Lexington Town Council members unanimously approved the final reading of an ordinance establishing rules and regulations for town parks. 

The rules and regulations apply to all town parks except for the Old Mill Trail, a 1.15-mile paved loop wrapping around the Lexington Mill Pond, and The Paw Park, located at 989 Hendrix St., which are governed by separate regulations. 

During the summer, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Metz told council members that there were park safety issues, necessitating rules be approved and posted to each park. 

Following discussions with the police department, staff recommended the park rules to address those concerns. 

According to the public document outlining the rules, park hours are from sunrise to sunset.  Individuals may not remain in a park outside posted hours without permission from the town.

Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Four-legged guests must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and are not allowed on playgrounds or splash pads. Pet owners are also required to remove and properly dispose of waste.

Park visitors are prohibited from damaging landscaping or woodlands and from moving park furnishings. Alcohol consumption on town property is not allowed unless prior approval is granted by the Department of Parks and Community Services. 

Additionally, vehicles are only permitted in designated parking areas, and disorderly conduct, including loud music or behavior that interferes with other park users, is prohibited. 

Sidewalk chalk is allowed only with written permission from the town. 

The ordinance also prohibits releasing balloons, swimming, loitering, sleeping, using tobacco products, bringing personal grills, riding bicycles, bringing glass containers or bottles, and using scooters, skateboards, rollerblades or metal detectors.

Weapons, solicitation or signs, hunting or trapping, fires and camping are also not allowed.

The document states that using any park for profit, including sales and solicitation, is prohibited without prior approval from the Department of Parks and Community Services. 

All parks will also display signage stating that park use is at one’s own risk and that the town is not responsible for accidents or injuries. 

At Gibson Park, fishing must comply with South Carolina rules and regulations. Gas-powered watercraft are not permitted.

Violations of the ordinance will be punished as provided by South Carolina law or as otherwise determined by the town’s code of ordinances, the document reads.

Here are some parks in the Lexington County area:

• Corley Street Park, 210 Corley St.
• Gibson Pond Park, 214 Gibson Rd. 
• Lexington Square, 205 E Main St.
• Palmetto Collegiate Institute, 104 Hendrix St. 
• Virginia Hylton Park, 111 Maden Lane
• Willie B. Caractor Park, 804 Hendrix St.