Rules and Regulations of Community Resources

1. Applicability

Applicability

Pursuant to Section 9.32.020 of the Lakewood Municipal Code, these Rules and Regulations apply to all parks, recreation facilities, and community centers operated by the City of Lakewood (the "City"). 

Definitions

(1) “Department” shall mean the City’s Community Resources Department.
(2) “Director” shall mean the Department Director.
(3) “Lakewood Civic Center” shall be defined as set forth in section 9.32.010 of the Lakewood Municipal Code.
(4) “Staff” means Department employees and designated volunteers.

2. Archery

Archery is permitted only in designated areas. The use of hunting points and broad head arrows is prohibited in designated archery ranges.

3. Belly Boats

No person shall use a fishing floatation device, commonly known as a “belly boat”, except in designated areas. 

4. Camping

Camping is allowed only in marked, designated areas of Bear Creek Lake Park or other park areas with permission of the Director.

• The maximum occupancy per site is six people with one motorized camping unit or two tents. At least one member of the camping party must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Parking is permitted only on the gravel, not on the grass.
• The collection of firewood is strictly prohibited.
• Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
• A maximum of fourteen nights of camping are allowed in any thirty-day period.
• Campsite checkout time is noon of the expiration date on the camping pass.
• The washing of dishes or persons at the water hydrants is prohibited.
• Horses and other livestock are not permitted in the campground. 

5. Children

All children ten years of age or younger must be registered for a class or activity or must be supervised by a responsible party who is twelve years of age or older while within any recreational facility or community center. 

6. Code of Conduct

• The Department supports and promotes an atmosphere of respect and courtesy. Appropriate behavior and interaction with others is expected of all patrons and participants.  Physical, mental, verbal, or emotional abuse will not be accepted in any City activity, event, facility or program.
• Any Department employee is authorized to enforce the Code of Conduct along with any Rules and Regulations applicable to the facility, activity, event or program. Any person acting inappropriately or disrespectfully may be subject to the revocation of the privilege of using City facilities or participating in activities, events or programs.  Such determination will be made according to the City’s exclusion procedures.
• There is a “zero tolerance” policy for violations of this Code of Conduct.

7. Dogs in Water

No owner, or other responsible party, shall allow any dog to enter any water areas in any park or recreational facility in the City except as approved by the Director and in approved areas.  

8. Drones

Federal and local laws regulate the use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) and how they can be used in the City of Lakewood. This webpage is designed to clarify those regulations so you can safely and legally operate a drone. Anyone flying a drone must follow all federal, city and county guidelines. You may not launch, land or otherwise operate any unmanned motorized vehicle from or on any City of Lakewood facility, park or open space area without an approved drone use permit.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules dictate certain key rules about drones, and there’s an important difference between whether you are flying your drone recreationally (not for money-making purposes) or commercially (for money-making purposes). For more information and a complete list of updated regulations, visit the FAA’s website. 

To report drone-related issues in the city, contact the Jefferson County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 303-980-7300.

9. E-bikes and Powered Scooters

ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLES ("E-BIKES") AND POWERED SCOOTERS ON PARK PROPERTY

This regulation is for the use of electrical assisted bicycles (“E-Bikes”) in City of Lakewood (“City”) parks. The following requirements apply to all operators of E-Bikes:

• Operation of Class 3 categories of E-Bikes is prohibited on City park property and trails.
• Operation of Class 1 E-Bikes are permitted on hard and soft-surface trails.
• Operation of Class 2 E-Bikes are permitted only on only hard surface trails.
• Devices designed to assist people with mobility impairments, such as wheelchairs and power chairs, are permitted on hard-surface trails or other trails in City parks as designated by the Director.
• Maximum speed allowed for E-Bikes is fifteen (15) mph on City park paths.
• Fuel-powered bicycles and powered scooters of any type are prohibited on City park property and trails.
• E-Bikes must yield to other bicycles, horses and pedestrians on park pathways, and follow all other laws and regulations that apply to bicyclists within the City.
• The Director may allow City staff to use any class of E-Bikes for management or enforcement purposes.
• The Director has the authority to grant exceptions for use at specific facilities or events in City parks.

10. Exclusion Procedures

EXCLUSION OF VIOLATORS

• Facility and Parks staff designated by the Director of Community Resources (“Staff”) has the authority to exclude persons who violate any Community Resources rule and regulation, municipal ordinance, code of conduct or state statute for the day of the violation.  If the violation is serious enough, Staff will decide whether to exclude the violator from the Facility or Park for more than one day (an “Exclusion”) and/or to call the police.

• If Staff decides Exclusion is warranted, Staff will:
  • When feasible, take a photograph of the violator for the purpose of identification; and
  • immediately serve the violator with a Notice of Exclusion, or send the Notice of Exclusion to the violator by certified mail, return receipt requested.

• The period of the Exclusion shall not exceed one (1) year.  In determining the length of Exclusion, the following factors shall be considered by Staff: 

• The seriousness of the violation;
• whether the violation was of a rule or regulation, or involved criminal conduct; and
• whether the violation involved damage to property, threat of violence, or the use of physical force. 

• All Exclusion orders shall prohibit violators from entering or remaining in all recreational facilities, including Bear Creek Lake Park, Fox Hollow Golf Course, Homestead Golf Course and Thunder Valley, all community centers and all heritage, culture and the arts facilities. Exclusions also apply to all City parks. Exclusion orders shall not include the Lakewood Civic Center.

• The Notice of Exclusion shall notify the violator of the following:
  • the basis for Exclusion;
  • the length of Exclusion;
  • that the violator has a right to a hearing to determine whether probable cause for Exclusion exists, that the burden of proof shall be on the city and that the violator may call witnesses and present relevant evidence.  

• If the violator desires a hearing, he or she must deliver to the Lakewood City Attorney’s Prosecution Office, within five (5) business days after service of the Notice of Exclusion, a written demand for a hearing.  As used herein, “service” shall mean, and be effective upon, delivery to the violator by personal service or via certified mail.  The written demand must include the violator’s current address and a telephone number where the violator can be reached between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If the violator fails to request a hearing within the allotted time, the Exclusion shall become final, and the violator shall lose the right to a hearing on the matter.

CONDUCT OF EXCLUSION HEARING

1. The hearing shall be conducted by a Lakewood Municipal Court Judge within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt by the Lakewood City Attorney’s Prosecution Office of a written demand from the person seeking the hearing, unless such person waives the right to a speedy hearing.  In the event that the right to a speedy hearing is waived, the hearing will be held within ten (10) business days of receipt of the waiver.  Days the Municipal Court is closed, including holidays, are to be excluded from the calculation of the seventy-two (72) -hour period.

2. The sole issue before the Municipal Court Judge shall be whether probable cause existed to exclude the violator from all City recreational facilities, including Bear Creek Lake Park, Fox Hollow Golf Course, Homestead Golf Course and Thunder Valley, all community centers and all heritage, culture, arts facilities, and all City parks for a period of up to one (1) year.

3. The hearing shall be conducted in an informal manner and shall not be bound by the technical rules of evidence.  Nevertheless, the violator and the City may call witnesses and present demonstrative evidence. The Municipal Court Judge may receive all or part of the evidence in written form.  The hearing will be recorded.  

4. The City shall carry the burden of establishing that the violator acted in violation of a Community Resources Department rule or regulation, code of conduct, a municipal ordinance or state statute and that the period of Exclusion imposed complied with the Community Resources Department’s regulations.  The standard of proof shall be probable cause.

5. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Municipal Court Judge shall prepare a written decision.  A copy of such decision shall be mailed via certified mail to the violator within five (5) business days.  The decision of the Municipal Court Judge shall in no way affect any criminal proceeding in connection with the violation in question, and any criminal charges involved in such proceeding may be challenged only in the appropriate court.

6. If the Municipal Court Judge determines that the violator committed a violation that constitutes grounds for Exclusion and that the period of Exclusion imposed complies with the Community Resources Department’s regulations, the Municipal Court Judge shall order that the Exclusion order go into effect immediately. 

7. Failure of the violator to attend a scheduled appeal hearing shall be deemed a waiver of the right to such hearing, and the Municipal Court Judge shall order that the Exclusion order go into effect immediately.

8. The Municipal Court’s ruling shall constitute a final ruling for the purposes of appeal pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106(4).

APPEAL

If the violator is dissatisfied with the Municipal Court Judge’s decision, he/she may appeal pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 106(4).

ENFORCEMENT OF EXCLUSION ORDER

1. Persons ten years of age or older may be required to check in at the entry desk of a recreational facility or community center designated by the Director and show either a City issued identification or other approved photo identification.

2. If Facility or Parks Staff determines that someone who is currently excluded is attempting to enter the facility, the Lakewood police will be called and staff will request that the excluded person be arrested for violating the exclusion order.

11. Fees

All persons using any city park, recreational facility, or community center shall pay any applicable admission fees.

12. Golf

• No person shall drive, putt, or in any other fashion play or practice golf or use golf balls or clubs in any area of any park or recreational facility of the City except Fox Hollow Golf Course, the Homestead Golf Course and any other area designated by the Director for that purpose.
• No person on the premises of Fox Hollow Golf Course and Homestead Golf Course shall:
  1. Engage in disorderly conduct.
  2. Become visibly intoxicated.
  3. Damage the golf course.
  4. Fail to follow the course design on a hole-to-hole basis.

  5. Interfere with or obstruct the activities or any other golfer or patron of the golf course. 

13. Ice Activities

No person shall enter onto the ice on any body of water managed by the Department or included in any park or recreational facility unless the specific area used is posted to allow such activity or has been otherwise authorized by the Director.  

14. Identification

When entering a recreation facility or community center designated by the Director, every person over the age of ten may be required to sign in and show either a City issued identification or other approved photo identification, unless such person is participating in an organized program, activity, tournament or registered for a class.  

15. Intoxication

No person shall be visibly intoxicated or under the influence of any controlled substance with any city park, recreational facility, or community center. No person under the age of 21, who has consumed any alcoholic liquor, may enter or remain in any park, recreation facility or community center. 

16. Masks Required When Posted

For the health and safety of our guests, all visitors 3 and older to Lakewood Community Resources facilities shall comply with the following requirements when posted:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or surgical mask at all times (face shields used without a cloth or surgical mask covering the mouth and nose are not acceptable).
• Disinfect any shared equipment and wash your hands regularly.

Violators may be subject to revocation of the privilege of using City facilities or participating in city activities or programs. Such determination will be made in accordance with the City’s exclusion procedures.

The following locations shall be subject to the requirements of this section when posted, as designated by the Director of Community Resources:

• Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park Visitor’s Center and facilities
• Washington Heights Arts Center
• Lakewood Cultural Center
• All City recreation centers
• Clements Community Center
• Bear Creek Lake Park Visitor Center
• Golf Course Club Houses and Pro Shops
• Wilbur Rogers Center
• Outdoor events held or sponsored by the City

17. Model Boats and Airplanes

Radio-controlled model boats and airplanes are only allowed in areas designated for such use by the Director. Fuel-propelled model boats and airplanes and fuel propelled radio-controlled vehicles are not allowed in any park, recreation facility, or community center in the City. 

18. Organized Sports

The Director shall issue permits to teams for league competition and practice. All teams and individuals shall relinquish the play area to the permit holder during the designated date and time on the permit. The Director may restrict players, teams, and leagues from all public fields for a specified time for flagrant or repeated violations of these rules and regulations. The Director may close any public field or play area when, due to weather or any other condition, the use of such field would create a hazardous condition for players or would create maintenance problems. 

19. Organized use of Parks and Open Space

Permits are required for any person engaging in any group activity who requires a specific reservation or is engaging in any nonrecreational or commercial activities or organized community events such as festivals, celebrations, organized walking or running events, outdoor rally, meeting, demonstration or gathering for the purpose of expressive activity in a City park or the Lakewood Civic Center Plaza. The primary purpose of parks is to provide areas for the residents of the City and the general public to engage in recreational activities and temporarily exchange the urban environment for a more natural one.  Therefore, the primary consideration in issuing or denying use of a park or public open space shall be to consider the safety and rights of residents who use such areas, and to protect and preserve such areas for recreational use by the residents of the City and the general public.

20. Projectiles and Launching Devices

It is unlawful to discharge, fire, or shoot any item identified therein in any park, community center, or recreation facility of the city, except in designated areas, without the written consent of the Director.

21. Regulations Specific to Lakewood Civic Center

• Dogs: Except for Assistance Dogs as defined in C.R.S. 24-34-803 or dogs used in an approved performance, no dogs shall be allowed inside Lakewood Civic Center buildings.
• Motorized and Non-Motorized Vehicles: Riders/operators of bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and similar vehicles shall be required to dismount upon entering the Lakewood Civic Center plaza, including its sidewalks and open areas, unless permitted by the Director.  Automobiles and motorbikes are not allowed on the plaza, including its sidewalks and open areas.
• No Posting: No sign or other message shall be affixed to any structure, wall, pole or other device in the Lakewood Civic Center, unless permitted by the Director.
• Information Booths: No booth, table or similar device shall be erected in the Lakewood Civic Center, unless permitted by the Director.
• Certain Activities and Events: No festivals, commercial activity, entertainment activity, organized events, organized sporting activity, musical demonstrations or similar activities shall occur in the Lakewood Civic Center, unless permitted by the Director.
• Obstructions: No person shall block or impede the entrances or exits of the buildings and structures located in the Lakewood Civic Center.

22. Skateboards, In-line and Roller Skates, Roller Blades

Except when otherwise authorized by the Director, no person shall engage in any skating activity utilizing roller blades, in-line skates, roller skates, or skateboards in the parking lot or on any sidewalk adjacent to any entrance to any recreational facility or community center, or on or in the Lakewood Civic Center, its sidewalks, streets, plazas, parking garages, parking structures, parking areas or open areas. The Director may designate other areas in which the above-described activities are prohibited. 

23. Slack Lining

Slack lining (or other objects anchored/tied to park trees) will be allowed on park property under the following restrictions: 

• Trees must be a minimum of 14” in diameter (dbh), and line must not cause tree to noticeably flex. The lowest horizontal branch shall be a minimum of six feet from the ground.
• Padding must be used to protect trees.
• Line must not be elevated to a height of more than 3’ at the center of the span (applies to slack lines only).
• Equipment must not be left unattended and must be removed each day.
• Lines must not interfere with other park activities.
• Prohibited areas where slack lining is not allowed include Bear Creek Lake Park swim beach, marina area and campground; man-made objects; landscaped garden areas; and any other areas posted as closed to slack lining.  

24. Sledding

No person shall sled within any park of the City, except in designated areas.  

25. Snowmobiles

No person shall use a snowmobile in any park unless authorized by the Director. 

26. Swimming, Wading

1. No person shall swim in any outside body of water within any of the City’s parks and recreational facilities, except in designated areas, or as part of a scheduled and supervised recreational program which is sponsored by the Department, or as authorized by a Department permit.
2. No person shall wade in any body of water managed by the Department or in any park or recreational facility unless such area is designated for wading or when wading is an integral part of a lawful water activity. As used in this rule, “wade” means to enter into water up to chest height.
3. No person shall swim from any boat except when engaged in a legitimate rescue attempt.
4. Use of swimming pools shall be subject to rules and regulations posted at each swimming pool.
5. No person shall interfere with any Staff while they are engaged in the performance of their duties. 

27. Temporary Memorials

This policy is intended to regulate temporary memorials on City-owned property for the purposes of ensuring equal treatment and to limit the potential for such memorials to cause litter, attract unwanted pests such as insects and vermin, distract drivers, deface public property, generate undesirable visual clutter, or create a hazard to the public.

Temporary memorials include any single item or collection of items, including but not limited to, flowers, plaques, monuments or signs, as well as photographs, greeting cards and letters, personal items, stuffed animals, balloons or streamers, and any manner of similar items, placed by one or more individuals on City property without City permission for the purpose of commemorating, remembering, honoring, memorializing, celebrating or other, similar purpose.

• City staff will take down and remove temporary memorials after thirty (30) days. Prior to removing a temporary memorial, staff will contact the Lakewood Police Department Victim Advocate Unit, to determine if family or next of kin is known. If the family or next of kin is known, staff will notify the family that the memorial is being removed and they can collect any items at the site prior to the removal date.
• The City may remove plant materials at such time as the City decides, in its sole discretion, that such plant materials appear to be dead or dying. Food and beverages, whether or not in sealed containers, are prohibited and may be removed immediately. Upon removal of a temporary memorial, the City will place a card or note with information to allow individuals to retrieve personal items. The City will store such items for fourteen (14) calendar days. At the expiration of such 14-day period, such items will be considered abandoned.
• The City is hereby authorized to immediately take down and remove any part or all of a temporary memorial the City deems, in its sole and absolute discretion, to create a hazard of any kind. Hazards may include, but are not necessarily limited to, obstruction of vehicle line of sight, hazardous or dangerous materials or objects, foul or unpleasant odors, or those that incite an immediate breach of the peace.
• The City is under no duty or obligation to remove any part of a temporary memorial the City deems to create a hazard, and the City shall not be liable for any injuries or damage that may result from the City’s failure to remove such temporary memorial.

Memorial Donation Opportunities

Memorial donation programs offer unique opportunities to remember your loved ones and create a lasting tribute. Details can be found on the City of Lakewood Memorial Trees and Benches webpage.

Roadside memorials follow a different process and are coordinated through the Lakewood Police Department Victim Advocate Unit.

28. Tennis

Use of tennis courts shall be subject to the rules and regulations posted at each tennis court.  Reserved use of tennis courts, with the exception of contractually managed facilities, shall be available only by permit from the Director.

29. Trail Users

Trail users, including but not limited to pedestrians, bicyclists, horseback riders, horse drawn carriage operators, skaters, and skateboarders, shall not operate or act in a careless or imprudent manner on any park trail so as to indicate a lack of due care for the safety of persons or property. All trail users shall make every effort to share park trails with other trail users. 

30. Vehicles on Ice

No motorized vehicle of any kind shall be on the ice of any body of water.  

31. Wildfire Mitigation

Owners of real property adjacent to City parks may, where necessary to mitigate against the danger of wildfire, enter onto the City’s park land for the purpose of maintaining and controlling vegetation in the area of City park land within twenty (20) feet of the owner’s property line, including but not limited to mowing, cutting or raking grasses and ground cover or removing, trimming, pruning or otherwise reducing shrubs, bushes, trees and other vegetation.  Property owners must comply with the following conditions:

1. Pre-approval is required for the removal of trees over three (3) inches in diameter.
2. No clearing of vegetation down to mineral soil.
3. No landscaping or other improvements will be allowed on City property.

Owners who choose to undertake such activities on City park land do so at their own risk, and are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as other users of City park land.  

32. Refund, Credit and Transfer Policy

When you sign up for a class, we depend on your enrollment for a successful class. However, we understand that sometimes your plans may change.

• All credit/refund requests must be made at least seven days prior to the start of a program.

• Refund requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to a 50% processing fee.

• Refunds can be added to your household account or issued via check or credit card; no cash refunds. Please allow three weeks to receive a refund.

To request a refund, contact the facility in which your class is located or contact Community Resources by email at CRinfo@Lakewood.org or by phone at 303-987-7800.

We reserve the right to cancel or combine classes. Should a class be canceled before it begins, a full credit will be automatically issued to your household account for future use. No refunds will be issued once a class has begun.