Website Privacy Policy

WashingtonParks.net (“Washington Parks & People,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Website Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through our website, how we use it, and the choices you may have.

1) Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information when you use the site:

• Information you provide: such as name, email address, messages sent via contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, account information (if offered), or feedback.
• Usage data: such as pages viewed, referral/exit pages, approximate location (city/region), device type, browser type, and interactions with site features.
• Cookies and similar technologies: such as cookies, pixels, and local storage used for site functionality, preferences, analytics, and security.

2) How We Use Information

We use information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the website and its content.
• Respond to inquiries and provide support.
• Send updates you request (for example, newsletters), and manage subscriptions.
• Analyze site performance and user engagement.
• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security incidents.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

3) How We Share Information

We may share information in limited circumstances:

• Service providers that process data on our behalf (e.g., website hosting, analytics, email delivery, customer support tools).
• Legal and safety when required by law, subpoena, court order, or to protect rights, safety, and security.
• Business transfers if we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets (information may be transferred as part of that transaction).

We do not sell your personal information in exchange for money.

4) Cookies and Your Choices

Most browsers let you control cookies through settings. If you disable cookies, some parts of the site may not function properly. Depending on what tools we use, you may also be able to opt out of certain analytics or advertising cookies via industry opt-out tools.

5) Data Retention

We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the site and services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary based on the type of data and why it was collected.

6) Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7) Children’s Privacy

The site is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so we can take appropriate action.

8) Links to Other Sites

The site may link to third-party websites (for example, official park sites, mapping services, reservation systems, or social platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties.

9) Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Effective date” above indicates when it was last revised.

Data Privacy Policy (Expanded Disclosures)

This section provides additional detail about data handling practices that may apply depending on the features available on WashingtonParks.net (for example, accounts, event registrations, donations, reservations, or advertising).

1) Categories of Personal Data (More Detail)

• Identifiers: name, email address, username, IP address.
• Contact and communications: messages you send, support requests, survey responses.
• Account data (if applicable): login credentials (stored in hashed form), preferences, saved parks or itineraries.
• Transaction-related data (if applicable): billing ZIP/postal code and transaction metadata. Note: payment card details are typically processed by a payment processor and not stored on our servers.
• Device/online activity: browser, device identifiers, approximate location, pages viewed, clicks, timestamps.

2) Legal Bases and Purposes

Where applicable, we process personal data for legitimate interests (e.g., operating and securing the website), to perform a contract (e.g., providing requested services), and/or with your consent (e.g., marketing emails where required).

3) Processors and Subprocessors

We may use third-party processors to support site operations (such as hosting, analytics, email, and form handling). If you use a feature that relies on a third party, your data may be processed under that provider’s terms and privacy policy.

Implementation note: If you want this to be fully specific, list your vendors here (e.g., hosting provider, analytics platform, email marketing provider, payment processor).

4) International Transfers

If you access the site from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where service providers operate. We take reasonable steps designed to ensure appropriate safeguards consistent with applicable law.

5) Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have rights such as:

• Access to personal data we hold about you.
• Correction of inaccurate personal data.
• Deletion of personal data (subject to legal exceptions).
• Objection to or restriction of certain processing.
• Opt-out of certain disclosures that may be considered “targeted advertising” under some laws.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise rights, contact us using the information in the Contact section. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

6) Do Not Track

Some browsers offer “Do Not Track” signals. Because there is no consistent industry standard for these signals, we do not respond to them in a uniform way.

7) Email Preferences

You can opt out of non-essential emails by using the unsubscribe link in the message (if provided) or by contacting us. We may still send operational emails (e.g., policy updates, security notices, or responses to requests).

8) Data Breach Response

In the event of a suspected or confirmed data breach affecting personal data, we will take reasonable steps to investigate, mitigate harm, and provide notices required by applicable law.

Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of WashingtonParks.net (the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Site.

1) About the Site

The Site may provide information about parks, trails, recreation areas, closures, rules, events, and related resources. Content may include user-submitted suggestions, links to third-party resources, maps, and directions.

2) No Professional Advice; Use at Your Own Risk

The Site provides general information only and is not a substitute for official guidance. Conditions in outdoor environments can change rapidly. You are responsible for verifying information with official sources (e.g., local/state/federal park authorities), following posted rules, and using appropriate judgment and safety precautions.

3) Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years old to use the Site. If you are under the age of majority in your jurisdiction, you may use the Site only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

4) Accounts (If Applicable)

If the Site offers accounts, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account. You agree to provide accurate information and to notify us promptly of any unauthorized use.

5) Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the Site in a way that violates any law or regulation.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Site, user accounts, or systems.
• Interfere with the Site’s operation (e.g., malware, scraping that imposes unreasonable load, denial-of-service attempts).
• Post or transmit content that is unlawful, defamatory, infringing, obscene, or harmful.
• Misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity.

6) User Content (If Applicable)

If you submit content (e.g., reviews, photos, trail tips, comments) (“User Content”), you represent you have the rights to do so. You grant Washington Parks & People a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, store, reproduce, display, and distribute your User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Site. We may remove User Content at any time in our discretion.

7) Intellectual Property

The Site and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Washington Parks & People or its licensors and are protected by applicable laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Site except as permitted by law or with our written permission.

8) Third-Party Services and Links

The Site may include links or integrations with third-party services (e.g., maps, reservation portals, social media). We do not control and are not responsible for third-party content, policies, or practices. Your use of third-party services is subject to their terms.

9) Disclaimers

THE SITE IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT CONTENT IS ACCURATE OR COMPLETE.

10) Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, Washington Parks & People SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) THE SITE, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN ALL CASES, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED USD $100.

11) Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Washington Parks & People and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Site, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms.

12) Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Site at any time if we believe you have violated these Terms or if necessary to protect the Site, users, or third parties.

13) Changes to the Site or Terms

We may modify the Site or these Terms at any time. Changes are effective when posted. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the revised Terms.

14) Governing Law; Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. You agree that any dispute arising out of or related to the Site or these Terms will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Washington, and you consent to their personal jurisdiction.

15) Contact

Questions about these Terms can be sent using the information in the Contact section.

Contact

For privacy requests, questions, or concerns related to these policies, contact:

• WashingtonParks.net
• Email: info@washingtonparks.net