Drone Usage Guidelines

Policies at Great Parks

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Per Great Parks of Hamilton County bylaws, drones may not be flown in any of the parks without written permission from the Chief Executive Officer. 

All of Great Parks of Hamilton County Bylaws can be found here.

131.16: Model Toys: Engine-powered, self-propelled radio-controlled, or free sailing model and toy airplanes, rockets, boats, cars, sirens, or other noisemaking devices are not permitted to be operated within the park district, except in designated areas or with written permission of the Chief Executive Officer. Penalty, see § 130.99


131.17: Aircraft and Hot Air Balloons: No person shall voluntarily bring, land, or cause to descend, or alight upon or adjacent to park land or water, any helicopter, airplane, balloon, parachute, hang glider, or other apparatus for aviation, without specific written permission from the Chief Executive Officer. Penalty, see § 130.99 


Approved Drone Flight Areas

Great Parks has designated the following six areas for flying drones. A Private or Commercial Usage Application must be completed and approved before you fly your drone in any designated area. Drone flying is restricted if a nearby shelter, picnic area, soccer field, or ball field is reserved.


Private Drone Use

Private recreational drone users are required to complete a drone usage application. 

Send application to [email protected] or mail to: 

          Great Parks of Hamilton County


          Attn: Shawnessee Ference


          10245 Winton Road


          Cincinnati, Ohio, 45231 

Applications require approval from the Chief Executive Officer and may take up to one week to process. For questions, call 513-521-7275. 

PRIVATE DRONE USAGE APPLICATION arrow_right_alt

Drone Usage Regulations

  • The drone policy is nontransferable and an approval letter must be in possession while on park property.
  • Drone owner must follow all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Great Parks of Hamilton County bylaws.
  • The holder of the application is liable for any damage to park property.
  • No vehicles are permitted on grass, sidewalks or other park areas not designated as vehicle parking areas.
  • No flying is permitted in nature/wildlife management areas, over people, over animals at Parky’s Farm and Winton Woods Riding Center or areas not open to the public.
  • Great Parks reserves the right to revoke drone approval at its sole discretion.
  • Any misuse of park property or failure to comply with Great Parks of Hamilton County bylaws will result in revocation of drone flying approval and possible expulsion from the property.
  • Park visitors are not to be prevented from using park facilities and amenities as a result of drone flying. Photos or videos must not include any park visitors without their prior permission.
  • A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks. Cost for residents of Hamilton County: $10 annual/$5 daily; other visitors: $16 annual/$8 daily. Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Fernbank Park are cooperative ventures with the City of Cincinnati; a Motor Vehicle Permit is not required.