Carson City staff have documented painted rocks in public parks and trails.
The Open Space Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission are holding a joint meeting Monday. On the agenda: painted rocks.
According to city staff, painted rocks have been gaining in popularity since 2015, when the Kindness Rocks Project was established to leave inspirational messages in public places. Since then, staff have found painted rocks in parks, trails, and public open space areas.
However, the National Park Service considers painted rocks illegal graffiti. NPS also maintains the rocks are a source of pollution.
Carson City staff would like to start a conversation between OSAC and PRC to develop procedures for city staff who see ornamental painted rocks. They may consider where to allow the rocks and how to enforce any rock rules.
Among other agenda items, OSAC and PRC will also consider:
• A draft Dog Rules and Regulations Policy to outline responsible dog ownership on parks, trails, and open space property.
• A draft Memorials Policy, which outlines rules such as where cremated remains may be scattered, guidelines for creating public memorials, and procedures for removing unauthorized memorials like religious symbols and flowers.
Any policy that the committee and commission agree upon must be approved by the Board of Supervisors at a separate meeting.
The joint meeting will take place in the Robert “Bob” Crowell Board Room of the Community Center on 851 E. William St. at 5:30 p.m. The meeting video will be available live on cable channel 191 or via www.carson.org/granicus.
To provide public comment in advance of the meeting, email publiccomment@carson.org.
