Township residents enjoying the benefits of Howland Township parks are asked to contact the police if something looks suspicious or out of the ordinary, say the members of the township park commission.
The Howland Parks board, Nicholas Spano, James Brutz and Jackie Mills oversee the three main parks in the township, including Howland Park and the parks at Morgandale and Bolindale.
Morgandale Park recently underwent the construction of a new children's area, including an extensive jungle gym, funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, acquired by township trustees. Funds are generated through a permanent .35 mills continuous levy and through pavilion rentals.
According to park regulations, athletic groups that use the fields need to acquire a permit and provide proof of insurance for participants.
''We have to ensure the park is available to everybody,'' said park board member Jackie Mills. ''Children have to be protected by insurance and our priority should be township residents,'' she said.
Applications to reserve sports fields can be obtained at the administration building at 205 Niles Cortland Road N.E.
Regulations include the prohibition of fires, except small fires for cooking in designated grills or fireplaces; preservation of property and plant material on the parks' grounds; and a speed limit of 10 miles per hour must be maintained for motorists driving through the parks.
Also prohibited are gambling and other games of chance; alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, and all-terrain vehicles including snowmobiles or other recreational vehicles. The use of firearms, fireworks, explosives or bows and arrows also is prohibited without written permission by park commissioners.
Persons using roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards and bicycles are permitted, except on the blacktop walking path at the township park. Bicycles also are prohibited on playgrounds, tennis courts and walking trails.
All trash should be placed in proper receptacles. Pets are permitted but must be controlled at all times. Pets are not permitted in picnic areas, ballfields, landscaped areas or in buildings and pavilions.
Vendors and solicitors are required to obtain permission from the park commission prior to selling articles on park property.
A complete list of Park regulations are posted at various locations throughout the parks and copies of the regulations also can be obtained at the administration building.
To report violations of park regulations, call the township police non-emergency number at 330-856-5555. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.