The rules that NORTH LITTLE ROCK PARKS is proposing, limiting engine size and requiring a $50 annual fee, and each launch has to have approval.
Model Rockets in City Parks Policy
Effective Date: _________________
Last Date Revised:
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide the guidelines, requirements, and permitting process for the
use, launch, and recovery of model rockets in city parks.
Applicability
This policy applies to any individual or group desiring to use, launch, and recover model rockets in
city parks.
Policy Statement
Only two areas of Quad 4 in the Burns Park Soccer Complex will be permitted for the use,
launching, and recovery of model rockets (see Map of Model Rocket Launch Sites). Use of any
other city park or areas in Burns Park will not be permitted. Soccer will remain a priority use in this
area, therefore scheduled launches may be cancelled to meet the needs of soccer participants.
Any individual (including immediate family members) using, launching, and recovering model
rockets in a city park must have a valid Model Rocket Authorization Permit and Model Rocket
Launch Permit.
Model Rocket Authorization Permits:
 Individuals, age 18 and over, may be issued a Model Rocket Authorization Permit subject
to the following minimum conditions:
o Submit a Model Rocket Authorization Permit Application
o Agree to certain guidelines and requirements, which will include, but not limited to:
 National Association of Rocketry Safety Code
 National Fire Protection Association Standard #1122 “Code for Model
Rocketry”
 Have current Liability Insurance and written proof of coverage
o Application review, evaluation, and written approval by Special Projects Division
staff
o Payment of a $50 fee
 Model Rocket Authorization Permits will be valid for one year from date of approval.
 Model Rocket Authorization Permits may be renewed upon reevaluation by the Special
Projects Division and payment of $50 fee.
Individual Launch Permits will be issued to Model Rocket Authorization Permit holders with the
following minimum conditions:
 Launch requests must be made in writing either by fax, mail, or email.
 Model rocket engine/motor size is limited to size “C” or smaller.
 Model rocket launches will only be permitted on weekdays (Monday - Friday) during
daylight hours and for specific times that are not in conflict with other park activities.
 A separate Permit must be requested for each launch date.
 There will be no charge for a Model Rocket Launch Permit.
 Permit holder should contact Field Reservations the day of their scheduled launch to
determine if there have been schedule changes.
 Understand the Department has the authority revoke or restrict an approved Individual
Launch Permit at its discretion. This may include, but is not limited to area rescheduled for
soccer, maintenance, burn ban, weather conditions, etc. without notice. The Department
will attempt to contact the Model Rocket Launch Permit holder prior to the scheduled
launch date.
 Follow guidelines and requirements agreed to in the Model Rocket Authorization Permit.
Group Launch Permits may be given to Model Rocket Authorization Permit holders through the
Department’s Special Event process. Model rocket engine size “G” or smaller may be permitted
for special events.
Any individual using, launching, and recovering model rockets in a city park without a valid Model
Rocket Authorization Permit and a valid Model Rocket Launch Permit may be cited under City of
North Little Rock Municipal Code Chapter 10 Section 4.1.4 (Unlawful use of Restricted Facilities)
or North Little Rock Municipal Code Chapter 10 Section 4.1.2 (Unlawful Entry or Presence in City
Parks) or North Little Rock Municipal Code Chapter 10 Section 3.1.3 (Facilities Reserved by
Purpose).
Any Model Rocket Authorization Permit holder not following the guidelines, codes, and/or
requirements outlined in the Authorization Permit may have their Authorization Permit revoked or
restricted with no refund.
Policy Elaboration
Model Rocket engine/motor size is limited due to the limited available space to safely use, launch,
and recover a model rocket without interfering with other park users, park activities, and private
property adjacent to the launch sites.
Definitions
Model Rocket - A small rocket usually made of paper, wood, plastic and other lightweight
materials, powered by an engine/motor and designed to reach low altitudes (usually to around
300-1500 feet) and recovered by a variety of means.
Launch Site - An area from which the model rocket is to be launched and recovered. The size of
the launch site is usually determined by the size of the rocket engine or motor and the estimated
maximum altitude the rocket will achieve.
Launch Pad - A small, flat area within the Launch Site from which a model rocket stand and blast
shield is placed.
Recovery Zone - An area in which the model rocket is most likely to land and be recovered. The
minimum size is determined by the size of the rocket engine or motor, the estimated maximum
altitude the rocket will achieve, and wind conditions.
Model Rocket Authorization Permit - A document verifying an individual has met and agreed to
follow certain guidelines and requirements and is eligible to request a Launch Permit.
Individual Launch Permit - A document verifying an Authorization Permit holder permission to use,
launch, and recover a model rocket(s) at a certain time and place. This document may be in the
form of a letter or email which must be on-hand while at the launch site.
Group Launch Permit - A document verifying a Model Rocket Authorization Permit holder
permission to use, launch, and recover model rockets during an approved special event. The
special event will require approval from other city departments and adjacent land owners.
Procedures
Model Rocket Authorization Permit applications may be obtained online at nlrpr.org, or in person at
the Parks and Recreation Administration office, or by mail by submitting a request via phone to
501-791-8540 or 501-812-5962 or via email to
[email protected]. The application will be
reviewed by the Special Projects Division. Approval or denial notification will be given to the
applicant within thirty (30) business days of submitted application.
Individual Launch Permits may be obtained via written communication to
[email protected] or Field Reservations, North Little Rock Community Center, 2700
Willow Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114 or via fax to 501-791-8544. Approval or denial of
launch request will be given to the applicant via email or fax within three (3) business days of the
receipt of the request.
Group Launch Permits may be obtained by completing a Special Event Application which is
available by contacting the Special Events Team at
[email protected] or 501-791-8541 or at
nlrpr.org. The applicant will need to indicate they hold a valid Model Rocket Authorization Permit.
Enforcement
Model Rocket Authorization Permits will be reviewed and approved through the Special Projects
Division.
Individual Launch Permits will be scheduled through the Field Reservationists.
Group Launch Permits will be scheduled through the Special Events Team.
Enforcement will be done by a North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Park Ranger.
Forms
Model Rocket Authorization Permit Application (attached with this policy)
Individual Launch Permit Request Form/Email (attached with this policy)
Special Event Application
Contacts
Policy Development:
Jeff Caplinger - 501-791-8540 -
[email protected]
Ian Hope - 501-812-5962 -
[email protected]
Related Documents / Policies
Map of Model Rocket Launch Sites
National Association of Rocketry Safety Code
National Fire Protection Association Standard #1122 “Code for Model Rocketry”
Background
In the past year, we have had a few individuals launching model rockets in the park (primarily at
the Burns Park Soccer Complex) without notification to park staff. They have been using parking
lots and grass fields as launch sites. Some of these rockets have engines big enough to launch
rockets several hundred feet into the air and land anywhere from the Arkansas River to another
soccer field to Mr. Pfeifer's private property adjacent to Burns Park. The city has neither specific
policy nor municipal code regarding model rockets. In many areas the fire department handles
model rocket issues. After discussing this with the North Little Rock Fire Department, they are
allowing us to handle the model rocket issues on their behalf.
Revision History
Version 1.0
