Parke County adopts ordinance banning jumping from covered bridges

The Parke County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 17 adopted Ordinance 2026-18 to prohibit jumping from county covered bridges and to authorize civil fines for violations. Chair said the ordinance will give the county authority to pursue civil penalties and that language referencing the criminal code would permit criminal charges if the act causes significant damage. "So recommendation would be to put language on there that says no jumping," the agency official said.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and signage. The ordinance sets civil fines (the discussion referenced a cap of up to $500 per incident) and will become effective after it is published and 30 days pass. The board adopted the measure by voice vote; the record reflects a voice 'aye' approval but no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.