safetyetiquetteplanning
Can I bring a drone to a splash pad?
Quick answer
Most public splash pads ban drones outright due to FAA Part 107 rules around crowds, plus city ordinances on drones over people. You'll need both a Part 107 license and a city-issued waiver. Recreational drone flight over kids is almost always illegal.
Drone flight at splash pads is heavily restricted. FAA Part 107 prohibits flight over people without a Category 1-4 certified drone and proper operator certification. Most consumer drones don't meet Category 1 requirements. Add city ordinances banning drones in public parks (true in most major cities) and you're looking at a multi-permit situation. Recreational drone flight under FAA's recreational rule (Section 44809) doesn't allow flight over crowds either. Practically, expect a parks ranger to stop any drone flight within minutes. If you're a licensed Part 107 commercial operator with a Category-rated aircraft and city permits, fly only during off-hours when no public is present. For aerial photos, drone-rental services with proper permits can deliver legal footage.