Codes of conduct

South Ayrshire's Parks and Open Spaces provide leisure and recreational enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. You can help make our Parks and Open Spaces better places by being a considerate user

Dogs

Dog walking is one of the most popular activities in South Ayrshire. Please walk your dog in the informal areas of Parks and Open Spaces such as woodland and long grass areas. If your dog fouls in other areas please dispose of the waste.

For further information regarding "Dog Friendly Areas" please Tel: 0300 123 0900

When using South Ayrshire's Parks & Open Spaces with your dog please observe the following Code of Conduct:

When exercising your dog please keep to the appropriate paths where indicated.

Please dispose of dog waste in the bins provided.

Please keep your dog under control at all times.

Ensure that your pet does not frighten others. Not all people are dog lovers, some can be frightened by barking or playful dogs.

We no longer prohibit accompanied dogs from play areas as dogs have been permitted to access children's play areas for several years now, but with the caveat that they must be kept under proper control, either on a short lead or if they are kept at heel by obeying voice commands. They are not allowed to run about freely within the play area.

Following the introduction of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, the Council introduced its own RESPECT initiative in 2013 regarding the access of dogs on a range of Council sites/facilities, and so dogs are now permitted into our play areas as long as they are being kept under control, so we no longer erect any fences specifically to prevent access by dogs. Various advisory signs were erected

Ensure that your dog does not disturb wildlife within the Parks & Open Spaces.

Remember....NEVER leave a dog in a car without sufficient ventilation and water.

Cyclists

Cycling is growing in popularity in South Ayrshire. Cycling is an easy and enjoyable way to keep fit and is a good mode of travel which is kind to the environment. The safest way to cycle for fun in South Ayrshire is on designated cycle routes.

Please keep to the highway or designated cycle routes.

Give way to walkers - be friendly to other users.

Always dismount and walk through congested areas.

For the young, elderly and the infirm, cyclists can be intimidating. Please be considerate by making others aware of your presence. Pass slowly and give adequate clearance.

Where the ground is soft, please dismount and walk to minimise ground damage.

Fit and use the appropriate lights and bell for safety reasons.

Cyclists should always wear an appropriate cycling helmet.

Expect the unexpected! Keep your speed down.

Parks and open spaces

South Ayrshire's Parks & Open Spaces provide leisure and recreational enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.

You can help make our Parks & Open Spaces better places by being a considerate user. Please follow the guidance in this leaflet and help us to get it right.

South Ayrshire has over 1000 hectares of publicly owned Parks & Open Spaces, ranging from spacious urban parks and gardens to local community gardens.

For further information regarding Parks and Open Spaces, please telephone 0300 123 0900

For your safety and that of other users please observe the following Code of Conduct:-

Many people enjoy the quiet and tranquillity of parks and open spaces. Please respect your fellow user.

Please park your car only in designated car parks. Give way to other park users and expect the unexpected - keep your speed down.

Always keep to well lit areas or open areas during the hours of darkness.

Water can be dangerous - take extra care near ponds, burns, rivers and the sea. Do not skate on ice.

Fires and barbeques should be lit only in the designated areas. Use the litter bins provided or take your litter home.

Please do not disturb any wildlife and leave all plants for others to enjoy.

Visitors with dogs must ensure that their pets are under control at all times.

Most of our Parks and Open Spaces are
accessible at all times - but please observe any notices that may restrict access or activity.

We encourage you to utilise our Parks and Open Spaces for organised events or outings. Please contact us first to let us assist you in making them successful and safe.

Play

South Ayrshire has a variety of equipped play areas. These range from small toddler facilities located within easy reach of local residents to skateboarding and larger facilities located in our Parks and Open Spaces.

For further information regarding play areas please tel: 0300 123 0900

When playing in South Ayrshire's Parks & Open Spaces and in your school playground, please observe the following Code of Conduct:

Play equipment should ONLY be used for the purpose it was made.

Use the litter bins provided or take litter home.

Avoid bringing glass into the play area.

Sharing equipment with others makes it more fun & helps to make new friends.

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed into play areas.

Do not damage property.

Do not use abusive or foul language.

Remember to tell your Mum or Dad where you will be playing. They may worry otherwise!

Please tell an adult if you are bullied in the play park.

Informal ball games

Football and other ball games are very popular in South Ayrshire. There are specially designated areas for informal ball games within our Parks and Open Spaces. These are known as Active Areas. To find out your nearest area of Active Open Space please contact your local school, or read your local notice boards.

For further information regarding areas suitable for informal ball games tel: 0300 123 0900

When playing informal ball games in South Ayrshire's Parks & Open Spaces, please observe the following Code of Conduct:

Please be considerate to those who live close by. Keep noise to a minimum!

Do not damage property.

Remember to let others join in.

Do not use abusive or foul language.

Use the litter bins provided or take litter home.

Avoid bringing glass into the area.

Organised football should only be played on designated football pitches.

Golf and golf practice is restricted to recognised golf courses

Horse riding

Horse riding is a popular activity in South Ayrshire. There are several areas designated for horse riding in South Ayrshire's Parks and Open Spaces.

When horse riding in South Ayrshire's Parks & Open Spaces please observe the following Code of Conduct:-

Please keep to the designated pony areas and appropriate shared use paths.

Please be considerate to other users, keep your speed down. Expect the unexpected!

Please be aware that not all people are horse lovers and some can be frightened by such large animals.

As with driving, please ride on the left-hand side of paths.

A horse that is liable to kick should have a RED ribbon tied to its tail.

Horse riders should always wear an appropriate hard hat.

Where the ground is soft, reduce your speed to minimise ground damage.