What does the City do with dead trees in the park system?

Each year, usually in early December or January, the Parks Division allows Janesville residents to obtain dead park trees for their own use as firewood. The City cuts the trees down, and for a small fee ranging from $5 to $50 per tree, permit holders may then cut up and haul away this wood. Call the Janesville Parks and Recreation Divisions office at 755-3030 if you wish to have your name placed on a future contact list regarding this program.

What are the rules about pets in Janesville parks?

Except in designated pet exercise and training areas ("PETAs"), dogs and cats are prohibited from Janesville parks, greenbelts, and trails between May 15 and September 15 of each year. Animals are never permitted on any school grounds. During permitted times, pets must be on a leash of 6' or less in length and you are required to pick up animal waste.

Pet exercise and training areas (PETAs) are found in designated portions of Palmer Park and the Rock River Parkway. You may use them daily from 5am to 11pm year-round. In PETAs, you can exercise and train your dog without having to comply with the leash law. However, you must always have your dog under your control. You must also clean up after your pet and have your pets licensed.

Paw Print Park, located on South Oakhill Avenue near the Highway 11 bypass, is open year round as a fee-based dog park. The park is 17 acres in size and is fenced in. For current fees call the Parks Division at 755-3025.

Are service dogs and motorized wheel chairs allowed in parks and trails?

Yes. While there is a seasonal ban on dogs in public parks and trails from May 15-Septermber 15, and unlicensed motorized vehicles are generally not allowed in public parks and trails, an exception is made for service dogs and motorized wheel chairs. To ensure that physically challenged citizens have full access to Janesville’s parks and trails, service dogs and motorized wheel chairs are allowed in these areas year round. For questions call 755-3025.

What are the rules about use of alcohol in the Janesville parks?

The City does not permit alcohol in any Janesville park, except by special permit for events that are open to the public. However, an ordinance has been established as follows: 

An ordinance creating a permit and establishing a fee to allow the possession and consumption of fermented malt beverages and wines at designated areas and times in Traxler Park, Riverside Park, Palmer Park and Festival Street with a penalty for violations as set forth in Janesville General Ordinance Sections 12.60.130 and 5.06.470.

Beer/wine is allowed in the following restricted park areas by permit only in conjunction with a pavilion reservation. These include: Palmer Park Hilltop pavilion, Riverside North pavilion, Riverside South pavilion, Traxler Park Lion’s pavilion, Traxler Park Warming House and JP Cullen Memorial Pavilion on Festival Street. For processing, complete the application, sign and mail, or drop off in person to the address provided for Janesville Parks and Recreation Divisions office a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the pavilion reservation date.  A $50 fee is required to process the application. Click here for a copy of the application. A $10 cancellation fee applies to all permit cancellations.

Call the Janesville Parks and Recreation Divisions office at 755-3030 for more details.

Can I mow past my property line? (Buffer Zone)

According to the Greenbelt policy, Section D: the abutting property owner may maintain a twenty-foot (20’) buffer zone. This allows you to mow 20 feet of the greenbelt to prevent the encroachment of weeds into your lawn.

Since I am maintaining the 20’ Greenbelt buffer zone can I plant trees and shrubs?
The Parks Department will review requests individually. Plants not City approved will be removed. Native tree or shrub species may be acceptable depending on the area. Plant selection will be based on existing natural vegetation and water flow consideration.

Can I mow a connection to the City trail system from my property?

Mowing of the greenbelt is limited to the 20’ buffer zone adjacent to your property. Other mowing of trails, corridors, or sledding areas is not allowed.

 How can I use this greenbelt area?

Private use beyond planting or mowing as authorized by ordinance is not allowed. Ornamental or vegetable gardens, sheds, play equipment, benches, vehicle and boat storage, firewood storage, and all other private uses of public land are prohibited by ordinance.

Can I remove an unsightly tree or shrub behind my home?

The Parks Division will attempt to remove dangerous materials from the greenbelts. Down, broken, dead, or dying trees are part of the natural ecology and evolution of the area and, unless they create an immediate drainage or safety hazard, will be left in place. Citizens may not remove, cut, or plant material without expressed written consent. A liability waiver is required.

Can I have an underground pet fence wire in the greenbelt?

City ordinances prohibit the construction or maintenance of any structure or equipment on any area of the greenbelt. All structures and equipment must be kept on private property. Pets may NOT be buried in the greenbelt.

Can I access my property through the greenbelt?

The Parks Division may accommodate requests for vehicle access to private property based on greenbelt conditions, access availability, and citizen responsibility for damage. Any problems caused by such access are the responsibility of the property owner making the request, and no access is allowed without prior approval by the Parks Division. Please call 755-3025.

Can I dispose of grass clippings and brush in the greenbelt?

City ordinance prohibits, and therefore, it is illegal to dump or dispose of any material on any area of the greenbelt. Instead of collecting your clippings when you mow, use a mulching mower to deliver those nutrients back to your lawn and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer that you use. Janesville residents may take yard waste to the Demolition Landfill on Black Bridge Road at no charge during regular hours (call 755-3110 for information).

When will the City cut down the thistles?

The Parks Division attempts to address large areas of noxious weeds throughout the growing season. Newly acquired greenbelts might require mowing for several years to eliminate the noxious weeds. Since all thistles bloom at approximately the same time, it is difficult to mow all the flowering plants. Our goal is to mow and/or spray weeds before flowering and seed production. If you have thistle problems call 755-3025.

What can I do about misuse and abuse of the greenbelts?

If you encounter public dumping, gardening, abuse of mowing limits, plant removal, private clearing, or anti-social behavior in the greenbelts, please call the Janesville Police non-emergency number at 757-2244 or Parks at 755-3025.

Are there any snowmobile trails within Janesville? Where can I ride my snowmobile in Janesville?

Snowmobiling is prohibited in all city parks, greenbelts and trails.

Rock County has more than 3,500 registered snowmobiles, and many snowmobile clubs offer groomed and marked trails. All of the clubs are unified under the Rock County Alliance of Snowmobile Clubs. For information on the clubs and their current officers, contact the Rock County Parks Department at 757-5450.

I would like to use a pavilion for a family reunion. Can you tell what pavilions are available?

Janesville Parks and Recreation Divisions provide a reservation service for all pavilions. We do not require that you reserve a pavilion; however, reservations take precedence over walk-in use. The fee varies based upon the site and the size of the pavilion. We can check availability of pavilions on a specified date over the telephone, but to reserve the pavilion, you will need to come to the Parks and Recreation office to sign the reservation form and pay the reservation fee. Reservations may also be requested online at http://activenet.active.com/janesvilleleisure. Reservations are taken annually beginning in January. Call the Parks and Recreation Division office for start date.

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