Our Park Ordinances
Our ordinances help keep Marion’s parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. Click the + symbol below to view details for each ordinance.
Park Hours Ordinance
Marion Park District – Williamson County, Illinois
Passed and Approved: October 29, 2024
Purpose
This park ordinance establishes the official hours of park usage for the community within the Marion Park District.
Be It Ordained
By the Board of Commissioners of the Marion Park District:
Park Hours
Parks are closed from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Park District facilities have posted hours of operation. Please contact or visit the facility webpage to confirm hours of operation.
In connection with any of the seven (7) Parks or properties of the Marion Park District:
Section 1 — Park Access
No person shall be allowed on park property between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless otherwise authorized by the Director or when attending an approved meeting or activity held in a district facility.
Section 2 — Closed Properties
No person shall be allowed at any time, for any reason, on any park site or property that has been declared closed by the Director or their designee.
Section 3 — Penalty
Any person violating any clause or provision of this ordinance shall be fined no less than $50.00 and no more than $250.00 for each offense upon conviction before a Justice Officer in the County where the violation occurs.
All fines, together with costs, shall be paid into the treasury of the Marion Park District.
Section 4 — Repeal and Effective Date
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.
Section 5 — Variation of Ordinances
The Marion Park District Board of Commissioners has the authority to approve any variation of this ordinance by majority vote.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners
Vote Date: October 29, 2024
Park Rule Ordinance
Marion Park District – Williamson County, Illinois
An Ordinance Amending Usage Ordinance No. 11-03
Passed and Approved: October 27, 2020
Revised: August 27, 2024
Purpose
This park ordinance amends and updates the Marion Park District Usage Ordinance 11-03 to define and clarify park rules, regulations, and restrictions for the safety and enjoyment of the community.
Be It Ordained
By the Board of Commissioners of the Marion Park District:
General Provisions
Section 1 — Assignment of Board of Commissioners Designee
Any reference to the “Board of Commissioners designee” shall mean the Director of Parks and Recreation of the Marion Park District.
Park Use and Conduct
Section 2 — Animals
No person shall lead or allow any animal to be loose upon park premises, except horses in authorized parades or dogs held on a leash no longer than six (6) feet. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Section 3 — Games and Sports
Sports or games are allowed only in designated areas under rules established by the Board of Commissioners. Permits are required for all youth athletic fields and facilities.
Section 4 — Firearms and Fireworks
Carrying or discharging firearms, or setting off fireworks or explosives of any kind, is strictly prohibited.
Section 5 — Throwing Objects
Throwing or casting stones or other missiles is prohibited.
Section 6 — Vehicles
Vehicles are not permitted on areas where their use is restricted by the Board of Commissioners.
Section 7 — Hindering Employees
No person shall interfere with or hinder any Park District employee while performing maintenance, repairs, or park duties.
Commerce and Public Gatherings
Section 8 — Offering Articles for Sale
Sales, solicitations, or collections of money are prohibited unless authorized by permit or contract with the Board of Commissioners.
Section 9 — Public Meetings
Public meetings, demonstrations, protests, concerts, or events require express approval from the Board of Commissioners.
Unless otherwise approved, Pyramid Park is the designated park for such activities.
Safety and Behavior
Section 10 — Restricted Areas
No person shall enter any area designated as closed by the Board of Commissioners.
Section 11 — Improper Speech and Conduct
Use of abusive, threatening, or obscene language, or indecent behavior, is prohibited.
Section 12 — Begging
Begging or soliciting alms is not permitted.
Section 13 — Sleeping in Parks / Hammocks
Vagrancy and the placement of temporary or permanent sleeping structures are not permitted.
Section 14 — Playground Equipment Use
Playground equipment is for children only. Adults are prohibited from using children’s play structures.
Section 15 — Obstructing Travel
Blocking walkways or travel paths with personal property, vehicles, or merchandise is prohibited.
Section 16 — Fires
Fires may only be lit in designated areas with permission from the Board of Commissioners.
Section 17 — Alcoholic Beverages
No intoxicated person shall enter or remain in any park.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks except Pyramid Park, with prior approval and proof of liability insurance.
Section 18 — Dumping
Dumping coal, ashes, dust, manure, or rubbish is prohibited. Trash must be placed in designated receptacles only.
Section 19 — Advertising
Posting, distributing, or displaying advertisements or notices without permission is prohibited.
Section 20 — Gambling and Fortune Telling
Games of chance, gambling devices, and fortune-telling are prohibited.
Section 21 — Protection of Wildlife
No person shall harm, trap, or disturb animals or birds, or tamper with nests.
Section 22 — Bringing Plants or Trees
Bringing plants, shrubs, or tree branches into the park is prohibited.
Section 23 — Damage to Property
Defacing, damaging, or climbing on park structures, trees, or landscaping is prohibited.
Section 24 — Disorderly Conduct
Acts causing disturbances, noise, or breaches of peace are prohibited.
Section 25 — Interfering with Officers or Staff
Resisting or interfering with park commissioners, staff, or law enforcement is prohibited.
Section 26 — Impersonation of Officials
Impersonating any Park District official or staff member is prohibited.
Fees, Enforcement, and Penalties
Section 27 — Collecting Fees
Admission or event fees may not be collected without permission from the Board of Commissioners.
Section 28 — Penalty
Violations are subject to fines between $50.00 and $500.00 per offense. Non-payment may result in imprisonment as provided by law.
Section 29 — Repeal and Effective Date
All conflicting ordinances are repealed. This ordinance is effective upon passage and approval.
Section 30 — Variations
The Board of Commissioners may approve variations of this ordinance by majority vote.
Section 31 — Insurance Requirements
All organizations conducting events or activities must carry liability insurance naming the Marion Park District as additional insured.
Section 32 — Youth and Special Restrictions
All youth sports facilities, playgrounds, and special events are tobacco- and alcohol-free zones.
Only assist animals are permitted in these areas.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners
Vote Date: October 27, 2020
Revised: August 27, 2024
Sign Usage Ordinance
Marion Park District – Williamson County, Illinois
Adopted: November 27, 2018
Purpose
This park ordinance regulates the placement of advertisements and signs within the Marion Park District to preserve safety, aesthetics, and the proper maintenance of park properties.
Findings and Intent
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners finds it in the best interest of the Park District and its residents to regulate advertisements and signage; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Park District is to provide a safe and visually appealing recreational environment; and
WHEREAS, the unregulated placement of signs has created maintenance challenges, increased debris, and detracted from the District’s aesthetic value; and
WHEREAS, signs may obstruct visibility, distract drivers and pedestrians, and interfere with public use of park spaces; and
WHEREAS, unremoved signs create litter and impose additional cleanup costs; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the District to prohibit all unapproved signs—including but not limited to those for yard sales, auctions, political campaigns, or commercial promotions—while respecting constitutional free speech rights; and
WHEREAS, for the purpose of this ordinance, a political campaign sign is defined as any sign, flag, poster, or banner supporting or opposing a candidate for public office, political party, or ballot question; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the District to remove any unauthorized signs from District property without notice.
Be It Ordained
By the Board of Commissioners of the Marion Park District:
Section 1 — Signs on District Property
No person shall place any sign on Park District property without prior written authorization.
Authorization may only be issued in connection with an officially registered event with the District.
Signs placed without written authorization will be removed without notice.
This restriction does not prohibit:
Political candidates, parties, or committees from renting Park District facilities for permitted events under the same terms as the general public.
The display of signs, handbills, or materials inside a rented or licensed event space on the day of the event.
The presence of election-related signage at polling places as authorized under Section 17-29 of the Illinois Election Code.
However, no person may conduct electioneering or solicitation in violation of 10 ILCS 5/7-41(c).
Section 2 — Penalty
Any person violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to:
Immediate ejection from District property.
Temporary or permanent banishment, as determined by the Board or the Marion Police Department.
A fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00 for each offense.
Each day a violation continues—and each unauthorized sign—constitutes a separate offense.
Section 3 — Severability
If any part of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect.
Invalid provisions shall be modified only to the extent necessary to preserve the original intent of the ordinance.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners
Date: November 27, 2018