17 Annoying Things Utahns Deal With at Their Public Parks
Parks are supposed to be a break from the chaos. No traffic, no emails, no endless to-do lists. Just grass, sun, and some trails to wander down.
But then you get there and someone’s already hogging the picnic table, feeding donuts to the squirrels, and blasting music like it’s a tailgate party.
Suddenly, the peaceful outing turns into a practice in patience.
And while most Utahns follow the unspoken rules, a few behave like they’ve never set foot in a public space before.
Picking Fights Over the Grill
Few things bring out passive-aggressive behavior in people like a public park grill.
Some folks hover nearby as you’re flipping burgers, making comments like “Almost done?” Others jump in too soon, pushing your food to the side.
There are even the ones who “reserve” the grill by setting down a lighter and walking away for 30 minutes.
Take note: Public parks usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis for grills.
Taking Nature Souvenirs
Yes, public park flowers are pretty. No, they’re not yours to pick.
Some park visitors can’t help but pluck wildflowers, snap branches, or dig up rocks and moss like they’re shopping at a garden center.
That damages the landscape, ruins it for the next visitor, and disrupts local ecosystems.
The rule is simple: look, don’t touch. Take pictures, not petals.
Taking Over the Playground
Some people treat the playground at public parks like their personal family amusement park.
There are the kids who hog the slide, refusing to take turns. Then there are the parents who ignore their children climbing the outside of the jungle gym or throwing mulch at each other.
Even worse?
Teenagers using the equipment for tricks or TikTok stunts, oblivious to the 3-year-olds trying to swing.
The equipment’s there for everyone. A little awareness—and a little sharing—goes a long way.
Smoking Where They Shouldn’t
You’d think the no-smoking signs at parks would be enough. But some folks still light up near the playground, the splash pad, or the picnic tables without a second thought.
The smell ruins the fresh air that parks are known for. Kids inhale secondhand smoke, and ashes blow into the grass.
Then there’s the cigarette butts. People flick them into bushes or stomp them into dirt like they’ll vanish instantly.
The result?
A space that’s supposed to feel clean and open starts to feel less healthy.
Letting Dogs Roam Off-Leash
It doesn’t matter how “friendly” your dog is. If the sign says leash required, that means your golden retriever shouldn’t be sprinting across the grass chasing ducks.
Off-leash dogs can scare small children and elderly walkers. And when two dogs meet on unequal terms—one restrained, the other not—it can turn from cute to chaotic fast.
Parks are shared by people who love dogs and people who don’t. That’s why leash laws are there—to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
And if your dog digs holes or leaves a “gift” in the grass?
That’s on you to clean up.
Leaving Trash Behind Like It’s No Big Deal
There’s always that park-goer who unwraps a sandwich, slurps down a Pepsi, and then casually drops their trash like it’ll disappear on its own.
Sure, most parks have employees to help clean up. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave behind granola bar wrappers and sticky juice pouches.
Animals get into litter, wind blows it into streams, and the next visitor gets to enjoy nature with a side of someone else’s chicken wing bones.
It’s lazy. It’s disrespectful. And it turns a community space into a mess that everyone has to dodge around.
Hogging Picnic Tables for Hours
Grabbing a table for lunch is fine. Turning it into your personal headquarters for five hours?
Not so much.
Some families set up camp early in the day—coolers, balloons, bags, board games—and never leave. Others turn the table into a workspace, staring at a laptop with earbuds in while people circle around awkwardly, hoping they’ll move soon.
It’s especially frustrating when nearby benches are broken or shaded spots are limited. People end up picnicking on damp grass while one person lounges across an entire table scrolling social media.
A little courtesy goes a long way—including getting up once you’re done eating.
Playing Loud Music Without Headphones
Some people walk into the park and immediately start blasting music from their phones or Bluetooth speakers like it’s their backyard.
Maybe they think everyone wants to hear their party playlist or motivational podcast, but spoiler alert: no one came to the park for unsolicited DJ service.
Families trying to enjoy a quiet picnic, or readers stretched out under trees, don’t appreciate booming bass in the background.
There’s a reason earbuds exist—and a reason peace and quiet are part of why people go outside.
Feeding Wildlife
It seems innocent—tossing breadcrumbs to ducks or letting your kid feed peanuts to squirrels.
But it’s actually bad for the animals and annoying for everyone else.
Feeding wildlife can mess up their diet, encourage aggressive behavior, and lead to more animals hanging out where they shouldn’t. Some may even be less motivated to find food naturally.
Plus, once they expect food from humans, they start begging—or worse, stealing.
Blocking Trails and Sidewalks
You’ll often see groups standing smack in the middle of a public park trail, chatting or checking their phones, with no idea they’re blocking everyone else.
This is especially common near scenic spots or rest areas, where people gather to take pictures or rehydrate.
But when joggers, walkers, and stroller-pushers can’t pass, it becomes a problem.
Step off to the side if you need a moment. You’re not the only one using the path.
Ignoring Their Screaming Children
We all know kids have meltdowns. That’s normal. But there’s a difference between a brief tantrum and a 30-minute screamfest with no adult intervention.
Sometimes parents are glued to their phones. Other times, they just tune it out completely while their kids throw sand, yell at ducks, or wrestle near the fountains.
The rest of the park is left to dodge flying snacks and tantrums like it’s a reality show.
Stepping away to calm things down is respectful to everyone—your kid included.
Letting Kids Chase Wildlife
Letting your toddler run after a squirrel might seem harmless, but it teaches the wrong thing.
Chasing ducks, geese, or birds stresses them out and can lead to injury—for the animal or the child.
In some cases, animals fight back. A hissing goose can scare the life out of a small kid—and possibly send someone to urgent care.
Kids should learn to admire animals, not harass them.
Parking Like the Rules Don’t Apply
A disturbingly high number of people park in fire lanes, grassy areas, or right across walking paths at public parks as if “No Parking” signs are just a suggestion.
Some even double-park, leaving their car halfway into another spot, especially when the lot gets crowded.
Not only is it inconsiderate, but it can also cause safety issues. Emergency vehicles need access, and pedestrians need room to walk or wheel their stroller or wheelchair.
Follow the lines. Read the signs. It’s not that hard.
Bringing Too Many Toys and Leaving Them Behind
Taking one hula hoop and a soccer ball to the public park? Great. But some people roll in with half a toy store.
Bubbles, bikes, chalk, balls, flying discs—they spread across the grass and trails.
Then, when it’s time to leave, they don’t bother picking everything up. They assume someone else will take care of it.
Public spaces aren’t private toy boxes. Take home what you bring.
Setting Up Pop-Up Tents in High-Traffic Areas
Pop-up tents are fine in designated areas of many public parks, but not when they block walking paths, picnic spots, or scenic views.
Some families stretch out tents with chairs, blankets, coolers, and more—turning public space into a living room setup.
It clogs the park and makes it harder for others to find a place to relax.
If it feels like you’re taking over too much space, you probably are.
Flying Drones Around People
Nothing kills a relaxing afternoon faster than the buzz of a drone hovering overhead.
Even when flown legally, drones can feel intrusive—especially when they zoom over picnics, kids, or quiet trails.
They’re loud, distracting, and sometimes record video without permission.
Unless you’re filming a nature documentary with a license, keep your drone away from the crowds.
Using Park Bathrooms Like It’s a Gas Station
Some people treat public park bathrooms like a locker room or pit stop on a road trip. They splash water everywhere, change clothes in the stalls, or leave behind wrappers, tissues, and muddy footprints.
It doesn’t take much effort to keep things clean. But too often, people treat the space like it’s someone else’s problem.
A little respect keeps it usable for the next person—and that might be you.
Step Into the Park Era That Suits You Best
Before pop-up tents and Bluetooth speakers took over, public parks were simpler places.
If you’ve ever wondered which decade your outdoor manners truly belong in, take our Decade DNA Quiz.
From the wholesome picnic vibes of the 1950s to the free-spirited nature days of the 1970s, this playful quiz reveals the classic American era that fits your personality best.
Go ahead—discover your era, and bring those good manners with you.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)
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