Parks Policies
The City of Vancouver maintains over 70 parks and trails and two community centers for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Park Rules and Policies
Park Hours
City Parks are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is unlawful to be in any park between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. of any day, unless otherwise permitted by the director (VMC 15.04.150). Contact the police non-emergency line at 311 to report unlawful park use.
- View information on Picnic Shelter Reservations
- Apply for a Park Use Permit
- View Park Use Rental Rates and Regulations
City of Vancouver Municipal Code
Read through the City Park Code (15.04), Watercraft and Watersports Policy (15.06) and Conducting Business in City Parks and Plazas (15.08) to understand what is lawful and unlawful in our parks, trails and natural areas. For an abbreviated list, see Prohibited Activities below.
View the Park Municipal Code in its entirety
Prohibited Activities in City of Vancouver Parks
- Entering or being in a park during closed hours without prior approval (10 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Use of tobacco products (max fine $1,000)
- Making a fire or camping
- Conducting business (selling goods or services)
- Allowing dog off-leash to roam, stray or be away from the owner or custodian pursuant to VMC 8.24.120
- Playing amplified music
- Littering, vandalism and defacing park property (including plants)
- Possessing alcohol
- Discharging a firearm
- Operating a vehicle, including ATVs and ORVs
- Horseback riding
- Diving, jumping or horseplay in a park with water access
Focus on Accessibility
All parks built after 1992 have been designed to meet the federal accessibility standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act at the time of construction. Accessibility barriers at our older parks are included in the City of Vancouver’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
Learn more about how Vancouver Parks and Recreation is meeting our commitment to the ADA and the community.
Please contact park maintenance at 360-487-8177 to report any problems with park facilities or accessibility.
Recreation Rules and Policies
Program Fees
The City of Vancouver maintains a separate fee structure for residents (someone who lives within City limits) and non-residents. Non-resident fees are typically around 15% higher. Daily drop-in fees are not subject to resident vs. non-resident rates, but classes, camps, memberships, sports leagues and facility rentals are.
Focus on Non-Discrimination
Vancouver Parks and Recreation complies with Washington’s Fair Play and Community Sports Act, which prohibits discrimination against any person in a community athletics program on the basis of sex. Contact us at 360-487-8311 or parksrecculture@cityofvancouver.us with any questions, comments or concerns
We invite people of all ages with a disability to fully participate in any program we offer through Access to Recreation. Learn more about activities and events we have for people with disabilities or about requesting Inclusion Services.
