As long as you are following the local regulations for that park you are fine. A telescope is no different than bringing a bicycle or volley ball net. However, if the park closes at 10pm, you need to be out by 10pm, etc. If it is not posted you are generally OK to observe, if in doubt check with the authority responsible for the park, call them and ask, they may grant an exception which you would need in writing and have with you while observing. However be aware of their sprinkler schedule, you don't want any nasty mid-night surprises. Local county and city governments will generally be more accommodating than state or Federal. Let common sense prevail. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of msaengsoury@hotmail.com Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 12:20 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Do I have permission...? Hello. This is Mark Saengsoury. I was curious about something. I've been wanting to get out a couple of nights a week and head on over to a park such as Winchester or Wheeler to stargaze a bit. I don't have the freetime to head out to a darksite so it's my next best option. When SLAS sets up public star parties at parks, do we ask permission from the city hall or whatnot? Or do we just settle on down whenever we want? I'd like to spend a couple of hours in a park, but I know parks give warnings that they close at like 10 pm or so. Would I be okay just hanging out there after hours or would I have to get some kind of permission? _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php