Rules of Conduct and Policies

The park is open during daylight hours. The zoo gates and washrooms open at 8:30 a.m. and close at dusk. The picnic area roadway gates remain closed from mid-October to mid-May.

Rules and policies

• Pets are not allowed on ANY Park and Zoo property, including the disc golf course, lower level picnic area and Otonabee River walking trail. This is a requirement as part of our CAZA accreditation as well as being a source water protection site. Fully trained service dogs wearing service vest or leash marker are permitted, but we ask you to check-in at Guest Services and refrain from approaching any zoo animal exhibits. 
• No alcoholic beverages or cannabis products are permitted on Park and Zoo property.
• No smoking or vaping on Park and Zoo property.
• Balloons and plastic straws are not permitted into the Park or Zoo area for the protection of the animals.
• No swimming in the Otonabee River.
• No solicitation permitted without prior approval of the Park and Zoo Manager and Curator.
• Appropriate clothing should be worn when inside Guest Services (this includes wearing a shirt and footwear).
• Biking is permitted on Park and Zoo grounds on main paths. We ask all visitors on bicycles to be courteous to pedestrians.
• No skateboarding on Park and Zoo property.
• With the exception of electric wheelchairs, no motorized vehicles are permitted except on public roadways.
• Play areas are not supervised. Visitors are responsible for supervision of all children under their care.
• Train ride tickets must be purchased at the train station. The ride may be closed at any time for safety reasons such as weather, maintenance, or for operations on the dam. Purchased tickets remain valid for any future day of operation. Tickets sold in advance are non-refundable.

Picnic area rules

• For any event, a Park and Zoo waiver and booking form must be signed and submitted at least two weeks prior to any event.
• For any shelter or building reservation, a Park and Zoo contract must be signed and submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.
• Gas barbecues only are permitted at the picnic shelters. No wood burning or coal fired barbecues are allowed on Park and Zoo Grounds.
• One waste and one recycling receptacle are provided for each shelter. Groups using the shelters are responsible for bagging and hauling the extra waste off site.
• No jumping castles, similar devices or rides are permitted.
• No temporary shelters or tents are permitted without prior written approval from the Park and Zoo Manager and Curator.

Summer camps and group events

No camps or group events will be held on the grounds of Riverview Park and Zoo (RPZ) without permit and partnership sanctioned by Riverview Park and Zoo management.

The following application items are required to receive partnership and permit:

• RPZ Event Booking Form (hosting an event and/or use of grounds, shelters or facilities, including washrooms)
• RPZ Liability Waiver Form
• Proof of Liability Insurance ($2 million coverage minimum) with “Riverview Park and Zoo” named for the activities and dates covered
• RPZ approval of camp/event schedule calendar
• An Emergency Plan (hosting events with facility risks, including risk of adverse weather and other emergencies)
• Proof of First Aid and CPR training of camp/event staff
• Vulnerable Sector Background Checks for all camp/event staff and volunteers
• A Partnership Proposal stating how you will give back to Riverview Park and Zoo in-kind (ie. profit sharing or donations based on your revenue)

Application requests, including any questions or concerns, should be sent by email to the Riverview Park and Zoo, Program Supervisor, for approval.  Please note that approval can take several weeks based on capacity and must be obtained before promoting your camp/event or recruiting participants.