There are a number of municipalities in my area that have language similar to what I have listed below and none of them specifically speak to metal detecting. However, in reality some allow MDing and others do not, but yet they have this same type of language in their ordinances. I realize that this language helps protect the parks and give law enforcement a leg to stand on if there is a problem, but it is interesting to me how the intrepretation in practice varies from area to area. Do any of you run in to similar situations?
Quoted from one such county ordinance:
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND PARK REGULATIONS
VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE.
Picking, trampling, or otherwise unnecessarily damaging any plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, vines
or things of a similar nature growing or planted upon the premises of any park.
VANDALISM AND DISTURBANCES.
Removing or vandalizing any object of archaeological, historical interest including any man-made
article or implement originating from earlier cultures.
12/14 Update - Response from Park System
I received an email back from the park district stating that metal detecting is permitted as long as it does not result in damage to the grounds or property. However, there was one park in the district that was pointed out as off limits due to it being an archaeological site