University Grounds and Lawn Use Guidelines
The Landscapes and Grounds of Austin Peay State University are maintained for the use of the entire University community. Our mission is to provide a safe, accessible, orderly and aesthetically pleasing environment for our community and to support the mission of the University. This policy refers to all university grounds including lawns, sidewalks, parking lots, roads and planting beds. It has been created to balance the maintenance of the grounds with the needs and use by the campus community. We recognize that the community needs outdoor spaces to relax, recreate and socialize and we are happy to be able to provide those areas. However, rules need to be in place in order to maintain the balance of use and maintenance.
All outdoor events other than class instruction, socializing and light recreation should be scheduled and approved through University Facilities. (Access to and Use of Campus Property Policy 1:019)
Activities should not block any walkway or building entrance.
Individuals and Groups are expected to clean up after themselves and reduce their impact on the environment. Please deposit trash and recyclables in the proper receptacles.
With the exception of maintenance vehicles and equipment, no motorized vehicles shall be permitted on sidewalks, lawns or planted areas without prior approval from appropriate campus representatives.
Bike riding is prohibited on lawns.
Attaching a bicycle to anything other than a bike rack (light poles, trees, hand rails, etc.) is prohibited.
Walking of pets or service animals without a leash is prohibited. (Please clean up after your animals.)
Organized team sports play is not allowed on the lawns.
Golfing is not allowed on the lawns.
Cleats are prohibited on the lawns.
Driving stakes or any excavations are prohibited without prior approval. Approval may be obtained through the completion of a dig permit available at the APSU Physical Plant. Underground utilities and irrigation systems are located below the lawn and planting beds, some within 8” of the surface.
Tarps or other ground covers that could smother the turf are not allowed. Blankets and towels are acceptable.
No person shall injure, deface, remove, cut or damage any of the trees, plants, shrubs, turf, or structures belonging to the University.
Tents or other structures may not be erected without prior consent. To erect tents and other temporary structures, prior approval must be obtained. Submission of a facility request through the online system, would initiate the review. (https://austinpeayevent.emscloudservice.com/web)
Smoking is prohibited unless in designated smoking areas (Smoking and Clean Air Policy 5:002)
No person shall climb up or rappel down any tree, building, or structure on University property.
Attachment of swings or ropes of any kind to trees or structures is prohibited.
Hammocks are not to be attached to any trees on campus. Hammock stations are located in the Marks Bowl. No hammock shall be hung higher than 48” off the ground. Hammocks should be removed after use and not left overnight.
Posting of announcements (signs, banners, etc.) should be limited to 15 corrugated plastic signs on “H” frame, wire stands, or 3 banners per event. Banners shall be attached in such a way that causes no damage to University property. Banners and signs shall be printed/painted with waterproof ink/paint. Announcements shall not be posted more than 2 weeks prior to the event and must be removed within 1 business day upon conclusion of the event. Individuals and/or organizations failing to remove their material will be charged for removal. A minimum $25 charge will be assessed if university personnel have to clean up. Charges not paid within seventy-two (72) hours following notice of such charges will be forwarded to the University Business Office to become a part of the individual's or group's financial record. https://www.apsu.edu/university-facilities/reservations/postingguidelines.php
Chalking is only permitted on concrete or asphalt that is not covered by a shelter and can be washed off by rainfall. Chalking is not allowed on walls, windows, doors, trees, or any vertical surface. Chalk must be washable. Individuals and/or organizations failing to comply will be charged for removal. A minimum $25 charge will be assessed if university personnel have to clean up. Charges not paid within seventy-two (72) hours following notice of such charges will be forwarded to the University Business Office to become a part of the individual's or group's financial record. https://www.apsu.edu/university-facilities/reservations/postingguidelines.php
Grilling without prior approval is prohibited with the exception of permanently installed grills in the Housing areas and Tailgating. Tailgate grilling should be limited to parking lots. All grilling must occur in pre-determined areas that are away from buildings and combustible material. LP (Liquid Propane) tanks should be appropriately sized. No spare tanks shall be stored at or near any grilling operation. A portable fire extinguisher must be within 20’ of any grill in use. Used charcoal must be disposed of properly in a metal container provided by the Physical Plant. Submission of a facility request through the online system, would initiate the review for approval. (https://austinpeayevent.emscloudservice.com/web)
Austin Peay State University’s Physical Plant in conjunction with the appropriate offices reserves the right to prohibit use of grounds at any time due to weather/field conditions or maintenance requirements. We expect the campus community to prioritize the safety of themselves and university property in the use of the grounds. As such, please respect our campus’ resources and the personnel and processes to maintain them.