Encroachments Generally Disapproved on Park Land
Category:
Parks & Recreation
- Grading or changing the elevation of the park property purely to meet the desires of the owner.
- Storage of firewood
- Placement of Yard furniture and equipment (e.g., picnic tables, patio sets, kiddy pools, horseshoe pits, etc.)
- Construction of permanent structures such as retaining walls, fences, utility sheds, fire pits, playground equipment, dog or pet kennels, etc
- Storage of trailers, vehicles, boats, RV’s
- Construction of tree houses
- Disposal of garbage or yard/garden waste (including but not limited to brush piles, yard waste, compost piles/bins)
- Storage of trash containers
- Development of private vegetable gardens
- Placement of any landscaping plantings or other improvements which create an illusion of the expansion of the abutting owner’s yard
- Removal or damage to vegetation that is contrary to the “Best Management” practices for the encroachment location which may include:
- mowing and/or damage/destruction of native habitat in areas determined to be important as may be identified on the Olmsted County Biological Survey,
- mowing and/or damage/destruction of native habitat 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).
- mowing and/or damage/destruction/change of vegetation in areas immediately adjoining creek/river banks, wetlands, or other areas that are apt to erode or which may degrade water quality
Updated 10/12/2026 2:50 PM