RIPON – Groups looking to organize activities at some of the city-owned parks may soon need approval from the Ripon Parks and Recreation Department.

An amendment to the ordinance got the OK last Tuesday from Ripon City Council members.

“This applies to parks three acres or larger,” said Kye Stevens, who is the recreation director.

Organized activities, according to the ordinance, are defined as “any practice, training, game, tournament, contest or any other activity.”

Groups are defined as more than eight people taking part in an activity in which rules for competing have been pre-determined by either the participants or any other person or organization.

The parks in which this ordinance applies to will have posted signs that read: “No organized activities allowed unless approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.”

Even with a permit, events held at the Gazebo within Mavis Stouffer Park, for example, will be limited to 300 people.

The ordinance also specifies that insurance, in an amount to be determined by the Parks and Recreation Department, must be provided or purchased from the City of Ripon as a requirement under the rental agreement for a city-owned park or facility.

The ordinance will go into effective 30 days after receiving final approval by elected leaders, who, thus far, had accepted the first reading and introduction.