The following rules have been set out by Metro Parks for the use of Pacific Spirit Regional Park. All participants and station staff must be cognizant of, and abide by, these rules.
Fires
All fires require a Special Use Permit from Metro Parks and and a fire permit from the Vancouver Fire Dept. (via NiteHike Organizer). No fires allowed without permission. Groups having a fire without a permit provided through the NiteHike organizers shall be dealt with severely - failure to comply could endanger continued use of Pacific Spirit Park for NiteHike.
All fires must be contained within a suitable container or fire pit. If your site doesn't get a fire ring from the park or bring their own, the trail under the fire is to be protected by fire proof paving such as bricks or paving slabs. Metro Parks requires fires to be set on the trails to avoid damage to undergrowth.
All fires must be supervised by an adult designated as "Fire Marshall".
All sites with fires must be equipped with a fire shovel and five gallons of water for fire suppression and have a fire extinguisher on site.
Fires are not to exceed 1 meter cubed (1M x 1M x 1M) including flames.
Material for the fire must be brought into the park - at no time is wood to be obtained from within the park from either deadfall and/or cutting live trees.
All debris from the fire including ashes must be removed from the site upon conclusion of the event. Bring a suitable container for removing burnt material. It goes without saying that any fires authorized must therefore be fully extinguished prior to closing out one's station.
All fires must be noted on the route map submitted by the NiteHike organizers to Metro Parks and Vancouver Fire Dept. in advance (before the maps are printed).
All fires must be completely extinguished and cleaned up prior to abandoning site in the morning. Groups leaving fires unattended will be dealt with severely - fines are not ruled out. Failure to comply could endanger continued use of Pacific Spirit Park for NiteHike and/or severely restricting fires on future NiteHikes.
Stations
Stations should be located in sites appropriate for the activity with a focus on minimizing impact on the Park environment. Where possible use the trail suface for activities.
All ropes or structures secured to trees must be done in a method so as to protect the health and condition of the tree. Padding for ropes, no nails or spikes.
No cutting of any vegetation of any kind within the Park.
All stations must be supervised by an adult who will also be responsible for site cleanup at the conclusion of the event.
All stations should provide a garbage receptacle (garbage collected during the night may be deposited in Metro Parks receptacles).
All stations that are using gas powered generators or other equipment (ie stoves, lanterns etc) must be equipped with a 5 lb. fire extinguisher.
No alcoholic beverages permitted within confines of the Pacific Spirit Park.
Patrol
Primary responsibility for patrol of the route and safety of the participants will rest with the organizers of the event and the Medical And Service Team.
Event Patrollers should be dressed so that their function is readily apparent to participants, public and park staff (Metro Parks may be able to supply reflective patrol vests).
Event Patrollers should have a means to communicate to a central post and the central post with Metro Parks staff. Each station must have a cell phone and make sure that HQ knows the number.
Metro Parks staff will report to HQ at the beginning of the event to introduce themselves and to report the cellular and pager telephone numbers they will be using that night.