UNIVERSAL SOLDIER

Fort Washington Park is a National Park and is governed by the U. S. Code of Federal Regulations. While you are in the park you must comply with these regulations the same as park visitors and employees. Your cooperation will help us protect the resources and insure future living history events may be conducted in the park.

1. Observe all traffic signs (including "stop" signs) and drive carefully at all times. The maximum speed limit, in the park, is 15 MPH. Vehicles must stay on established roads and park in the designated areas. Motor vehicles are prohibited from traveling on service roads and walking trails. Vehicles will be allowed to drive on the grounds to unload equipment for the exhibit from 7:00 am until 10:00 am both days. Equipment may be removed after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and after 3:00 p.m. Sunday.

2. Fort Washington is a fee-collecting park and charges an entrance fee for each vehicle entering the park. Be sure to stop at the fee booth and identify yourself as a program participant (volunteer) each time you enter the park. You will not be charged an entrance fee but you must stop at the booth to insure that the ranger knows that you are part of the interpretation program. The U. S. Park Police will issue tickets for running the gate or failing to stop at the sign.

3. Beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. This is in effect for visitors, park employees and volunteers alike. Any person acting in an uncooperative, unsafe, loud or obtrusive manner, or considered under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will be reported to the U. S. Park Police and barred from this and future park programs.

4. Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the old fort or buildings. We encourage program participants to leave your pets at home unless they are an essential part of the program.

5. Help us protect the trees, flowers and wildlife. Please do not pick flowers or cut trees and bushes. For your own safety do not touch or attempt to approach any wild animal. If you need saplings or other natural material for your exhibit see the program coordinator.

6. Possession of a metal detector is unlawful in the park. Digging, collecting or disturbing natural or historic resources is not permitted. All our military structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and must be protected.

7. Signs may not be attached to any tree or established park sign. See the program coordinator for information about how you can exhibit signs. All signage, within your display, should be of the style and character of the period they represent.

8. Open fires are not normally permitted in the park. However, we recognize that fires were a primary feature to some early period military camps. If you think a fire is essential to your display see the program coordinator about establishing a fire pit in your exhibit area. If a fire is allowed, the park will provide firewood.

9. All weapons must be registered and inspected at the time of check-in and weapon demonstrations must be conducted within the park's Historic Weapon Standards and Firing Demonstration Procedures. The park will provide all ammunition and primers and program participants are not allowed to bring any ammunition, firing device or explosives into the park.

10. Liquid fuel lighting and/or heating devices will not be used in any historic structure. All candles must be in a metal or glass holder that catches the drippings. Straw will not be placed on any floor where open flame lighting or heating devices is used.

11. All solicitation or sales are prohibited in the park. You may distribute literature describing your exhibit or organization, distribute applications forms but may not accept contributions or payment. We recommend that you take down the necessary information and contact applicants later or you can hand out mail-in applications when visitors inquire about joining your unit.

12. Only period rations are allowed in the military exhibit area. Beverages such as sodas should be consumed out of the exhibit area unless transferred to appropriate containers such as canteens or mess cups. Food and beverages are not to be given to the public.

13. Friends or family members, in 20^th century dress will not be permitted to loiter in, or near the exhibit area. They also will not be allowed to lounge in the park Visitor Center or offices. Our primary purpose is to talk to the public and help them understand the period we represent, not to entertain friends and relatives.

14. Accidents must be reported to a park ranger or park policeman as soon as possible. In case of emergency, contact a ranger or the U. S. Park Police. If you cannot find someone to help, call the U. S. Park Police Dispatcher at 202-619-7105 to report fire or other emergencies. Do not call 911. Fort Washington's phone system is tied into the District of Columbia 911 system. You can use the park's phone number (301) 763-4600 as an emergency number where you can be reached.

15. Battle reenactments and/or other demonstrations of battle tactics that involve firing as opposing lines, taking of casualties or any form of simulated warfare are absolutely prohibited in all areas administered by the National Park Service. The demonstration of military tactics can be an effective interpretive tool if presented in an authentic dignified manner but should never include firing, launching missiles or swinging weapons at another individual.