Encroachments Generally Permitted on Park Land
Category:
Parks & Recreation
- Planting of trees or shrubbery or flowers per approved planting permit issued by the Park and Forestry Division Head or its designee.
- Limited Turf improvements and routine turf maintenance in areas with limited mowing/maintenance by the City will be permitted, including mowing beyond Owners property line generally a distance of 5-15 feet, is acceptable for the control of weeds and insects adjoining Owner’s property.
- Except: No mowing and no damage/destruction of native habitat in areas determined to be important as may be identified on the Olmsted County Biological Survey, in areas where the City has invested funding to maintain native areas through signage or other physical or financial investments, or in park locations which contain native vegetation and which large areas are intended to remain in a more natural condition (ie , Zumbro Park South, Essex Park, Quarry Hill, Indian Heights, Smetka Park and others as designated).
- Except: No mowing and no damage/destruction/change of vegetation shall be permitted in areas immediately adjoining creek/river banks, wetlands, or other areas that are apt to erode or which may degrade water quality. Except: In areas of highly maintained areas and those with frequent mowing, Owners may
- be permitted to extend their mowing well into the parkland provided the maintenance is consistent with the mowing of the other areas of the parkland. These locations will generally be found adjoining neighborhood park areas.
- Improvements, consisting of the placement vegetation, trees, or other sustainable infrastructure (ie. rain gardens to help control storm water runoff), utilizing best management practices for the enhancement of the localized park area.
- The removal of noxious or invasive species consistent with the policies and procedures of the Department.
- Temporary access to private property, on a very limited basis, may be provided via public lands pending approval of an application.
Updated 10/12/2026 2:48 PM