Park board schedules special June meeting to consider updated Parks and Recreation policy and rules manual

On May 7, 2026, City of Norman Parks staff told the Board of Park Commissioners they have finished a year-long update to the Parks and Recreation Department policy and rules manual and asked commissioners to review the draft before a proposed special meeting in mid‑June.

The revised manual updates definitions, adds recently acquired facilities, spells out park hours and clarifies special-use rules. Staff said the portion of rules written in all caps in the draft will be the standard text posted on park signage so enforcement and public expectations are consistent across city parks. "We have been working on this for about a year now," the staff member said, asking commissioners to provide notes and suggested amendments before the scheduled adoption meeting.

Staff told commissioners the goal is to hold a special meeting in June to adopt the manual so the rules can take effect by July 1. Commissioners asked whether the June meeting would include discussion; staff said the meeting would include discussion and possible amendments and that staff would circulate any last adjustments before the meeting. The board did not take formal action on the manual at the May 7 meeting.

Why it matters: the manual sets city-wide park rules, signage and enforcement expectations that affect everyday park users and staff workload. The proposed timetable gives the board and the public a window to review specific changes before the rules are posted at each park.

Next steps: staff will email revisions to commissioners, take written input and convene a special meeting in mid‑June where the board will vote on adoption. If adopted, staff said the rules would be implemented by July 1.