HOUSE RULES for ARBORETUM KALMTHOUT

These rules take effect on 01/01/2012 and replace all previously applicable rules regarding the use of the infrastructure at Arboretum Kalmthout.

1. GENERAL PROVISION

Article 1.1 These rules apply to anyone present in the Arboretum Kalmthout provincial park and regulate the manner in which they may use the park, hereafter referred to as Arboretum Kalmthout. Each person is deemed to have familiarised themselves with the following rules upon entering Arboretum Kalmthout. The rules are always available on our website (www.arboretumkalmthout.be) or can be viewed at reception.

Article 1.2 By purchasing an admission ticket and/or entering Arboretum Kalmthout, each visitor declares that he or she agrees to the following rules.

Article 1.3 The Board of Directors of Arboretum Kalmthout may change these rules without prior notice. The management may grant exceptions.

Article 1.4 The Arboretum Kalmthout provincial park is made available to the public for social, educational, scientific, cultural, or tourist-related activities.

2. ACCESS TO ARBORETUM KALMTHOUT

Article 2.1 Arboretum Kalmthout may be entered only during the specified opening hours:
a) from mid-January to mid-December from 10am to 5pm
b) exceptions include the cafeteria, the gift & book shop, and the plant centre, which are open on weekdays from 10am to 5pm
The opening hours are displayed at the main entrance. The gates are opened and closed in accordance with the park's established opening hours.

Article 2.2 In the event of disasters and/or exceptional weather conditions, visitors should follow the instructions of employees, and Arboretum Kalmthout is authorised to close the park. In that case, visitors shall not be entitled to compensation. Any access restrictions will be displayed at the main entrance.

Article 2.3 No one may remain within Arboretum Kalmthout outside the opening hours established in Article 2.1, with the exception of:
a) members of staff and employees with their family who live in park buildings and dependencies
b) contracted security services
c) public authority officers and agents performing their duty
d) management, staff, and visitors to rented units insofar as they are available during closing hours or whenever they have been asked to provide a service
e) emergency services

Article 2.4 The park may be entered only after payment of the admission fee. Visitors must be in possession of a valid ticket during their visit, and must present it when asked.

Article 2.5 The garden is open only to visitors on foot (with the exception of wheelchairs and pushchairs). Visitors who are under the influence of or in possession of drugs and/or alcohol may be refused entry.

Article 2.6 Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a short lead (maximum 1.5 metres) at all times. Owners or handlers will be held responsible for the actions of their animals in accordance with Article 1385 of the Belgian Civil Code. Dog handlers and owners are obliged to remove any excrement immediately.

Article 2.7 Children (under 12) should be supervised by an adult at all times.

Article 2.8 Disabled visitors who require support in order to enjoy a safe visit to the park are permitted to enter only under the guidance and responsibility of their escort. This escort receives free admission.

Article 2.9 Photography, and film, video, and sound recording are permitted for private use only. Commercial use is permitted only following written permission from the management. This permission must be presented upon request at all times.

Visitors cannot claim rights to personal likenesses in any photographs or video, film, or sound recordings created by or commissioned by Arboretum Kalmthout. Visitors who do not agree to these provisions can appeal this in court/can express their objections at reception.

3. NUISANCE

Article 3.1 Gatherings that obstruct access to the park or passage through the park are not permitted.

Article 3.2 Visitors are obliged to follow the instructions regarding traffic and all other matters displayed or made clear by Arboretum Kalmthout staff or wardens who have been contracted/authorised by the park. When using facilities, the instructions displayed or outlined by staff should be followed.

Article 3.3 It is forbidden to promote or sell services and/or articles in the arboretum garden, the surrounding buildings, or the car park without prior written permission from the management.

Article 3.4 No music or excessive noise may be made which aggravates other visitors. Loudspeakers and megaphones may be used only by Arboretum Kalmthout staff when issuing instructions for the benefit of the public.

Article 3.5 In order to prevent contamination, and in the interests of public health, it is forbidden to throw any kind of rubbish in the water/garden, whether it be food, paper, bottles, or any other objects. Similarly no rubbish may be left behind in any of the park's other infrastructure. All rubbish must be disposed of in the dustbins intended for that purpose.

Article 3.6 It is forbidden to:
a) behave in such a way that disturbs other visitors;
b) commit acts contrary to standards of public decency;
c) consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or possess, use, or trade in drugs;
d) bring in (fake) weapons or any other dangerous or aggravating items;
e) post any kind of publicity or announcement, or hand out any flyers unless permission has been granted;
f) carry out any kind of commercial activity, unless permission has been granted;
g) enter any areas outside the footpaths;
h) practise any sports or active recreational activities (ball games, cycling, jogging, etc.);
i) feed animals;
j) urinate in public.

Article 3.7 Picnicking is permitted only on the terrace and in the cafeteria; it is forbidden in the arboretum garden itself. When picnicking, purchase of refreshments is mandatory.

4. PLANTS

Article 4.1 It is permitted to step carefully onto the borders only in order to read the label of a plant. The surrounding plants must not be damaged when doing so.

Article 4.2 It is not permitted to (temporarily) move or remove any plant labels.

Article 4.3 It is forbidden to remove plants, pick flowers, break off shoots and branches, or to generally damage or destroy any of the plants or trees. It is also forbidden to collect seeds. If such activities are observed, a formal complaint will be made and a police report lodged.

Article 4.4 In the autumn it is permitted to gather leaves which have fallen to the ground. However, it is forbidden to pick leaves off trees.

5. RESPONSIBILITY AND CLAIMS

Article 5.1 You enter the park at your own risk. Arboretum Kalmthout's management cannot be held responsible for any injury of a physical or material nature whatsoever as a result of a visit to the park. They can also not be held responsible for any loss, damage or theft of personal belongings.

Article 5.2 Arboretum Kalmthout's management accepts no liability for incidents and circumstances which can be attributed to events or similar activities not organised by Arboretum Kalmthout itself, and which therefore do not fall under its responsibility. (Exception for visitors to events in the park.)

Article 5.3 Subject to acceptance of the above provisions, anyone who has caused any kind of damage should nonetheless report this to the secretariat. If you have personally suffered any damage or injury during your visit then we also ask that you notify us of this before you leave. If you personally observe any destruction or damage during your visit, we also ask that you notify us of this before you leave.