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Usage of Campus Lakes

Policy
Purpose: 

To describe appropriate use of Potter Lake and the west campus lake, and their environs.

Applies to: 

All students, faculty, staff, and university visitors to the Lawrence campus.

Campus: 
Lawrence
Policy Statement: 

For safety reasons, the University prohibits swimming, wading, diving, jumping, sledding, and skating in or on Potter Lake and on the west campus lake.

Hunting and fur-gathering on these lakes and in their environs also are prohibited.

Fishing on the lakes is permitted so long as state fishing laws and regulations are followed. Fishing on the west campus lake is limited to designated areas on the south shore of the lake.

Use of canoes or non-motorized boats for regularly scheduled academic classes and for University research and maintenance is permitted. Other members of the university community may use canoes or non-motorized boats upon advance approval of the Office of University Ceremonies and Special Events. Boats are permitted on the west campus lake for Douglas County Fire and Medical Department training, maintenance purposes, or in emergencies only.

Potter Lake (Dance) Pavilion may be scheduled through the Office of University Ceremonies and Special Events for small events.

Consequences: 

Reports of improper usage of the campus lakes may be reported to KU’s Public Safety Office 785-864-5900 or kupso@ku.edu.

Public Safety Officers will notify violators of the improper usage and request that they cease their activities and/or leave the premises.

Contact: 

Campus Operations
785-864-7299

For Potter Lake Pavilion Reservation:
Office of University Ceremonies and Special Events
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-7100
publicaffairs@ku.edu

Approved by: 
Vice Provost, Administration and Finance
Approved on: 
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Effective on: 
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Review Cycle: 
Annual (As Needed)
Background: 

Information on the usage of Potter Lake use previously was included in the University Events Guidelines and in archival documents not readily available in the Policy Library. This statement summarizes and expands upon that information.

Keywords: 
Potter Lake, west campus lake, fishing, swimming, boating, boats
Change History: 

09/09/2024: Updated Events Management and Protocol to University Ceremonies and Special Events. 
03/12/2019: The title of VP for Administration and Finance no longer exists. Future approvals will be made by the Vice Provost for Operations. 
12/18/2018: Updated to reflect current pracitces and updated Contact section.
07/25/2018: Updated UEC Guidelines link with new Events Management Procedures website. 
07/24/2014: Developed by the Policy Office in consultation with Facilities Services, Design and Construction Management, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, and the Office of the General Counsel based on information from the University Events Committee Guidelines and archival materials about use of Potter Lake. Reviewed and endorsed by Risk and Campus Operations prior to approval from the Vice Provost for Administration & Finance.
07/28/2014: Published to the Policy Library after minor formatting changes to ensure optimum online display.

Operational Categories: 
Facilities

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