May 14, 2024 Council Work Session

May 21, 2024 Council meeting

City staff have recommended amendments to the Tumwater Municipal Code 12.32, which governs public parks, to include all City properties and facilities. The existing rules and regulations differ for subsets of City property such as parks, City facilities, and other City properties.

The proposed amendments address activities and uses of City property, including archery, advertising, dogs, fires, horseback riding, loitering or parking at night, restrictions on the use of property for private business, public events, smoking, use of alcohol, use of drones, violations, and wildlife endangerment.

The enforcement provisions would be amended to decriminalize violations and conform to current legal standards for due process. Violations other than those required by statute to be criminal misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors would be reduced to civil infractions. Additional due process procedures were added for those seeking to appeal expulsion orders.

The proposed amendment includes an exception that could be used in situations where the City is required by law to suspend enforcement of its overnight rule for indigent or houseless persons when there is no space available in reasonably accessible shelters.

If approved, these amendments would extend Parks Rules & Regulations to all City properties. City codes and regulations for public use of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, and all other City property would be equally enforced.

For more information, contact Communications at (360) 754-4123.

March 19, 2024 Ordinance O2023-014 Staff Report 
Community Feedback to Proposed Amendment 
Community Conversation Parks Rules and Regulations  
Proposed Amendments to Ordinance 
Summary of Proposed Amendments to Parks Rules &
Regulations 
Nov. 8, 2023 General Government Committee Meeting