What is considered a recreational area?

Recreational areas would include land that is designed, constructed, designated, or used for recreational activities.  Examples are national, state, county, or city parks, other outdoor recreational areas such as golf courses or swimming pools and bodies of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams) when used by the public for fishing, swimming, or boating.  Public and private areas that are predictably used for hunting, fishing, bird watching, bike riding, hiking, or camping or other recreational use also would be considered recreational areas.  EPA encourages you to consult with land owners, local officials, and the community to reach an agreement on an area’s status; your local emergency planning committee (LEPC) can help you with these consultations. To find your LEPC, please contact your State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). EPA recognizes that some judgment is involved in determining whether an area should be considered a recreational area.