One of the expected hot gifts this year could end up under your tree and the Urbana Park District wants to provide a heads up about use of personal drones on park district property before you rush out to give it a try.

Like that of some other park and recreation agencies in the area, Urbana Park District code prohibits use of remote controlled flying crafts such as planes in parks, and at this time that extends to drones, according to executive director Tim Bartlett.

“We understand that small drones potentially are going to be very popular this season. The district is investigating the possibility of finding a suitable site for the public to use them,” he explained. “In the meantime, we have been told that the Champaign County RC Club is accepting drone owners as new members. Once drone owners complete the necessary membership requirements, they will be able to use the club’s designated site to fly,” he said.

“We always have to balance the existing public uses of park space with any new uses that come along. Even in the case of park amenities or recreational programs added by the park district, we look at them in light of what else happens in that park space,” he added. “We make every effort to avoid any new activities in a park hindering the enjoyment of established activities.”

Important links for RC and drone owners:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/for-recreational-users/
http://www.ccrcc.info/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=60
http://www.ccrcc.info/main/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1