids and pets and not supposed to touch the grass after it has
been treated?
293. While Ames has a leash law, there needs to be a lot more done to actually enforce it
(both within the parks and just in general). My dog loves walking at Ada Hayden, but I've
-leash dogs so many
times and the park layout leaves few options for getting away as you're being chased. I
would also encourage reviewing what is considered an acceptably-controlled animal
within the leash law. On multiple recent occasions, I've seen large dogs who are on a
leash but being walked by literal toddlers (with their parents walking multiple blocks
behind them) who would have absolutely no ability to control the dog if it were to start
running. I would really like to be able to walk my dog in the parks again, but until I trust
that there's someone actually paying attention and enforcing leash laws this
unfortunately isn't a good option.
294.
was built? Parkers on Hyde have no option for parking. And it is even more congested
nty of
land to built a parking lot there.
295. Wide, clean, lighted paths
296.
Hickory Shelter at Inis Grove
297. Yes - homeless people camping in our parks - I don't believe this should be allowed. I've
seen tents in our parks along the river. These can be somewhat remote and areas of
town. Walking alone with my dog is not as safe as in years past. It's a bit unnerving to
see people camping
298. yes dog should be leashed at all times and picked up after
299. Yes- monitoring for safety and vandalism
Yes, open carryon guns, tasers and pepper spray should be allowed for self protection
especially at odd hours when there is little use.
people are using a tree as a bathroom and exposing themselves. This park needs a
bathroom or portable toilet.
Yes. The usual: disruptive people, drugs & those already known, like trail use.
neighborhood watch.
Yes. More emergency phones and ESPECIALLY more legend maps! Anna Munn Woods
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of Ontario/13th st. to the North. I can't recall the name of the woods right now but it has
many trails all throughout.
Yes. The space between the bottom of the slides and the top of the wood chips at
Bandshell Park is dangerous. The bottom of the slides reach my two year old's armpits.
The surface needs several more inches of wood chips. The height of the new climbing
structure at Bandshell is also not appropriate for toddlers and preschool age children.
They cannot climb most of the equipment structures safely. They would fall 8-
Yes. There are sharps left around in the bathrooms at Bandshell. And at Brookeside
because of the large homeless population we have witnessed a big burly man in a thong
exit the women's bathroom and go back to the homeless campground. I understand
they need a safe place to camp. However, I have 3 young children that should not have
to see a grown adult in lingerie. I will never again go back to that park. I felt unsafe the
entire time we were there the last time we went. I should have called the Ames PD for
public exposure but I was so shocked and disoriented trying to keep my kids focused
elsewhere that I didn't think to do anything else.
park use.
(Q20) Are there any other issues needing to be addressed regarding park rules and
policies? – 323 responses
1. (I need to review the park rules and policies before making any comments.)
2. ?
3. ?
4. 6th street by the train overpass - should place a railing so that you are prevented from
going over the concrete edge
5. A central smaller Ames dog park is needed- Brookside Park is an ideal area for this.
6. Accessibility
7. Adults shouldn't be on (or playing in) kids playground equipment such as swings, slides,
etc.
8. Agitated transient/homeless interactions
9. All public parks should have bathrooms.
allow camping
11. Allowing more urban deer management zones
12. Although there are times that bicycles go crazy fast around Ada Hayden, I do not know
that "a speed limit" is a good use to city resources and time. Maybe a general sign "this
is a multi use trail, please be considerate of others and avoid excessive speed when
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around others" type sign would be a happy medium. Nobody is going to enforce a
"speed limit".
13. Ames as a whole has a general issue with distribution of information to citizens. It
sounds like there is opportunity to better inform riders on devices, walkers, and joggers
of path sharing courtesy expectations.
14. B
15. Bathrooms/porta potties at all parks, even during winter
16. Bicycles should be allowed to use the dirt path in Emma McCarty Lea park. There is very
limited opportunity for mtn biking in Ames and that trail would provide a perfect route.
17. Bikers announcing their presence - etiquette would say to say “biker” and/or the
didn’t alert their presence
18. bring back carr park! haha just kidding
19. camping in parks and city property
camping/sleeping
21. Can you also post when the big lawn mowers will be cutting the grass? It’s dangerous
for small children to be let out in the park when those are present and as a parent I
22. Can't think of anything
23.
overboard and create such a strict and overbearing rules that it becomes oppressive.
24. clean the restrooms more often
25. clean up after animals
26. Closing: “Nothing good happens after midnight!”
27. Concerning foraging. Only forage what you can eat on the trail. When 1persin picks up
all the. Worries or mushrooms for their personal use, this is hording. Leave some for
others to enjoy.
28.
when in Brookside Park and Munn Woods and they have just say mind your own
business and the other time said call the cops. Frustrating.
29.
the dog under voice control. Aside from all of the people and other dogs that an
bag feces let behind from their dog who relieves itself at that distance. That is left for
the rest of us to discover on the bottom of our shoes.
31. Display the rules and policies clearly throughout the park. Most people miss the signs
as they enter the park.
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32. Do not kill park usage with rules.
33. Do police still ride bikes through the City parks? they did in prior years, but haven't seen
them this year
34. Dog leash laws should be enforced at Roosevelt Park. Many nights there are several
the park district have guidelines for when fencing would be erected in neighborhoods
parks? Roosevelt Park should have one since many people ignore the signs notifying
park goers of the fact that the school grounds are private property.
35. Dog walkers seem to be the biggest issue I see. Idiots who shouldn't own dogs and
don't know how to reign in their leashes and the dog(s) lunge at walkers or bikers
passing by.
36. Dog waste bags are great-maybe some at the water tower green space on Delaware?
37. Dogs at Bandshell Park during municipal band concerts. Not all dogs are well-behaved
and being barked or snarled at when walking past a dog is not a pleasant experience.
38. Dogs not always leashed.
39.
Dogs on leash at all times.
41. -Dogs on leashes -Less restrictive alcohol policies in certain parks? Sure would be nice
to (legally!) have a can of wine at a Roosevelt summer concert ;)
42. Dogs on retractable leashes! I was concussed due to one crashing me and have had so
to a half so everyone else can just live in their world!
43. Dogs unleashed
44.
45. Don't ban Motorized bikes, etc. just because of a very few who abuse the system. Not
fair to us riders who are considerate of others.
46. Drinking in parkings like Brookside near playgrounds is troublesome. Hard to police, I
afternoon.
47. Drone warfare games
48.
college students are in town.
49. Encourage drivers parking in boat trailer slots to park where there are already other cars
in the slot so that some trailer slots can remain open. This is particularly a problem at
Ada Hayden north parking -boat launch area
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51.
it up. Signage between private property and park is useless; people ignore the
boundary.
52.
Fishers not picking up bait containers and discarded tackle.
53. Enforcement of speed limits
54. Even though the sign is up regarding picking up after your dog I regularly see dog waste
either right by the trail by the grassy area by the creek or within the green space of the
park itself. I am not sure how that can be better enforced. Maybe putting a dog waste
bag stand at the entrance of the park as well as keeping the one that is about in the
middle of the park along the trail. We currently have only one in our park.
55. Excessive lighting at night.
56. Fishermen need to clean up after themselves!
57.
not allowed, before the city is sued.
58. Groups of people should stay to 1 side of a trail rather than take up the entire path.
59. Ha, see above. I love our parks!
Hard to address - when users don't clean up after using a shelter house.
61. Hard to say, I don’t know the rules?
62. Have had incidents where I suspected substance use or sexual acts were occurring in
cars in the parking lots at dusk.
63. Have more camping spaces in the parks
64. Homeless or vagrants who sleep in or on playground items for children; within park
hours
65. Homeless people, smoking, leaving trash
66. Homelessness
67.
working.
68. I appreciate that you are concerned about the parks. The only concern I have when
walking in the parks is running across homeless people.
69. I appreciate the care and convenience of our park system. Thank you for the opportunity
to provide input.
I appreciate the dog bags provided for those who have forgotten
71. I believe Brookside is sometimes used for drug drops. I’ll see random items left on a
bench (rose, bottle of shampoo, bright t-shirt) or in the port-a-johns.
72. I can't think of any
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73. I didn't see anything in the survey about pets which I expected to see. However, I also
don't have any issues of concern about pets. Once in a while some folks don't pick up
after their animal and I wish they would but it is not a major problem.
74.
mornings before kids get there.
75. I don’t want the trails in Ada Hayden to get wider. This would disrupt the prairie more
and is quite unnecessary. All park users I’ve talked to have never had a problem with
trail width.
76. I enjoy xc skiing at the Carr park trails on those few days when there is snow and
groomed tracks. There are many people who walk on the groomed ski trails and just
reck them immediately after it snows. Same with dogs, often unleashed, and there is
one small print sign that lets people know they should not be doing that. I literally
scramble to get in as much skiing as soon as I can before the walkers and dogs wreck
the trail. More signage and some enforcement would help a lot.
77. I feel the parks should be open for quiet use 24/7
78.
use. A large group of (typically older) pickleball players can be intimidating to younger
people wanting to go out and play.
79.
items should be addressed. Also, using the parking lot to change your oil and dumping
it in the prairie should be against the rules. I don't know if that has been addressed.
do this. Ames parks have lost so much character since I was a kid growing up here, and
that truck brings out so much imagination. Kids play on it constantly and love to pretend
to drive it. It would be a shame to get rid of something so unique and personal to Ames.
81. I love Ames parks and appreciate how well maintained and safe they are. I recently
good working order. Thank you.
82. I think it would be a shame if all electric powered conveyances had restrictions/bans on
the trails as there aren’t any other places to use them in Ames and moving them to
roads seems dangerous for everyone.
83. I think it would be great if we could rent the use of paddleboats at Ada Hayden!
84. I think it's appropriate to allow alcohol permits for certain events.
85. I think some thought needs to be put into night time hours. The current policies are a bit
vague and not well posted. I also think they're too restrictive. There are a lot of
legitimate reasons to use parks at night: stargazing and bike path commuting, for
example, or being out in the cool temperatures before Dawn in the summer. A lot of
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disadvantaged in other ways (minority, etc), are probably less comfortable doing this.
We should strive to make the positive impact of the parks as wide as possible by making
them as accessible as possible.
86. I think speed limits would be a great addition to the city's park system. 5mph feels safe
to me as people always seem to go 5–
speed limits depending on the primary function of the paths and how high the level of
mixed-use is. Ada Hayden would be really unsafe on a busy day with a speed limit over
5mph.
87.
Give young adults a safe place to play sports in the summer and stay out of trouble
88. I think we have plenty of RULES......but are they all followed?!
89. I truly think a speed limit would be great or a designated fast lane.
I would just point out that it might be hard to enforce a speed limit in the parks system,
seeing as bikes don't have speedometers. Phones and GPS gear make it easier, but
they're still imprecise.
91. I would like there to be no dogs in parks
92. I would like to see a yellow strip down middle of path at Ada Hayden. Ideally our parks
would have a separate path for wheeled vehicles and walkers. Minneapolis has done
that around Chain of Lakes to great success. Maybe a one way for wheeled vehicles
would help at Ada Hayden, counter-clockwise for instance. I am torn about electric
bikes, electric scooters and one wheels having access to park trails. It’s too easy for
them to go too fast. However, I’m sure it’s a blast to ride them through the park. If I had
one, I would want access. Maybe limit e-vehicles to certain trails. Of course all of this
requires enforcement.
93. I would love to see camping by permit allowed especially for youth groups.
94. I would truly consider riding lanes that state no walking. I do not feel it is equitable to
state the riders are banned. This may be as simple as a dashed line to the right side of
the path.
95. I wouldn't condone this but if you are really wanting to make a change I think that there
most people want to do is to go up to someone smoking and tell them to stop (just en
example).
96. I’m guessing there are rules about having your dog on a leash that people aren’t
following
97. I’m sure there are but imposing more rules just to make it harder to have fun in the parks
will make it worse. The world is not just walkers and road bikers.
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98. I'd love to see enough leash law enforcement to deter people from letting their dogs
loose.
99. If foraging is allowed (which I think it should be) some volunteer run safe and
responsible foraging classes would be a great idea!
I'm not sure if this is a park rule/policy, but you should consider fencing in more park
playgrounds. For families with small children, it is much more safe for the playgrounds
to be fenced in. Otherwise, constant high alert is required when taking small children to
playgrounds to make sure they do not run away.
adjacent to residential areas should consider an earlier closing time.
in regards to #16, intentional planting of edibles should be highly considered (fruit trees,
berry bushes, etc) - we do have people in our community who are struggling with food
insecurities and homelessness!
In regards to foraging- the best case would be to base the decision on science. For
example- all you can take of mustard garlic or other invasives, not allowed for species
that are too rare- similar to how hunting limits are set.
Inis Grove lights for sand volleyball courts need to be left on longer. Many of us would
Is there a policy regarding the use of drones? I’d personally prefer that they not be
allowed, especially at a park like Ada Hayden.
It might be nice if wood stoves were
It would be helpful to have more single trails around and also to have the existing trails
).
It would be nice if there were more drinking fountains but I understand that would cost a
lot.
It would be nice to have trail maps or indication of which paths are part of the
transportation system. I can see e-bikes etc using those for commuting and casual
walkers would be aware of the presence higher speed vehicles also some rules or
etiquette posted.
It's not happening yet to my knowledge but want to avoid public parks from being a
place for homeless camps like other cities I have visited.
111. I've never had an issue.
112. Keep grumpy people out, lol!
113. Keep homeless out! No camping!
114. Kick the homeless out.
115. Late night parties and loudness and litter the following day is not appreciated by those
of us who live near these parks.
116. Leaving bathrooms a mess.
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117. Lights
118. Liter
119. Litter
Litter
121. Maintenance of the parks
122. Manage the Prairie organically and Never use chemicals as Park and Rec. have done.
123. Modest repairs to benches and picnic tables on a more regular basis would be helpful.
124. More art showing we value a diverse community and we are all interconnected and
responsible to help make our community strong.
125. More bathrooms open
126. More common sense and self regulation. Less government oversight
127. More signage for bikers to share the path safely.
128. Mountain bike paths should be made and encouraged. The city missing a major
exercise opportunity for youth. Too much emphasis on walkers. Mountain bikers are
notorious for maintaining trails really well for all people where I lived before moving to
Ames. The fear of sharing paths with them was way overstated.
129. Music being played at loud volumes
N/A, no, none, none that I know of, etc. (89 total)
131. Need bathrooms at Tedesco buildings not always open
132. No Bikes in Carr park, this is already posted but needs better signage, people rip up the
dirt trails they are not maintained for bikes.
133. No illegal drugs in the parks
134. No Smoking or vaping signs. no alcohol signs. regular police drive bys.
135. No. If the goal of this survey is to establish speed limits for bikers, please do thorough
research
park trails, please make connecting Ames to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail and High
Trestle Trail a priority. It is not safe to ride on the Slater black top.
136. No. So grateful for so many beautiful and well equipped spaces!!!
137. Not about policies, but the growth at Ada Hayden has already come back, making it
138.
139.
well!
Ok - I use various parks daily, to get my steps in. I don't know why but CARR Park trails,
are loaded with "dog excrement" and people do not pick up. Do we need a sign? Even
my hiking friend said, I don't know what it is about this park, but instead of looking up at
beautiful trees, I have to look at the ground continually to not step in something. We
have personally gone there more than once to do park clean up on our own.
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141. Open restrooms before Memorial Day
142. Over run with deer. Deer population needs to be addressed ASAP. DEER MANAGEMENT
program doesn't work. Deer are disease carriers and parasites.
143. Overnight accommodations.
144. Park rules should be listed in the city newsletter, at least during Spring, Summer and
Fall. Also, dog leashes need to be used exclusively in all parks.
145. Parks should not be "closed". Only "Quiet Hours" policies. Hours are already extensive,
but a growing city should allow night owls or very early morning birds access to the
parks without trespassing.
146. Parkview (and other neighborhood green-spaces) should prohibit children’s motorized
cars.
147. People not having their dogs on a leash
148. People play cricket at Inis Grove Park. Errant balls are a danger to people on the tennis
courts and to cars in the parking lot. They also smoke.
149. People using parks after posted hours. No one ever seems to patrol the park near me. I
cannot keep windows open at night due to noise.
enforcement of dog policies on park property
151. People who don't pick up after their dogs
152. Perhaps more signage instructing trail users to stay to the right would be helpful to
everyone.
153. Perhaps this is already happening - I don't know. It would be good to see regular police
patrols both when parks are open and closed.
154. Perhaps trash bins for dog poop
155. Pet owners are frequently not picking up after pets.
156. Pet policies need enforcement
157. Peterson Pits lacks an accurate website. There are no hours, (clear) safety guidelines, or
any guidance on the shore/beach. There should be a social media like FaceBook.
158.
159. Picking up dog BM
Plant more berry and fruit foraging opportunities.
161. Please allow biking on Carr park dirt trails
162.-7am until the homeless crisis is solved
163. Please enforce (if possible) removal of bagged dog waste. I'd rather see free 'bathroom'
-trail) than bagged waste left on the ground. This is common especially in East
River Valley
164.
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165. Please let the guy that was mowing Brookside Park mountain bike trails keep mowing,
he was a volunteer, but he created riding trails for so many people! Either that or Ames
166. Please plant more fruit trees so the people of Ames can use the fruit for free.
167. Please post dog leash rules and reminder to pickup waste
168. Please stop cutting down trees - they are the heart of a healthy ecosystem!
169. Please STOP using weed killers on playgrounds and places human utilize. The
accumulation of all the weed killers that we use in this country is toxic and harmful to
all life. Please plant more perennial grasses, native plants, animal habitat and stop with
all the deforestation and weed killers. The things that are good for wildlife are also good
for humans. Our city got it right with Tedesco Learning Corridor. Lets do more to protect
our environment-our waters are toxic and polluted and unsafe- and stop contributing to
the decline of our environment please!!!!!
Policies addressing park hours need to be posted more prominently and enforced. We
also need enforceable policies about playing loud music, especially for evening hours.
171. Post no wheeled transportation signs for the wooded trails especially Munn Woods.
172. Post the rules so people can see them clearly
173. Prioritize bikers, joggers, and walkers- not drivers.
174. protect the landscape, no breaking branches or fruit bushes, no taking rocks/mulch out
of designated area
175. Public notices
176. Question 11 needs editing. :)
177. re foraging - I know people informally forage and I do not see a problem with this, but
allowing foraging opens the door to organized groups and i have witnessed A LOT of
forage adjacent people mis-ial
liability
178. Regular bike patrol would be nice if not already done. It can get kind of scary further
back on the trails.
179. Restroom need to be open
Restroom safety
181. Restrooms should be open year round.
182. Riding bikes should be allowed. I don’t feel comfortable riding one on the road, but
prefer riding on side walk given I am respectful to the people around me. Slow way
down when near people (not that I am going fast) and announce I am around.
183. Rules for motorized vehicles on park
184. Same as above
185. See comment above re: parking @ Lloyd Kurtz Park.
186. Shade, Roosevelt playground park is unusable with the heat in the summer.
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187. Shelter areas should be kept cleaned for people that rent the facitilites
188. Sign placement re: no swimming seems to be inadequate. If the sign was directly on the
access to the water, it might make people more aware.
189. Signage on Hyde to let people know to park at Stonebrook Church, if using Lloyd Kurtz
Park. It isn't a neighborhood park anymore. It is a destination park
Signs are small saying no smoking. People are rude when you ask them not to…Signs
191.
leash.
192. Some of the rules at the playgrounds seem excessively restrictive to free play for
children. The rules for the playground at Lloyd Kurtz park, for example.
193. Some people are smoking and leaving the butts on the ground
194. Some people walk their pets in parks and do not keep a safe distance between them
and others.
195. some playground structures are old, outdated, unsafe to use
196. Sometimes dog walkers don't have their pet leashed, or don't pick up their poop. Very
annoying! Needs to be enforced better.
197. Stop the policy of naming public places after people. The Schainker park is a joke. I
consider it one of the biggest disasters Ames has thought of. No one will use it-except
maybe the homeless.
198. Surveillance cameras put up near bathrooms in case they are damaged by individuals.
No-e-bikes e-skate boards, on park trails!!
199. Thank you for the great job Ames is doing on maintaining and improving upon the
current park system and recreational opportunities. I love seeing that the inclusive
playground at Inis Grove is popular and gets lots of use. Even though my family is grown,
I feel this was a good investment for the community.
The biggest issue is that pedestrians/runners are generally using noise-cancelling
headphones and are not aware of their environment. Another concern, whether I am
the one walking or biking is dogs that are unleashed or on a long leash
The city has created a monster in Inis Grove Park. It has become so popular that
families with young and disabled children are unable to use it because of crowding.
The enforcement of the leash law.
The fact that foraging a public park is even being discussed as not being allowed is
shameful. People really care that much about people getting natural foods from public
land??
The only issue I have with the park system is the lack of an easy trail system for bikers,
etc. Create trails that link clearly and code them so people can easily use them for a
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Appendix A
certain length of workout or to get somewhere on the trail without a lot of road
involvement. A color coded map online with distances marked would be really helpful.
The parks in Ames are a wonderful resource and chance to explore the outdoors year
round. The recent signage in and around the parks is helpful for people who are new to
the community. We take advantage of these places a lot and support the maintenance
and care that goes into these spaces. Thank you!!!
The parks should stay open later.
The policies don't do much if they aren't enforced, but it's hard to tell if people in parks
after hours are causing trouble in some way, or behaving responsibly, so it's tough.
posted park maps would be nice! Color coded areas, too, that say like "alcoholic
beverages allowed here!" or "no open containers here!" or whatever. Also, if there were
a way to show real-time updates and reservations of shelters and shelter use rules on-
site for people who make last minute reservations or need a lot of visual reminders to
follow through on expectations.
The use of personal mobility devices in parks may be regulated on a case by case basis,
Hayden, and this could be regulated by asking bikes to travel in one direction, and
reminding walkers that loud music in headphones makes them unaware of their
surroundings.
The widening of the trail at Ada Hayden may be able to improve safety concerns. We
also like the idea of a center line on the trail. All users just need to be considerate of
others and be kind.
211. There need to be porta potties at every park when the bathrooms are closed for the
season. Inis Grove is the most toddler friendly park and that group is potty training - they
absolutely need to have potties accessible there year round.
212. There needs to be enforcement mechanisms for park rules. Dog leash rules are already
rules useless.
213. Too many people don't keep dogs on leashes. Some dog owners don't understand that
not everyone loves dogs. I used to walk my dog in the parks and he did not want to be
greeted by other people or their dogs!
214. Uknown
215. Unsure
216. Users cleaning up after themselves.
217. users need to pick up their trash
218. Vehicles should use lights after dark -
219.
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We are lucky to have a beautiful park system, proactive approaches on speed and
homelessness/safety are greatly needed to keep Ames people going outside regularly to
stay healthy.
221. We need to be respectful of unhoused folks.
222.
owner will reassure us that they "are friendly" but this is not safe when they charge at us
or jump on us or for young children who might be afraid of dogs, regardless of how
"friendly" they are!
223. When city workers empty trash cans at Roosevelt Park, they drive the heavy trucks into
the park, partially on the sidewalk and partially on the grass. Both trash cans are so
hat brief
distance instead of driving onto park spaces that are not designed for heavy vehicles.
224. While I support the idea of foraging in general, and letting people connect that way with
nature, I worry about over-foraging -- and the impact this could have on sustainability
and on those resources being available for our wild neighbors. There's a real risk of
"loving the parks to death," so to speak .... where people overharvest and don't observe
respectful principles of foraging. I think if foraging is allowed in the park system, the
city needs to set more strict limits on how much each person can forage, and perhaps
-limits areas to ensure people aren't taking so many ramps (for
example) that the population can't sustain itself. The city should also put up signs in
the parks educating people about the rules and about ethical, respectful foraging so
people don't engage in greedy, destructive behavior that could damage plants (that are
trampled, for instance, in the process of hunting for forageable foods) or populations, or
mean less food for wildlife. We need to ensure we're leaving plenty for them ... it's hard
enough for wildlife as it as as humans keep paving over, developing on and further
diminishing quality, healthy habitat.
225. Who do you call if you need to post a complaint
226.
227. Would like more access to water and bathrooms outside of Memorial Day to Labor Day.
228. Yes please wait to block the boat ramp Till close to ice up which is mid December at
the earliest.
229. Yes, athletic swimming should be allowed at Ada Hayden as it is allowed at State Parks.
Yes, either force homeless people inside a shelter (not an animal shelter, but a human
shelter) or tell them they are not allowed in the city limits and have the cops enforce the
laws.
231. Yes, enforcement of parking policies needs to be more lax and less enforced.
232. Yes, I think it makes sense to have an exemption at Roosevelt for the concerts. It's crazy
that they allow drinking at Bandshell concerts but not at Roosevelt concerts. Just
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Appendix A
Roosevelt.
233. Yes, no smoking anywhere in parks needs to be posted and enforced; There should be
better signage about what to do with garbage, recycling, hot coals, and we should have
some personal device music/sound limits. Concerts are ok, but boom boxes are not
very considerate of others.
234. Yes. We may need new leadership at the department as well as more informed and
participatory commission members. Our city's management if its trail system is a joke,
and a bad one at that.
235. You need to mow East River Valley
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ATTACHMENT A
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PARK POLICIES CORRESPONDENCE
Hello,
I just want to mention some issues I have seen while I walk at Ada Hayden. Now that I am retired I
will be out there more.
People are not picking up after their dogs. There have been dogs not on leashes and are allowing
dogs in the water. (Summer)
Also, some bikers are not announcing themselves when they come across someone walking. They
go pretty fast too.
I can see cigarette butts dropped near the benches and swings. It's sad people leave trash too.
Thank you,
Diane
_____________________________________________________________________
Hello Keith,
Last night, I listened to the City Council’s discussion of a possible micro-mobility device ordinance. In
that context, I was especially interested in your remarks about the Parks and Recreation
Commission’s review of park rules.
I don’t know the scope of your Commission’s rules review, but I have repeatedly experienced two
issues that have discouraged or diminished my use of the wonderful Brookside Park.
Briefly, the areas of unpleasant conflict for me are: dog owners who do not leash their dogs and
cyclists dominating shared use paths.
(1) People who do not leash their dogs and allow them to run free through the Park.
This phenomenon creates a scenario for dangerous physical conflict between dogs. My dog and I
have experienced this frightening situation more than once, despite being watchful and taking evasive
measures. Further, owners who are more than 30 feet away from their untethered defecating dog,
rarely will be able to find and bag their dog’s output, even if they want to do so. Unfortunately, other
park users may inadvertently locate the output on the soles of their shoes.
Currently, there may be an exception to the leash law in parks if the owner claims the dog is off leash
for training purposes. I think this loophole should be deleted for anywhere in a park, other than areas
designated for this purpose.
I think more and clearer signage about the leash requirement and associated fines might help. I
realize enforcement is difficult.
Park users are out there on their own. Animal Control Officers and Police are responsive to a
call. However, due to the transient nature of unleashed dogs and their owners, this kind of call can
easily result in an unable to locate (UTL) code in the daily press log.
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(2) Cyclists who dominate so-called shared use paths to the detriment and disadvantage of
pedestrians.
I’ve had so many close calls with cyclists, that my walks with my dog on Brookside paths require me
to repeatedly look over my shoulder to see whether a cyclist is speeding toward us. As a result, I try
to walk my dog on the grass, but only as weather and mud permit.
My information is the City plans to remove the section of the North-South shared use path closest to
the West end of the pedestrian bridge. Currently, I use this section of the bifurcated path to avoid
cyclists. However, when that section is removed, all pedestrian and bike traffic in that crowded
section of the Park will be forced to use the same stretch of path.
Please widen the shared use paths in Brookside, impose slow speed limits for cyclists or other
wheeled modes of transport and add signage along the paths telling all to slow down and share the
path with slower moving users.
When and how will residents be able to comment on any Park rules revisions?
Thank you for speaking up for pedestrian safety on shared use paths in our parks!
In addition, I ask that the speed of bikes or other wheeled transport in Ames Parks be no more than
10 miles per hour and require such transport to have brakes that provide an immediate stop. Safety
of all park users should be the number one consideration for those on shared use paths.
Thank you,
Tam Lorenz
Hi, Keith,
As a daily Ada Hayden trail walker, I’d love to see e-bikes banned there. They’re motorized vehicles,
which are prohibited to begin with, and people ride them way too fast. If somebody loses control of a
50-lb. bike going 25 mph, there will be serious injuries.
Sincerely,
Leigh Rigby-Adcock
I am unable to attend the public input meeting regarding rules and policies. I do have comments
concerning the use of the Homewood Golf Course by the public. Homewood Golf Course is a Golf
course, and people pay to use the Golf course, as a Golf course. Allowing walkers and bicycles on
the golf course during Golf course open hours not only is dangerous to the public, it also causes
paying golfers issues as we wait for walkers too clear the areas, or puts golfers at issues as they may
be liable if they hit a walker with a Golf ball. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by the
city.
Thank you.
Kay Thede-Hughes
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I dont believe you should discriminate against people using an electronic scooter or power wheelchair
on the paved city park trails. Im a senior citizen who uses an electronic scooter in the
parks. Although I can walk, I do so very slowly having balance, knee and breathing issues. My 3-
wheel mobility scooter allows me to enjoy all the city parks - and to take my dog for a walk in the
parks. People use an electric scooter usually because of medical, mobility and/or disability
issues. By federal law the U.S. has the "People with Disabilities " act. I don't think people with
disabilities can be excluded from city, state or national parks because of scooter use. In the past
years our parks have been made more "user friendly " for handicapped/disabled citizens- that
includes senior citizens with mobility issues. This city ordinance that's being contemplated for
electronic scooters seems like a step backwards for disabled people who wish to be in and enjoy a
city park.
An issue I believe to be much more important in the parks is people speeding on bikes on paved park
trails. These people ride bikes at a very high speed on a multi-use trail. Also, electronic bikes can
travel at a very high speed- almost colliding with people walking on the trails. All the electronic
scooters i'm familiar with travel at a very low speed- similar to a fast walking speed.
Please consider all the above issues I've mentioned concerning use of city parks.
Thank you.
Marilyn Booth
Thank you for your comments!
The electronic scooter you are referring to is not the type of scooter we are discussing. Below is a picture of
the type of scooter we have problems with.
We will not ban devices for the mobility impaired as that is against the law as you stated.
I hope this helps clarify what type of scooter we are discussing. Let me know if you have any
additional questions.
Have a good night!
Keith Abraham
Thank you for the clarification.
Marilyn
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Hello,
I'm a downtown Ames resident who commutes to work in central Ames via bike several times a
week. As The City of Ames reviews it's policies and preferences regarding bicycles, if encourage you
to keep international students in mind.
Many of them arrive in Iowa without a car or license, expecting excellent public transportation,
which we do provide in CyRide. But CyRide is sometimes not adequate for their specific needs with
regard to late hours or frequency of buses on their route. Lots of these, often working adult graduate
students turn to hikes as their solution. Ames benefits a lot from allowing traditional, electric and
trailered bikes to have the space and respect they deserve on roads and trails.
Victoria Mason
Dear Keith, I am afraid I cannot attend the public input meeting on April 2. But i do want to tell you
that I do not think you should allow any bicycles, scooters etc. or any personal transportation system
within any of the city's parks. I think people should be allowed to enjoy the parks in peace and not be
constantly looking over their shoulder to see if someone is coming up behind them on a bike or
scooter or an electric skate board. There is also the matter of additional noise and pollution with many
of these devices. Paths should be kept for pedestrians - and those who attend the parks should be
able to sit or play with their children or walk their dogs (suitably leashed of course ) in peace.
Just think of the Ta Hira Park in West Ames. There is one nicely paved path - which allows enough
room for walking - and nothing else.
Thank you for your consideration when this subject comes up next Wednesday.
Dear Keith, I remembered a point I wanted to make about the parks rules and personal transportation
vehicles. It is particularly difficult for seniors to enjoy the parks if they have to be worrying about bikes,
electric scooters etc. They can't get out of the way very quickly if there is any vehicle suddenly
coming up behind them or trying to pass.
Thank you for considering this aspect of the matter,
Best regards,
Rhoda Mansbach
Hello,
Thank you for letting me share my concerns about park safety at your meeting last week.
I’ve been thinking more about my request that the Commission recommend to Council a significant
reduction in the distance between trainee dog and trainer. I’d suggested 12 feet /3 yards as a
possible distance, instead of the current 90 feet/ 30 yards as provided in Municipal Code section
3.102(1)(d). I just took a stab at what might seem like a reasonable unleashed distance for trainee
dogs only.
Before (and if) you make such a recommendation to Council, I suggest you solicit input from Ron
Edwards of the Ames Animal Shelter and possibly experienced dog trainers, specifically those who
train service dogs. I am unfamiliar with your procedures, so if this kind of targeted information
gathering is already part of the normal process, please excuse my redundancy.
106
Again, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you last week.
Tam Lorenz
Mr. Abraham:
Because my neighborhood is not protected by a camping ban, I am concerned that enforcement of
park closing times will shift homeless sleeping and camping to my neighborhood. Please be mindful
of the effects and consequences of park ordinances and enforcement. I would encourage you to
postpone decisions until after the City's homelessness study is completed.
Respectfully,
Debbie Carter
Mr. Abraham,
I hope you are doing well! I saw that you all will be discussing the use of the bike trails tonight. It
sounds like some electric assist bikes, scooters etc might be restricted in the future.
I live near Stuart Smith Park. My only concern is that I use the trails with my kids. When it is nice out,
we take their power wheels car and let them drive it to the playground in Stuart Smith. It is battery
powered, but has a very low speed, around 5 MPH max. I am hoping that this type of vehicle will not
be included in language if a ban is enacted by city council in the future.
Thank you for your work keeping the bike trails safe. I hope there is a productive conversation
tonight!
Paul Attema
Like to have at least part of the trail (Ada Hayden) with a rubberized path for cushioning.
Requesting No electric bikes on the trails.
Dick Kruse
Hello,
My name is David Mason, I live at 318 7th St. I'm curious what changes are being proposed to
mobility devices in the parks, and would like to give my public comments, should any changes or
regulations be proposed.
I am an avid bicyclist (and pedestrian) with 2 young children. It depends on the day, but sometimes
we are pulling a wagon in the park with the kids, taking a walk, riding an analog bike, or an e-assist
bike. It's important to me that the paths through the parks remain multi-modal, and accessible to both
analog and electric bikes, and I am in favor of keeping them open to other modes of electric-assist
transportation as well. I think we should be encouraging people to get outside and into our parks, and
107
if they decide to use e-assist mobility options, these are sustainable options that reduce our
communities carbon footprint and take cars off our streets.
If rules or regulations restricting e-bikes are to be put in place, I think a sensible approach would be to
limit park paths to Class 2 e-bikes.
My wife and I both ride e-bikes to take our kids to and from pre-school, and she rides to commute to
and from work. She has a history of chronic pain, and thus an e-bike is a great solution for her. Our
routes take us through a park on nice wide paths, with plenty of passing room. When we ride our e-
bikes, we are directly taking a vehicle or two off the roads during peak traffic time.
I think we should also consider how further regulations might affect people whose only practical
option is an electric assist device, such as people with medical conditions.
When riding through parks, I ride slowly and carefully, most often with a fully disengaged motor to be
quiet, and politely ding a bell when approaching pedestrians to alert them to my presence. As a
pedestrian and cyclist, I have not personally observed any problematic behavior (going too fast,
cutting close to pedestrians, etc.) by other people on bikes, e-bikes, electric scooters, or other
electric-assist devices.
Many of the parks provide a safe and efficient way to travel through portions of the city. Riding in non-
protected bike lanes is unfortunately not a very safe option, as can be easily discerned by how many
cyclists (or similar) are seen riding on the sidewalk or through parks, versus using bike lanes where
life and limb can be severely endangered by one distracted driver.
Thank you for considering my input,
David Mason
I read the announcement of the reconstruction of the path around Ada Hayden.
As a frequent walker on this path I would like to point out my concerns about your plan and why I
think it would be a fruitless effort and an incredible waste of the tax dollars of the serious dog walkers,
exercise runners, and nature lovers (e.g. bird watchers).
The bicycle traffic has increased exponentially in each of the years I have been walking there. (Since
2015). If given two more feet and a smooth concrete path it will only increase more.
Bicyclists, ebikers, etc. are not there for the same reasons as the walkers. They are not using the
path to raaace each other, but they are biking to see how efficiently they can get X number of miles
ridden as part of their exercise plan. They may “announce” themselves behind walkers to their own
satisfaction, but because of wind, distractions such as chatting with your partner or admiring the view
AND the number of people with ear buds in their ears, these announcements very seldom reach the
people for whom they are intended.
Bicycles and hikers do not fit on a 10’ or 12’ path!. Ada Hayden does not have room for a double
path around the lake.
Please Consider another plan.!. You could build a completely separate bike path that enters from the
City sidewalk on Harrison, runs north across the drainage ditch berm, around the flat ground
paralleling the trail up to Jensen Pond, cross the Ada Hayden path and continue east on that
service road site and make a big loop north and west around the hillside on the east side of Jensen
Pond back to the crossing Ada Hayden and back the way it came.
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They would get a good two miles in each trip they made on the trail and only have to look out for the
occasional dog. Or hiker at the junction where the paths crossed.
The other and even cheaper solution would be to ban bicycles and scooters and skate boards from
the park on Weekends and between the hours of3:30 - 6:30 on weekdays.
Those are everybody’s favorite hours on nice days — but they are darn dangerous for everyone —
bikers included.
I do wish you would think about it. Bikers and walkers need to be separated.
Margot Eness
Stone Brooke
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City of Ames Parks and Recreation
Policies
Park Hours:
• 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM Daily (Sec. 19.11. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Alcoholic Beverage Use:
• Keg Beer is prohibited in all parks (Sec. 17.17. City of Ames Municipal Code)
• Beer and wine are only allowed in Brookside, Gateway Hills, Inis Grove, Emma
McCarthy Lee, North & South River Valley, and Moore Memorial Parks. (Sec.
17.17. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Bicycles (manual, electric, etc.):
• Prohibited from exceeding 10 miles per hour on park trails.
• Not allowed in Munn Woods, East River Valley, Audubon Trail in Brookside Park,
and Skate Park (Sec. 19.12. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Damaging Plants:
• It is unlawful to willfully cut, rake, damage, destroy, or interfere with any trees,
shrubs, flowers, bush or other planting, or building, structure of other facilityor
amenity within thein any public park or recreational facility.
• Foraging of edible plants, fruits, and nuts are allowe d within the park
system.Interfering with park structures or facilities is specifically defined to include
persons being on top of park shelters; placing picnic tables in water, using them
as sleds, or placing them on top of shelter; and jumping or diving off pedestrian
bridges. (Sec. 19.8. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Feeding of Deer:
• No person may place any salt, mineral, grain, fruit, or vegetable material outdoors
on any public or private property within the City limits for the purpose of feeding
deer. (Sec. 3.7. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Fires:
• Allowed in grills only
Firearms
• Firearms are not allowed in parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. (Can we
do this?)
• It is unlawful for any person to have in their possession or under their control in
any public park, pleasure groundgreenway, or recreational facility and/or space or
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110
of the city a any BB gun, pellet gun, bow and arrow, sling shot, or any other device
for throwing a projectile of any kind. (Sec. 19.10. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Fishing:
• State of Iowa Fishing Regulations apply
• Use of any boat motor, other than an electric motor, is prohibited at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park. No person shall have any boat motor fueled by gasoline on the
premises of that park. Exception is emergency watercraft as approved in
advance.No gas boat motors on the lake or on the premises at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park (Sec. 19.19. City of Ames Municipal Code)
• Anglers assume sole responsibility for their safety related to ice fishing
• Any equipment/tool powered by petroleum (augers, generators, etc.) is not
allowedprohibited.
• Equipment/tool powered by liquid propane is allowed.
• Ice fishing huts may not be left in the park overnight
• Fishing from bridge at Ada Hayden Heritage Park is prohibitedNo person shall
engage in fishing from any bridge within the park system (Sec. 19.20. City of
Ames Municipal Code)
• No person shall dump live fish bait into the water of the any lake, pond, river, or
stream at Ada Hayden Heritage Park (Sec. 19.18. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Horses:
• Not Allowed
Hunting:
• Not allowed unless approved through the Urban Deer Hunting Program (Sec. 3.6.
City of Ames Municipal Code)
Motorized Vehicles:
• Limited to roadways and parking lots (Sec. 19.9 City of Ames Municipal Code)
• Vehicles shall be parked on hard surfaces only
• Overnight parking is prohibited in all parks
Park Structures/Bridges/Equipment:
• It is unlawful to utilize Utilizing any structure, and equipment, or facility for any
purposes or in any manner other than for its intended use is prohibited
Pets:
• Pets must always be on a leash unless at the City of Ames Dog Park (Sec. 3.103.
City of Ames Municipal Code)
• Pet owners are responsible and are required to clean up after their pets (Sec.
3.119. City of Ames Municipal Code)
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111
• No person shall walk a dog or dogs or in any way bring a dog onto the Homewood
Golf Course while the course is open to play. The Course shall be deemed open
to play when the flag poles are in the cups on the greens. This section shall not
prohibit officially documented service animals from coming onto Homewood Golf
Course. Dogs are prohibited at Homewood Golf Course while the course is open
for play (Sec. 19.13. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skatepark:
• No person shall use or have in or on the City Skate Park any type of bicycle,
scooter, coaster, unicycle, sled, vehicle or other device except for skateboards and
in-line roller skates (Sec. 19.14. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Skating/Skateboarding/Bike Riding/Scooters:
• Not allowed on tennis and pickleballhard surface courts (i.e. tennis, pickleball,
basketball, mini-pitch)
Snowmobiles:
• Not allowed (Sec. 17.29. City of Ames Municipal Code)
Swimming
• No person shall swim in any body of water on City owned property.
Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices
• Parks are tobacco and vape free.
Trapping/Hunting:
• Not allowed unless approved through the Urban Deer Hunting Program Not allowed
with exceptions (Sec. 3.4 City of Ames Municipal Code)
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Sup 2021-3 19-1 Rev. 07-01-21
CHAPTER 19
PARKS AND RECREATION
Sec. 19.1. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY CREATED; TITLE.
There is created hereby an administrative agency to be known as the parks and recreation commission of the
City of Ames, Iowa.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75) [State Law Ref. Iowa Code Sec. 392.1]
Sec. 19.2. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS, TERM OF OFFICE.
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall consist of seven (7) persons appointed by the Mayor with the
approval of the City Council. The term of office shall be three (3) years for six of the members, and one (1) of the
members shall serve a special 1one- year term. All terms shall run from April 1 of the year in which the appointment
is made. The one year special term shall be applied to a position first becoming vacant after the date of this
ordinance.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75; Ord. No. 2772, Sec. 1, 3-24-81; Ord. No. 3821, 3-08-05; Ord. No. 3944, 2-19-08)
Sec. 19.3. QUALIFICATIONS.
No one shall be a member of the parks and recreation commission who is not a resident of the City of Ames,
nor shall anyone who is an employee or elected official of the City of Ames be a member. No member who has
served two (2) full consecutive terms is eligible for reappointment.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75; Ord. No. 2639, Sec. 1, 2-28-78; Ord. No. 2843, Sec. 1, 2-22-83; Ord. No. 3944, 2-
19-08)
Sec. 19.4. COMPENSATION.
Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for any
expenditure of personal funds in furtherance of commission business in accordance with such procedures as shall be
prescribed by the city finance director.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 1, 5-6-75)
Sec. 19.5. FILLING OF VACANCIES.
Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. In the event a
vacancy on the commission shall occur because of resignation, disqualification or death of any incumbent, the
mayor shall appoint, subject to the approval of the city council, a person to serve out the unexpired term.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75; Ord. No. 3944, 2-19-08)
Sec. 19.6. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES.
The parks and recreation commission shall have such powers and duties as are expressed in this chapter relative
to developing and overseeing the implementation of plans, policies, procedures and programs for city parks,
swimming pools, and other recreational facilities and activities undertaken by or on behalf of the City of Ames.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75)
Sec. 19.7. SPECIFIC POWERS AND DUTIES.
The parks and recreation commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Rulemaking. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the commission shall have
rulemaking authority, andauthority and shall prescribe and promulgate communicate all needed rules and regulations
for use of or participation in the city parks, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities, programs and
activities.
(2) Planning. Prepare, and revise at least once every five (5) years, a plan for the development and
continuation of a system of city parks, pleasure groundsgreenways, swimming pools, and other recreational
facilities.
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Sup 2018-3 19-2 Rev. 07-01-18
(3) Gifts. May solicit, on behalf of the City of Ames, gifts of money or property for parks and recreation
purposes.
(4) Rates Fees and charges. Whenever, and only so long as there are no revenue bonds or pledge orders
outstanding which are payable therefrom, the commission shall have the power and authority to establish fees , rates
and charges for the use of a city park, pleasure ground, swimming pool, or other recreational facility, or for
participation in a recreational program or activity. However, the city council shall at all times retain and have power
and authority to establish, impose, adjust and provide for the collection of rates fees and charges when such action is
necessary to produce gross revenues at least sufficient to pay the expenses of operation and maintenance of a certain
park, pleasure groundgreenway, swimming pool, or other recreational facility, or to pay the principal and interest of
any revenue bonds and pledge orders as they come due.
(5) Joint projects. Subject to the approval of the city council, the commission may take action jointly with
other public or private agencies as provided in Chapter 28E, Code of Iowa , 1977.
[State Law Ref. Iowa Code Sec. 392.4]
(6) Contracts. The commission shall have power to authorize and execute on behalf of the City of Ames,
without action of the city council, contracts with public or private entities for service relative to recreational
programs and activities. Such contracts shall be evidenced by a written document approved as to form by the city
attorney and certified consistent with the current budget by the director of finance .
[State Law Ref. Iowa Code Sec. 392.3]
(7) Leasing to organizations. The commission shall have authority to lease, under reasonable rules and
requirements, a particular park or portion thereof, as follows:
(a) For a period not in excess of ten (10) days to charitable, fraternal and patriotic organizations, for
the purpose of permitting such organizations to conduct celebrations, anniversaries and entertainments.
(b) For a period not to exceed six (6) months, as the commission shall deem proper , for the purpose of
permitting the playing of amateur or professional baseball or other athletic games.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75)
Sec. 19.8. DAMAGING PLANTS, PROPERTY IN PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to willfully cut, rake, damage, destroy or interfere with any
trees, shrubs, flowers, bush or other planting, or building, structure or other facility amenity in any public park or
recreational facility.
(2) Foraging of edible plants, fruit, and nuts are allowed within the park system.
(1)(3) Interfering with park structures or facilities is specifically defined to include persons
being on top of park shelters; placing picnic tables in water , using them as sleds, or placing them on top of shelters;
and jumping or diving off pedestrian bridgesUtilizing any structure, equipment, or facility for any purpose or in any
manner other than for its intended use is prohibited.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75, Ord. No. 3459, Sec. 1, 9-9-97)
Sec. 19.9. UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE IN CITY PARK; EXCEPTIONS.
It is unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to operate a motor vehicle as defined in the
laws of the state in any public park or pleasure groundgreenway of the city, except upon the streets and parking lots
therein which are specifically designated for motor vehicle travel. Exception: This does not apply to manual or
powered mobility devices used by individuals with a disability. Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
(OPDMD) by individuals with mobility disability’s are subject to a case-by-case assessment based on official factors
(i.e. device characteristics, park characteristics, safety requirements, environmental factors, and/or land
management).
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75)
Sec. 19.10. FIREARMS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS.
Except for police officers, while in the performance of duty, and as otherwise specifically authorized by the
commission, it It is unlawful for any person to carry or have in their possession or under their control in any public
park, pleasure groundgreenway or recreational facility and/or space of the city any firearm of any kind whatsoever,
BB gun, pellet gun, bow and arrow, sling shot, or any other device for shooting or throwing a projectile of any kind.
(Ord. No. 2507, Sec. 2, 5-6-75)
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Sup 2021-3 19-3 Rev. 07-01-21
Sec. 19.11. PARK HOURS.
All city parks are open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Only Parks & Recreation department
employees or emergency personnel, including fire, police and utility workers, are authorized to be in the parks
between the hours of 10:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., unless advance written permissionapproval has been obtained from
the Parks and Recreation Commission.
(Ord. No. 3459, Sec. 1, 9-9-97)
Sec. 19.12. BIKE RIDING PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN PARKS.
Bike ridingRiding bikes of all types (i.e. manual, electric, etc.) is prohibited in Munn Woods; East River
Valley Park; and in Brookside Park on the Audubon Trail.
See also 19.14.
(Ord. No. 3439, Sec. 1, 9-9-97; Ord. No. 4359, 6-12-18)
Sec. 19.13. DOGS AT HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE.
No person shall walk a dog or dogs or in any way bring a dog onto the Homewood Golf Course while the
course is open to play. The Course shall be deemed open to play when the flag poles are in the cups on the greens.
This section shall not prohibit a blind personofficially documented service animals from coming onto Homewood
Golf Course with the aid of the blind persons’s seeing-eye dog.
(Ord. No. 3583, 9-12-00)
Sec. 19.14. PROHIBITED USE OF GEORGIE TSUSHIMA MEMORIAL SKATE PARK.
(1) No person shall use or have in or on the City Skate Park any type of bicycle, scooter, coaster, unicycle,
sled, vehicle or other device except for skateboards and in-line roller skates.
(2) Violation of this section shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of $50.00 for a first
offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for each subsequent offense.
(Ord. No. 3679, 8-27-02)
Sec. 19.15. ReservedSWIMMING PROHIBITED.
(Ord. No. 3996, 7-14-09)No person shall swim in any body of water on City owned property.
Sec. 19.16. Reserved.
(Ord. No. 3996, 7-14-09)
Sec. 19.17. Reserved.
(Ord. No. 3996, 7-14-09)
Sec. 19.18. BAIT DUMPING PROHIBITED.
No person shall dump live fish bait into the water of the any lake, pond, river, or stream at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park.
(Ord. No. 3756, 2-10-04)
Sec. 19.19. BOAT MOTORS.
Use of any boat motor, other than an electric motor, is prohibited at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. No person
shall have any boat motor fueled by gasoline on the premises of that park. Exception is emergency watercraft as
approved in advance.
(Ord. No. 3756, 2-10-04)
Sec. 19.20. FISHING FROM THE BRIDGE PROHIBITED.
No person shall engage in fishing from the any bridge within the park systemat Ada Hayden Heritage Park.
(Ord. No. 3756, 2-10-04)
Sec. 19.21. PENALTIES.
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Sup 2018-3 19-4 Rev. 07-01-18
a) Violation of sections 19.8 through 19.20 shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of $30
for a first violation; $100 for the first repeat violation; and, $200 for each and every subsequent repeat violation.
b) Alternatively, violations of sections 19.15 through 19.20 can be charged by a peace officer as a simple
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500, or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed thirty days.
(Ord. No. 3756, 2-10-04)
116