University Grounds and Lawn Use Guidelines

Purpose and Scope

The landscapes and grounds of Austin Peay State University are maintained for the entire University community. Our mission is to provide a safe, accessible, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment that supports the University's mission. These guidelines apply to all university grounds, including lawns, sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and planting beds. While we encourage outdoor recreation and socializing, we must balance community use with proper maintenance.

General Requirements

• All outdoor events (excluding class instruction, socializing, and light recreation) must be scheduled and approved through University Facilities - Access to and Use of Campus Property and Facilities by Affiliated Individuals/Entities Policy 4:003

• Activities must not block walkways or building entrances

• All individuals and groups must clean up after themselves and properly dispose of trash and recyclables

• Smoking is only permitted in designated areas - Smoking, Vaping, and Tobacco Usage Policy 5:002

Vehicle and Transportation Guidelines

• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on sidewalks, lawns, or planted areas without prior approval

• Bike riding is prohibited on lawns

• Bicycles must be secured to designated bike racks only (not to light poles, trees, hand rails, etc.)

• All pets and service animals must be leashed and cleaned up after

Lawn Use Restrictions

• Organized team sports are not permitted

• Golfing is prohibited

• Cleats are not allowed

• Blankets and towels are permitted; tarps or ground covers that could damage turf are prohibited

• Driving stakes or any excavation requires prior approval via dig permit from APSU Physical Plant

  • Note: Underground utilities and irrigation systems may be as shallow as 8 inches

Structures and Equipment

• Tents and temporary structures require prior approval via online facility request

• Hammocks:

  • Must only be used at designated stations in the Marks Bowl

  • Cannot be hung higher than 48 inches off the ground

  • Must be removed after use (no overnight placement)

  • Cannot be attached to trees

• No climbing or rappelling on trees, buildings, or structures

• No attaching swings or ropes to trees or structures

Property Protection

• Damaging trees, plants, shrubs, turf, or university structures is prohibited

• Do not injure, deface, remove, or cut university property

Posting Guidelines

• Signs and Banners:

  • Limited to 15 corrugated plastic signs on "H" frame/wire stands, or 3 banners per event

  • Must use waterproof ink/paint

  • Cannot be posted more than 2 weeks before event

  • Must be removed within 1 business day after event

  • Minimum $25 cleanup fee if university must remove materials

Chalking Policy

• Permitted only on exposed concrete or asphalt (areas reached by rainfall)

• Prohibited on walls, windows, doors, trees, or vertical surfaces

• Must use washable chalk

• Minimum $25 cleanup fee for violations

Grilling Regulations

• Prior approval required except for:

  • Permanently installed grills in Housing areas

  • Tailgating (restricted to parking lots)

• Requirements:

  • Must use pre-determined areas away from buildings

  • Appropriately sized LP tanks only (no spare tanks nearby)

  • Fire extinguisher required within 20 feet

  • Proper disposal of charcoal in Physical Plant metal containers

Authority and Enforcement

Austin Peay State University's Physical Plant, in conjunction with appropriate offices, reserves the right to prohibit grounds use due to weather/field conditions or maintenance requirements. The campus community is expected to prioritize safety and respect university resources, personnel, and maintenance processes.

Facility requests and approvals