FAQs

Drone Rules

The following rules and regulations apply to drone users.

• Drone must be registered with the FAA.
• Drones cannot fly directly over uninvolved people.
• Drones cannot fly beyond users visual line of sight.
• No flying of drones at night.
• Flying in restricted airspace (such as the airport and hospital heli-pads) is prohibited.
• Additional restrictions may apply.

Drone users may be asked by City staff or other officials to see their registration number or certificate, as well as a copy of the pilot's license.

If you wish to obtain video footage with your drone, please contact the City of Tyler Communications Department to obtain a filming application.

Radio controlled model aircraft are prohibited in all Tyler parks, except Northside Park.

Northside Park

Northside Park, located at 2301 W NW Loop 323, is designated for use of radio-controlled model airplanes and is exempt from the above ordinance.

Northside Park Flying Rules

• All pilots must be current members of the AMA and fly in accordance with all applicable AMA, Parks and Recreation and City of Tyler rules and regulations. The only excepting to this rule is for "Park Flyers" which are aircraft weighing two pounds or less and are electrically powered.
• Utilization of the frequency board is required at all times. Place your current AMA card or a copy below the frequency number of the tag in use, then replace tag and retrieve AMA card when finished. "Park Flyers" without an AMA card must provide some form of identification.
• After landing, pilots must not intentionally taxi into the pit area.
• Pilots must not intentionally fly outside the Park perimeter.
• Engines may not be started or run under the shelter areas.
• After take-off, subsequent flight is to be conducted east of the line of sprinklers on the west side of the runway.
• During airshows and other events, only those participating in the event are allowed to pilot aircraft.

According to the City of Tyler Code of Ordinances (Section 8-36), it is unlawful for any person to launch, fly or otherwise operate a radio-controlled model aircraft in or upon the grounds of any public park or recreation area owned or used by the City. For questions or more information about using model airplanes, drones, or other radio-controlled devices, please call (903) 531-1370 or fill out the contact form.

Loud music, speakers, amplifiers, etc are not allowed in City of Tyler parks except at events that have been approved by the City of Tyler Parks Director. Personal music devices that are kept at a reasonable volume and not disturbing others are permitted.

Please read Section 8-21 of the City of Tyler Ordinances for more information about music/loud noises in the parks.

Metal detecting of any kind is prohibited at city cemeteries, the Goodman Museum, Tyler Rose Garden and any recreational areas designated as a historical landmark are prohibited. Metal detecting, with a permit, is allowed at other city parks that do not fall under the previous categories. Permits are $35 and are valid for one year. To apply for a metal detecting permit, please contact us or call (903) 531-1370.

See Section 8-38 of the City of Tyler Code of Ordinances for more information about metal detecting.

The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department own and maintain Rose Hill Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery and Westview Cemetery. If you are searching for the gravesite of an ancestor, family member or friend in any of our cemeteries, please contact us or call (903) 531-1207 for more information. You can also visit the online directories for Rose Hill Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery.

You can utilize our Parks Directory and Trail Directory to view information and addresses of parks and trails. You can also contact us or call at 903-531-1370.

To register for a class or event, visit the Register for Events webpage, visit the specific event webpage located under the "Programs, Events & Athletics" tab, or contact the facility hosting the event directly for more information. For questions, call (903) 531-1370.

You can visit our Rentals, Reservations & Cancelations page or call Parks Admin at (903) 531-1370. For facility rentals & reservations, such as the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center or Glass Recreation Center, please contact that facility directly.

All facilities accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, check, and money orders. For more details, please contact the individual facility or office.

All public parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Trails are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. When activities sponsored or sanctioned by the City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department begin or end outside of regular hours, the park or trail will close thirty minutes after the event ends.

A large map of the trails can be found on the City of Tyler Trail Brochure(PDF, 1MB). For more detailed maps, check out each trail on the Trail Directory. For more information, fill out our contact form or call 903-531-1370.

It is unlawful for any person to operate an automobile, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle upon the grounds of any public park or recreation area except upon a public street, road, trail or parking area designated for vehicle operation. This prohibition shall include the operation of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles, ATVs, motorized scooters, or other motorized equipment. 

Class 1 electric bicycles (those equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when the rider is pedaling; and with a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour or less) and mobility devices are exempt from this prohibition. 

See Section 8-22 of the City of Tyler Code of Ordinances for more information about