24.016:  Use of Outdoor Space on the Athens Campus

• Alumni Gateway Table Space
• Alumni Gateway Banner Space
• Aquatic Center Picnic Grove
• Emeriti Park
• Emeriti Park Overlook
• Howard Park Program Space
• Howard Park Table Space
• Lindley Park
• McCracken Basketball Courts
• McCracken Field
• Morton Field
• Oasis Table Space
• Ridges Auditorium Lawn
• South Green Amphitheater
• South Green Basketball Courts
• South Green Volleyball Courts
• Stocker Picnic Grove
• Tailgreat Park
• Walter Hall Lawn
• West Portico of Memorial Auditorium
• Wilhelm Amphitheatre
• Wolfe Garden

Ohio University will allow registered student organizations and university departments to display banners at the College Gate, subject to the provisions herein.

Ohio University designates the West Portico of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium (the concrete area immediately adjacent to the west side of the auditorium and the adjacent grassy area that falls within the triangle formed by the two closest brick walkways) as the location on campus where any person or group unaffiliated with Ohio University may speak or distribute information, subject to the provisions that follow, including that the activity is not disruptive to any University activity.

Ohio University will allow protest and other expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States at or near programs, events, or other activities on its property so long as such protest is not disruptive to any University activity.

It is the responsibility of the Director of Baker University Center to administer the provisions of this policy and procedure in consultation with and with the assistance of appropriate administrative officers.

Ohio University reserves the right to place reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on any activity conducted on the campuses of Ohio University. Any questions or concerns about this policy should be directed to the Director of Baker University Center. Misuse of or illegal conduct on Ohio University property may result in the loss of use privileges, referral to University Judiciaries, or prosecution under applicable laws.

In addition to the general policy statement here, specific policies and procedures apply to each site, as delineated below.

1. All food uses must comply with relevant Office of Environmental Health and Safety policies and procedures.

2. All income-generating activities of student organizations must comply with relevant policies and procedures of the Office of Student Activities and the Office of the Bursar.

3. The Director of Baker University Center in consultation the Vice President for Student Affairs and affected departments may grant exceptions to any provisions of this policy and procedure. Decisions to grant or deny exceptions may not be based on the content of the proposed activity, nor on the viewpoints advocated by the participants.

4. Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at the sites delineated below, except in accordance with Ohio University Policy and Procedure 24.001, "Alcoholic Beverages on University Property and in Fraternity and Sorority Houses."

5. Any proposed commercial activity will be limited to Baker University Center and be consistent with Baker University Center policies and procedures.

I.  Overview

A.  Application Process

Those desiring to reserve a space covered by this policy should review the guidelines for use of each space and then apply to the Baker University Center Administration Office, using the Outdoor Space Reservation Request Form. The information provided on the form must specify the following:

• A detailed description of the activity that is proposed.
• Beverages and food to be served or sold.
• Equipment to be utilized (chairs, tables, platforms, food service, etc.)
• Set-up and clean-up procedures and timetable.
• Date and time of event.
• Organization sponsoring the event.
• Name, address, phone number, and email address of a contact person.

Those desiring to display a banner at the Alumni Gateway (also known as the Campus Gate) should review the guidelines for use of that space and then apply to the Baker University Center Administration Office, also using the Outdoor Space Reservation Request Form. The information provided on the form must specify the following:

• Dates requested.
• Organization sponsoring the event.
• Name, address, phone number, and email address of a contact person.

B.  Sound Systems

For the spaces below that specify that a sound system "may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions," those restrictions are as follows:

1. The sound system may be used only during the hours of 12 - 1 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 12 - 1 p.m. and 5 - 11 p.m. Friday; 12 - 11 p.m. Saturday; and 12 - 7 p.m. Sunday (unless other hours are specified for a particular space).

2. Such use must not interfere with adjacent University operations.

3. Volume must be limited so as to cover only the reserved space.

4. The director of Baker University Center or his or her designee (including officers of the Ohio University Police Department) will have sole discretion in determining the overall volume level of the sound system.

II.  Alumni Gateway Table Space

The Alumni Gateway (also known as the Campus Gate) is the brick and stone archway at the corner of Court and Union Streets. Table space is on the concrete walkway, in front of the bushes on either side of the archway, but not blocking the center archway.

Use of the Alumni Gateway is restricted to activities that are small in nature and will not disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic.

Space may be reserved for up to three consecutive days and for no more than six (6) total days per quarter per organization.

A maximum of two activities are permitted at any one time.

At no time shall passersby be verbally harassed, involuntarily stopped, or deterred.

No sound system is permitted.

No signs, equipment, or other items may be taped or otherwise attached to gate, bushes, trees, light poles, or permanent signs.

III.  Alumni Gateway Banner Space

The Alumni Gateway (also known as the Campus Gate) is the brick and stone archway at the corner of Court and Union Sts. Two spaces are available for banners, one located on either side of the central archway.

Banner space is available subject to approval, on a first-come, first-served basis through the Baker University Center Administration Office. Banner space may be reserved for no more than three (3) consecutive days and no more than six (6) days per quarter by any one organization. Banners can be no larger than 36" high and 48" wide. Blank banners can be obtained from the Baker University Center Administration Office. Banners must be received by the Baker Center Information Desk no later than 8:00 am of the day of the reservation. Baker Center staff will hang banners by 9:00 a.m. of the day of the reservation. Nothing may be otherwise fastened to the Gate, bushes, light poles, or permanent signs.

Banners identifying a particular political candidate, party, or side of a ballot issue may not be displayed at this site. This includes student, local, state, and national elections. General statements encouraging participation in elections are permitted.

Banners that do not meet the requirements of this policy or that violate state or federal law are subject to removal.

IV.  Aquatic Center Picnic Grove

The Aquatic Center Picnic Grove comprises the grassy area bounded by Oxbow Drive, the Aquatic Center, the Aquatic Center service driveway, and Parking Lot 134.

Use of the Aquatic Center Picnic Grove is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom, recreation, and office activity. Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

V.  Emeriti Park

Emeriti Park is the space bounded by Oxbow Drive, South Green Drive, the Lower Grounds Maintenance Building lot, and the pond at the center of Emeriti Park.

Use of Emeriti Park is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom and office activity.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

VI.  Emeriti Park Overlook

Emeriti Park Overlook comprises the concrete and brick covered patio, overlooking the pond, at the north end of Emeriti Park.

Use of Emeriti Park Overlook is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom and office activity.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

VII.  Howard Park Program Space

The Howard Park (also known as Howard Hall Site) program space comprises the grassy portions of the open space at the northeast corner of East Union and College Streets.

Use of Howard Park is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall, classroom, and office activity.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to bushes, trees, brick walls, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

VIII.  Howard Park Table Space

The Howard Park (also known as Howard Hall Site) table space is the brick-covered space at the southwest corner of the lot at the northeast corner of East Union and College Streets, in front of the low brick wall and adjacent to the public sidewalk.

Use of Howard Park table space is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall, classroom and office activity.

Space may be reserved for up to three consecutive days and for no more than six (6) total days per quarter per organization.

Activities are restricted to the small brick area at the corner of College and Union Streets and shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to bushes, trees, brick walls, light poles, or permanent signs.

No sound system is permitted.

IX.  Lindley Park

Lindley Park is the space bounded by Lindley Hall, the alley on the east side of Bentley Hall, and the public sidewalks on the north and east sides of the park.

Use of Lindley Park is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom and office activity.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

No sound system is permitted.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

X.  McCracken Basketball Courts

McCracken Basketball Courts comprise the paved courts behind McCracken Hall.

Use of McCracken Basketball Courts is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall, classroom, and office activity.

Priority scheduling of McCracken Basketball Courts shall be provided to Campus Recreation.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to bushes, trees, brick walls, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XI.  McCracken Field

McCracken Field comprises the grassy area north of (behind) McCracken Hall, bounded by Parking Lot 41, the Sculpture Studio, Parking Lot 43, and the paved set of basketball courts.

Use of McCracken Field is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom and office activity.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XII.  Memorial Auditorium West Portico

This space is defined as the concrete-covered portico and walkway area directly west of Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium and the adjacent grassy area that falls within the triangle formed by the two closest brick walkways.

A.  University-Affiliated Persons or Groups

Use of the West Portico by persons or groups affiliated with Ohio University is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent auditorium, classroom, and office activity and are consistent with the nature of the College Green.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A banner related to an event at this site may be temporarily affixed to the wall of the West Portico during the time of the event.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

B.  Unaffiliated Persons or Groups

Use of the West Portico by persons or groups not affiliated with Ohio University is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent auditorium, classroom, and office activity and are consistent with the nature of the College Green.

This space is available for use 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A banner related to an event at this site may be temporarily affixed to the wall of the West Portico during the time of the event.

A sound system may be used with permission during the hours of 12 - 1 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

Reservations will be on a first-come, first served basis except that priority will be given to University Departments, registered student organizations, and other official University functions. Reservations of individuals or groups unaffiliated with the University may be moved to accommodate official University functions. In cases where the West Portico is unavailable due to other University operations, the University will designate an alternate site.

XIII.  Morton Field

Morton Field comprises the grassy area bounded by N. McKinley Ave, E. Mulberry Street, Stewart Street, and Race Street. It sits between Morton Hall and Crawford Hall, in front of the "Front Four" residence halls.

Use of Morton Field is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall, classroom, and office activity.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XIV.  Oasis Table Space

The Oasis Table Space is outside the Oasis Restaurant at the top of Morton Hill on University Terrace. The space is east of the public sidewalk and south of the restaurant, on the north edge of the brick Morton Hill walkway.

Use of the Oasis Table Space is restricted to activities that can occur at a single table of maximum 30" by 72" and will not disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic.

Space may be reserved for up to three (3) consecutive days and for no more than six (6) total days per quarter per organization.

A maximum of two activities are permitted at any one time.

At no time shall passersby be verbally harassed, involuntarily stopped, or deterred.

No sound systems are permitted.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

XV.  Ridges Auditorium Lawn

The Ridges Auditorium Lawn comprises the grassy area bounded by N. Ridge Drive, E. Circle Drive, and Parking Lots 200 and 201.

Use of Ridges Auditorium Lawn is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent Ridges Auditorium, classroom, and office activity.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XVI.  South Green Amphitheater

South Green Amphitheater comprises the concrete "stage" south of Nelson Dining Hall, in the corner of the area bounded by New South Green residence halls, and the adjacent grassy area.

Use of South Green Amphitheater is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall activity.

Priority scheduling of South Green Amphitheater shall be provided to South Green Residence Life.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XVII.  South Green Basketball Courts

South Green Basketball Courts comprise the courts in the grassy area bounded by North McKinley Ave., East Mulberry Street, Stewart Street, and Race Street.

Use of South Green Basketball Courts is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall activity.

Priority scheduling of South Green Basketball Courts shall be provided to (in order):

1. Campus Recreation

2. South Green Residence Life

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to bushes, trees, brick walls, or light poles.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XVIII.  South Green Volleyball Courts

South Green Volleyball Courts comprise the sand courts in the grassy area bounded by North McKinley Ave., East Mulberry Street, Stewart Street, and Race Street.

Use of South Green Volleyball Courts is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall activity.

Priority scheduling of South Green Volleyball Courts shall be provided to (in order):

1. Campus Recreation

2. South Green Residence Life

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XIX.  Stocker Picnic Grove

Stocker Grove comprises the grassy area across the street from the northwest side of Stocker Center bounded by Oxbow Trail, Parking Lot 110, and the Oxbow Creek.

Use of Stocker Grove is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent residence hall, office, or classroom activity. Priority scheduling of Stocker Grove shall be provided to the College of Engineering and Technology.

No vehicles or heavy equipment are permitted on this site.

Activities shall not impede pedestrian traffic.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XX.  Tailgreat Park

Tailgreat Park comprises the grassy area bounded by the Hockhocking Adena Bike Path, Richland Avenue, S. Shafer St., and the Visitors Center and Parking Lot.

Use of Tailgreat Park is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent office activity.

Priority scheduling of Tailgreat Park shall be provided to Intercollegiate Athletics (for pre-football game activities).

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XXI.  Walter Hall Lawn

Walter Hall Lawn comprises the grassy area bounded by sidewalks adjacent to the west side of Walter Hall.

Use of Walter Hall Lawn is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent classroom and office activity.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XXII.  Wilhelm Amphitheatre

Wilhelm Amphitheatre comprises the brick-covered portico on the north side of Scripps Hall and the adjacent grassy amphitheatre seating area.

Use of Wilhelm Amphitheatre is restricted to activities that will not interfere with adjacent library, classroom, and office activity.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

A sound system may be used with permission, subject to the standard restrictions, stated above.

XXIII.  Wolfe Garden

Wolfe Garden is the park-like area enclosed by the low stone wall and located between Cutler Hall and Alden Library.

Due to its proximity to Cutler Hall, Alden Library, and academic buildings, the availability of this space is limited to activities which would not generate noise above conversational level.

Nothing may be attached to trees, bushes, benches, light poles, or permanent signs.

No sound system is permitted.

1. President

2. Provost

3. Cabinet

4. Vice President for Student Affairs

5. Director of Baker University Center

6. Director of Campus Safety

7. Director of Legal Affairs

8. Policy and Procedure Review Committee

1. The "Outdoor Space Reservation Request Form" is available through the Baker University Center Administration Office.

2. The "Application to sell or use Alcoholic Beverages at Ohio University" form is available through the Baker University Center Administration Office.