Park Rules

The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure that your visit to Waller Mill Park is a safe and positive experience. Your cooperation in abiding by these rules is greatly appreciated. Many of these rules are in place to protect the health of our reservoir, which is the City of Williamsburg's source for drinking water. 

  1. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are strictly prohibited.
  2. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Owner is responsible for cleaning up after their dog.
  3. Pets are not permitted on any watercraft, personal or rental.
  4. Neither people nor animals are allowed in the reservoir for any reason. Absolutely no swimming.
  5. Life jackets must be worn at all times while on kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. 
  6. Jon boats must have one wearable USCG approved lifejacket for each person on board per VA Boating Laws. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear lifejacket at all times. 
  7. The boathouse is equipped with an air horn to warn boaters out on the reservoir in an emergency situation. Should you hear the sound of an air horn, return to the boathouse immediately. 
  8. Sailboats, gasoline motors, paddle boards, inflatable craft or other inflatable devices are prohibited in the reservoir.
  9. Beaching of boats is prohibited.
  10. Fishing is allowed from a boat or from the fishing pier only.
  11. A maximum of two poles per person are allowed on the fishing pier.
  12. Fishing from city owned canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats is prohibited.
  13. Bikes are allowed only in the parking lot, on the entrance road & paved trail.
  14. Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
  15. Children under six years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times.
  16. Soliciting or unauthorized sales of any kind are prohibited in the park.
  17. Disturbances of any kind are prohibited such as but not limited to, boom boxes, loud noises, remote control vehicles,  and metal detectors. 
  18. The following items are prohibited from the park: piñata's, confetti, glitter, rice, silly string, and water balloons.
  19. You must be at least 12 years of age to rent or launch a kayak or canoe with a parental waiver. Ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on the water. Anyone 16 years of age or older with photo identification can rent and go out on their own.
  20. For your safety, patrons must adhere to all weather warnings issued by park staff.
  21. Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.
  22. Unauthorized persons shall not carry concealed weapons in the park.
  23. Park staff is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  24. Fires are only permitted in grills and must be monitored at all times. Please extinguish hot ashes and leave them in the grill. 
  25. Drones may not be launched from or landed into Waller Mill Park.