Park Rules and Ordinances

Hours

Fitchburg parks are open from sunrise until 10:00 P.M.

Alcohol

According to City Ordinance Chapter 60 (Article I, Sec. 60-4), alcohol is not allowed in the City Parks between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. Alcohol is not allowed in any of the neighborhood parks. These sections of the City Ordinance do not apply if the Common Council waives the prohibition or if there are malt beverages being sold or consumed in conjunction with a Class "B" or Temporary Class "B" permit. Information about these permits may be obtained from the City Clerk's Department by calling (608) 270-4200 or emailing patti.anderson@city.fitchburg.wi.us.

Pets

According to City Ordinance Chapter 56 (Article IV), animals are not allowed in city parks where signs are posted prohibiting their presences. In all other city parks, animals are allowed as long as they are restrained by rope, cord, leash, chain, harness, bridle, or other means of restraint. The owner or the person in charge of an animal shall immediately remove all refuse, dirt, foods and/or excretions expelled, caused by or left by any animal on any public property or private property other than that of the owner and deposit same into proper refuse containers.

 Park & Shelter Use

  • The Park Commission does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group
  • Exclusive use of the ball diamonds, tennis courts, and playground equipment is not included with picnic reservation
  • All groups must vacate the shelter at the time specified on the permit
  • All reservation privileges end at 9:30 PM, All parks are closed from 10:00 PM until sunrise
  • Persons reserving picnic areas are responsible for clean-up prior to completion of the reserved time. The Fitchburg Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department will bill those not leaving the park in a reasonable state
  • User groups that have a valid reservation permit from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department cannot be displaced by groups that do not have a permit
  • The speed limit is 15 mph on park access drives
  • Pets must be on leash at all times
  • No camping, No horseback riding
  • Driving or parking motorized vehicles on grass is prohibited without prior approval by the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department
  • Permission from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department must be received prior to placing any equipment, such as portable toilets, concession stands, tents, etc., within a park
  • Moving park equipment is prohibited (applies to moving picnic tables from the shelter area to another area of the park)
  • Firearms, bows & arrows are prohibited
  • Dumping of trash or rubbish which was not generated from park use is prohibited
  • All recyclables must be placed in their proper container/receptacle
  • All sales of beverages, sales of food or admissions must have prior City Council approval
  • Advertising or posting any notices, bills or posters without a written permit from the City Council is prohibited
  • Any deviation from the above rules must have Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department approval

Other Ordinances Related to Parks and Forestry

Chapter 22: Zoning (Article VI: Park and Recreation District; Sec. 22-647 Park Fee Requirements)

Chapter 23: Smartcode District

Chapter 24: Land Division (24-2(d) Dedication and reservation of land)

Chapter 52: Cemeteries (Article II: Oak Hill Cemetery)

Chapter 54: Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Chapter 70: Offenses Generally (Article V: Offenses Against Property)