Arlington County Park Rules & Regulations

Personal Conduct Rules

The following are strictly prohibited unless otherwise specified:

1. Illegal gambling or wagering.
2. The carry or discharge of any firearm or the carry or discharge of any air gun, gas gun, BB gun, or any like gun, slingshot, dart devices, bow and arrow or hunting. The ordinance also applies to concealed carry permit-holders.
3. The possession or discharge of fireworks or explosive devices of any kind. Exceptions to this rule will be determined for scheduled activities and must be specifically authorized by DPR.
4. Being drunk or disturbing the peace through riotous, boisterous, threatening, or indecent conduct, or the use of abusive, threatening, profane, or indecent language.
5. Defecating or urinating in other than a rest room.
6. Use, Consumption, or Possession of Alcoholic Beverages.

• The use, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages on certain County property, as defined in Section 17-2 of the Arlington County Code, is unlawful except as defined in Section 17-2. And further described below. The term “alcoholic beverage” refers to beer, wine, and mixed beverages as defined in the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
• The use, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages is allowed by a County-issued Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit only in the following designated park areas (Exhibit A).
• Beer and wine only in designated areas:
  1. Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway)
  2. Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd.)
• Beer, wine and mixed beverages in the Main House and designated adjacent grounds at Fort C. F. Smith Park (2411 North 24th Street).
• Persons wishing to provide for the use, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages in the designated areas must obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit from Arlington County, as well as the necessary licenses or permits from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Requests must be received in the office of the Department of Parks and Recreation a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to date of use.
• Anyone wishing to reserve a designated area and serve alcoholic beverages must obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit (Exhibit A) for one of the above listed park areas. To obtain a permit, write or call: Department of Parks and Recreation; 3600 South Four Mile Run Drive; Arlington, VA 22206 or phone 702-228-7632 or fax 703-228-6507.
• The Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit fee is $100.00, payable to the Treasurer of Arlington County. The fee reflects partial recovery of the administrative costs related to the Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit. Costs associated with providing support services from the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Environmental Services, or other County departments will be charged to the permit holder and collected separately.
• A copy of the Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit application will be sent by DPR to the Arlington County Police Department (Special Operations Section, Special Events Coordinator) and the Arlington County Risk Manager for review and recommendation.
• The application must be in the name of the individual who secures the Virginia ABC permit, not a group or organization. The applicant can represent a group or organization.
• The applicant must be at least 21 years of age with no previous alcohol-related convictions, such as, but not limited to, the illegal use or possession of alcoholic beverages, driving under the influence of alcohol, and similar offenses.
• The applicant will be responsible for ensuring that no person who is under the age of 21 or is intoxicated will be served any alcoholic beverages. The applicant will be required to provide a plan which shows how the applicant will prevent drinking by persons under the age of 21 and persons who are intoxicated at the event or function covered by the permit.
• The applicant must fill out the Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit application form completely and accurately.
• The Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit allows the use, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages only during the facility usage times and dates specified on the permit, and only in the designated area(s) at the requested site.
• All applicable laws, rules, and regulations apply.
• The Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit is subject to cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of Arlington County, with or without cause, and the County shall have no liability arising from the cancellation of any such permit.
• The applicant and any business or entity the applicant represents will be required to indemnify the County, its agents, and employees from any liability associated with the use, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages on County property and to provide adequate liability insurance covering the applicant, the entity represented, and the County and its officers, agents, and employees from any such liability. The insurance requirements are set forth in Exhibit B.
• The applicant will be required to provide the County with a security deposit in the amount of $1,000.00 to cover the cost of damages to County property or unanticipated costs to the County as a result of the use of County property. If there are no damages or unanticipated costs to the County, the security deposit will be returned without interest to the applicant within 30 calendar days following the event. The applicant will provide a certified check made payable to the Treasurer Arlington County to fulfill the security deposit requirement.
• A Special Event Application may be required, in addition to the Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit. If required, the Special Event Application may be obtained from and must be submitted to the Special Events Coordinator, Arlington County Police Department, Special Operations Section, (703) 228-4232.
• In addition to the Arlington County Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit, anyone wishing to reserve Gateway Park, Clarendon Central Park, or the main House at Fort C.F. Smith Park and serve alcoholic beverages must obtain a One Day Banquet License from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and any other licenses or permits required by such Board. To obtain a license, write or call the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Alexandria Office; 501 Montgomery Street; P.O. Box 2515; Alexandria, VA 22313-5157; (703) 518-8090.
• The applicant will provide DPR with one (1) copy of the One Day Banquet License and all other applicable licenses and permits issued to him/her by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the rental date.
• An approved Arlington County Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit is proof of reservation when applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for a license.
• The applicant is responsible for obtaining the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control License and ensuring adherence to the applicable regulations.
• The Arlington County Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit and the appropriate Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses and permits must be posted conspicuously for inspection at the permitted event in a location visible to the public for inspection by law enforcement and other authorized personnel.

Park/Facilities Use Rules/Regulations

1. Unless otherwise provided, parks and unlighted play areas shall be open to the public only between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Fires may be kindled only in facilities specifically provided for the purpose. Authorized fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving the site.
2. Camping is allowed by permit and only in those places specifically provided for the purpose.
3. Practicing or playing golf, baseball, softball, lacrosse, archery, hockey, soccer, tennis, skateboarding or other games of like character shall occur only in those areas specifically provided for that purpose. Games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as stones, javelins and model airplanes, shall be played only in areas specifically set aside for such use. Permits for specific use at certain times and places may be required. Contact the DPR Administrative Services Office for a permit or further information.
4. Swimming or wading is prohibited in ponds or streams unless under supervision of a County program.
5. Use of certain designated facilities and areas, by groups or individuals, shall require a permit. Users who do not have permits shall immediately relinquish use of the facility or area upon presentation of valid permit. Contact the DPR Administrative Services Office for a permit or further information.
6. Posted rules regarding use of tennis courts, athletic fields, and other areas will be followed.
7. Reservations/permits for groups composed of minors shall be issued only to adults who accept responsibility for supervision throughout the period covered by the reservations/permits. Contact the DPR Administrative Services Office for a permit or further information.
8. Driving, riding, or parking any bicycle, motorcycle or motor vehicle shall be limited to areas designated for such use.
9. The operation of “go-karts” or similar vehicles is prohibited.
10. The repair or washing of vehicles is prohibited.
11. No persons over the age of six years may use rest rooms or washrooms designated for persons of the opposite sex.
12. Amplified sound devices are regulated by Chapter 15 of the County Code. A permit must be secured for their use. Contact the DPR Administrative Services Office for a permit or further information.
13. Nothing may be offered for sale or sold or rented in or upon any regulated open space, without a permit. Contact the DPR Administrative Services Office for a permit or further information.
14. There shall be no commercial solicitation of any kind. Any political or religious solicitations shall not unduly interfere with the normal operations of the park facilities or with the movement of activities or persons using park facilities. In the case of special events, such as, but not limited to the annual fireworks display, DPR reserves the right to designate specific areas for such solicitation.
15. Reference is also made to Arlington County Code, Chapter 16-17 (Littering).
16. No advertising may be placed in or upon any park, public open space, or structure.
17. The placing of signs by the public, other than such temporary directional signs as may be expressly permitted, is prohibited. Responsibility for removal of permitted signs rests with the permit holder. Contact Director, DPR, for permit and further information.
18. Geocaching may be allowed following certain guidelines. Contact Park Management at 703-228-6525 for more information.
19. Firearms are banned in Arlington County government buildings, parks, recreation and community centers, and at certain special events. The ordinance also applies to concealed carry permit-holders. Learn more.

Use of Tennis Courts Regulations

1. The Department maintains and administers County-owned tennis facilities including those joint-use tennis courts at school locations.
2. Among those waiting to play, individuals who offer proof of Arlington residency and their guests (limit 3) are given preferential use of these courts (unless a permit has been issued).  Players must be willing to present identification on demand.
3. Players will relinquish courts within one hour (singles) and one and one-half hours (doubles) when persons are waiting to play.  Individuals desiring to continue playing after their allotted time expires go to the bottom of the order when others are waiting.
4. No bicycles, mini-bikes, roller skates, skateboards, or games other than tennis are permitted on the court surface.
5. Tennis-type shoes are required on all courts.
6. After 6:00 p.m., persons under 14 years of age not playing with an adult shall relinquish the courts when adults are waiting, except on courts at designated school sites (Yorktown, Wakefield, Thomas Jefferson, Gunston, H-B Woodlawn, Kenmore, Swanson). This rule also applies all day Saturday and Sunday.
7. The Arlington School Board and the Department of Parks and Recreation reserve the right to schedule class instruction, tournaments and league play on all courts. No private instruction is permitted.

Dog Park Rules

1. All dogs shall be legally licensed and vaccinated before entering the dog park.
2. No dog that is less than (4) months old shall be permitted in a dog park.
3. Female dogs in heat shall not be allowed in the dog park at any time.
4. Parents must be in control of their children at all times.
5. No food is allowed within the boundaries of a dog park.
6. No one (1) handler may bring more than three (3) dogs into a dog park at a time
7. Professional dog trainers may not use any dog park for the conduct of their business, unless sponsored by Arlington County.
8. Animals must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.
9. Handlers must be in possession of a leash at all times.
10. Dogs shall be under the control of their handlers.
11. Handlers shall keep their dogs in view at all times.
12. Handlers are responsible for the removal of dog waste from the dog park and disposing of it in a proper manner.
13. Dogs shall be removed from the dog park at the first sign of aggression. An aggressive dog is defined as a dog(s) posing a threat to human beings or other animals. Aggressive dogs shall not be permitted within any designated off-leash dog park. Handlers are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any injury caused by them.
14. Handlers shall not allow their animals to bark on a continuous or frequent basis. It is unlawful for any person who owns, possesses or harbors a dog to permit that dog to create a frequent or continued noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a nearby dwelling unit.
15. Handlers, prior to leaving the dog park, shall fill holes dug by dogs.
16. Dog grooming shall not be allowed in any dog park, unless it is part of an Arlington County sponsored program.

Conservation and Protection

1. Pollution of any stream, pond, or other body of water is prohibited.
2. Dumping of trash, grass cuttings, tree trimmings, or other debris is prohibited. Refuse and litter of whatever kind must be placed in designated receptacles and may not be burned.
3. Picnic areas must be cleared of all garbage and other refuse before departure.
4. Structures and equipment, in or upon regulated open space, including drinking fountains, benches and tables, and monuments shall not be damaged or defaced
5. The conduct of animals in or on regulated open space must be controlled to preserve the health and safety of the public. The individual accompanying the animal(s) is responsible for its control.
6. The running of dogs and other pets at large is forbidden, except in designated off-leash areas (Dog Parks).
7. Horses and ponies are prohibited in parks and on trails without express permission. Contact Park Management at 703-228-6525 for exceptions.
8. Trees, shrubs, and other flora, dead or living, shall not be removed, destroyed or disturbed. Contact Park Management at 703-228-6525 for exceptions.
9. Animals, birds, fish, and other fauna shall not be molested, injured, or caught. Contact Park Management at 703-228-6525 for exceptions.
10. The land, including turf, soil, and rocks in or upon regulated open space shall not be damaged or removed.
11. Removal of historical materials or use of metal detectors is prohibited. Contact Park Management at 703-228-6525 for exceptions.

Peddlers/Vendors/Canvassers

No peddler, vendor, or canvasser, as defined in Section 30.2 of the Arlington County Code, shall operate in or upon Arlington County public park and recreational facilities, nor shall there be any commercial sales in or upon such facilities, except as follows:

1. Arlington County may grant permission for sales of goods in designated spaces or areas during specified events scheduled and sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Such sales must be incidental to cultural, educational, recreational or public service use. Sales must comply with all applicable provisions of the County Code.
2. Arlington County may grant permission to peddlers, vendors, or canvassers, as defined in Section 30.2 of the Arlington County Code, for sales at the Arlington County Fair and the Northern Virginia Folk Festival. Such peddlers, vendors, or canvassers must comply with all applicable provisions of the County Code, and such other reasonable criteria as may be established by the DPR. Contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 703-228-7529 for further information.
3. Nothing herein shall be construed to restrict the authority of the County to contract, through the granting of concessions or otherwise, for the sale of goods or services in or upon public park and recreational facilities under terms and conditions to be established by the County.