[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council
of the Township of Stafford 4-2-1985 by Ord. No. 85-43. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Alcoholic beverages — See Ch.
57.
Basketball regulations — See Ch.
63.
Peace and good order — See Ch.
153.
Peddling and soliciting — See Ch.
155.
Skateboarding — See Ch.
177.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch.
201.
[Amended 11-18-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-144]
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the
use of parks and park property owned and maintained by the Township
in order that all persons may enjoy and make use of such parks and
park property and to protect the rights of those owning property adjacent
to such parks. Certain conduct and behavior not specifically included
within this chapter are subject to prosecution under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2
and/or other state law as applicable. Such conduct may include, but
shall not be limited to, offensive language, endangering or disturbing
others and public intoxication.
A. For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms,
phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given
herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the
present tense include the future, words in the plural number include
the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural
number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
B. As used in this chapter, the following words shall
have the meanings indicated:
AMPLIFIED SOUND
Music or speech projected or transmitted by artificial means,
including but not limited to amplifiers, loudspeakers or any similar
device.
DIRECTOR
The Director of the Department of Recreation.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Any member of the Police Department authorized to enforce
all criminal and traffic laws and ordinances within the Township.
PARK
Any public park, beach or recreation or playground area,
or building or facility thereon, within the Township of Stafford owned
and maintained by the Township as a public park, beach or recreation
or playground area, whether or not such areas have been formally dedicated
to such purpose.
PARK GUARD
Any employee of the Township under the supervision of the
Director and authorized to enforce all criminal and traffic laws and
ordinances within park boundaries.
PARKING AREA
Any designated park or any park road, drive or special area
contiguous thereto that is set apart for the standing or stationing
of vehicles and is marked accordingly.
PERMIT
The written permission that must be obtained from the Township
Clerk or his designated agent to carry out a given activity in a park.
PERSON
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
POLLUTION
The contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical
or biological properties of park waters, including changes in the
temperature, taste, color, turbidity or odor of the water or such
discharge of any liquid, gas, solid, radioactive or other substance
into any park waters that will or is likely to create a public nuisance
or render such water harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public
health, safety or welfare or to the domestic, recreational or other
beneficial uses or to wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.
VEHICLE
Includes any wheeled device of conveyance, whether propelled
by motor, animal or human power. The term shall include any trailer
in tow of any kind, size or description. Exception is made for baby
carriages and vehicles in the service of the Township.
VESSEL
Includes any device of conveyance on the water, whether propelled
by motor, wind or human power. The term includes, but is not limited
to, any boat, yacht. cruiser, canoe, raft or other watercraft.
All applicable state and local vehicle and traffic
laws and ordinances shall continue in full force and effect in any
park and shall be enforced by any law enforcement officer or park
guard.
All law enforcement officers and park guards
shall direct traffic whenever needed in a park or on highways, streets
or roads immediately adjacent to a park in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter or any other applicable laws and ordinances.
A. No person shall operate a vehicle in a park except
upon designated paved or improved park roads or driveways or in and
upon designated areas or trails set aside for use by such vehicles,
unless directed by a law enforcement officer or park guard to do so
or by official signs or markings.
B. Where a public road, street or highway crosses a park,
such road, street or highway shall be open to all through traffic
normally permitted on any road, street or highway, but such traffic
shall conform to park traffic regulations, and vehicles not otherwise
permitted to operate within a park shall not stop along such road,
street or highway except in an emergency.
C. No person shall operate a vehicle in a park in such
a way that traffic is obstructed. In the event that a vehicle must
be stopped or parked along a park road or driveway because of an emergency
for more than 30 minutes, the operator shall notify a law enforcement
officer or park guard of the location of the vehicle and of its description.
D. No person shall operate a vehicle within the park
in excess of 15 miles per hour, except upon those roads or driveways
where official signs or markings designate a different speed limit.
E. No person shall operate any vehicle on any recreational
fields.
A. The Township may, in its reasonable discretion, set
aside or designate areas, paths, trails or roads in a park where operating
bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, scooters and minibikes shall be
allowed.
B. Bicycles and tricycles shall be operated on the right-hand
side of a roadway, as close to the edge of the paving as conditions
permit. When two or more such vehicles are operated in a group, they
shall keep in a single file.
A. No person shall park a vehicle on park property other
than in areas designated for parking that type of vehicle, unless
there is an emergency or unless directed to do otherwise by a law
enforcement officer or a park guard. Parking shall conform to officially
posted signs or markings unless other instructions are given by a
law enforcement officer or a park guard.
B. No vehicle shall be left standing or parked at night
within a park without lights clearly visible, front and rear, for
at least 200 feet, except in designated parking areas.
C. No vehicle shall be left parked on park property after
park closing hours without obtaining a permit from the Director.
D. No park employee shall accept any gratuity for any
service concerning the parking of a vehicle.
No person shall, in any Township park, do or
cause to be done any of the following without first obtaining a permit
from the Township:
A. Willfully mark, deface or injure in any manner or
displace, remove or tamper with any park building, bridge, table,
bench, fireplace, railing, paving or paving materials, water line
or other public utility or parts thereof, park sign or marking, whether
temporary or permanent, monument stake, post or other structure or
equipment, facility or park property of any kind.
B. Willfully dig, cut, move or remove from any park or
park area any sand, wood, turf, grass, gravel, shrub or other material
or make any excavation by hand, tool, equipment, blasting or any other
means.
C. Construct or erect any building or structure of any
kind, whether permanently or temporarily, or run or string any public
utility into, upon or across a park.
No person shall, in any Township park, do or
cause to be done any of the following without first obtaining a permit
from the Township:
A. Willfully pick, saw, chop, cut, carve, remove or injure
any flowers, seeds, blooms, bark, branches, twigs or leaves of any
tree, plant, shrub, vine, bush or any other vegetation.
B. Willfully drive any nail or staple or attach or fasten
any wire, rope or other device to any tree or plant or tie or hitch
any animal to any tree or plant.
C. Willfully dig in or disturb any grass areas or in
any way injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any park
area.
D. Willfully climb any tree or walk, stand or sit upon
any monument, vase, fountain, railing, fence or any other park property
not designated or normally used for such purposes.
No person shall, in any Township park, do or
cause to be done any of the following without first obtaining a permit
from the Township:
A. Willfully capture, attempt to capture, hunt, molest,
injure, trap or administer or set out any bait or harmful substance
for any wild or domestic animal, reptile or bird, nor remove or have
in his possession the young, eggs or nest of any animal, reptile or
bird.
B. Willfully give or offer, or attempt to give or offer,
to any wild or domestic animal, reptile, bird or fish any tobacco,
alcohol or other potentially harmful substance.
No person shall, in any Township park, do or
cause to be done any of the following without first obtaining a permit
from the Township:
A. Willfully throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause
to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake, stream or
other body of water in or adjacent to any park any substance, matter
or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution
of said waters.
B. Willfully have brought in or dump, deposit or leave
any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish,
waste, garbage or refuse or other trash, but shall place the same
in the proper receptacles when these are provided; when receptacles
are not so provided, all such rubbish or waste shall be carried away
from the park by the person responsible for its presence, and shall
be properly disposed of elsewhere.
C. Bring into the park glass bottles or containers of
any kind.
A. No person in a park shall:
(1) Swim, bathe, dive or wade in any water or waterway
in or adjacent to any park, except in such water or waterway as the
Township may designate and in accordance with the terms of this chapter
and any other regulations that the Township may promulgate.
(2) Frequent any water or places where swimming, bathing
or wading is permitted, except during those hours that the Township
has established for such activities.
(3) Change into bathing clothes from street clothes or
from bathing clothes into street clothes, except in a bathhouse or
other structure designated for such use.
(4) Fail to wear bathing clothes that cover the genitals
and buttocks and, in the case of females that also cover the areolae
and nipples.
B. The Township shall not designate any water or waterway
for swimming, bathing or wading where such use of the water would
be dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare.
C. In regard to freshwater beaches, the following regulations
shall apply in addition to those already set forth herein:
(1) All freshwater beaches in the Township of Stafford
shall be open for use only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. each day during the season.
(2) The Township Council shall determine the season or
period of each year when each of said beaches shall be opened and
closed.
(3) No person shall do any of the following things at,
upon or in the immediate vicinity of any freshwater bathing beach:
(a)
Dress or undress in a motor vehicle or use the
same as a place for sleeping.
(b)
Discard any paper, bottle, container, food,
drink, garbage or other refuse upon any beach or in the water adjacent
thereto.
(c)
Litter, damage, destroy or disfigure any part
of said beach or any public or private property thereon.
(d)
Fish at or from any such bathing beach.
(e)
Make or utter any loud noise, sound or music;
play ball or any game or engage in any activity which may interfere
with the quiet use and enjoyment of the beach by any other person.
[Amended 11-18-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-144]
(f)
Possess, consume or bring on the bathing beach
or in the water adjacent thereto any alcoholic beverage, food or drink
of any kind whatsoever.
(g)
Take or permit an animal to be upon any bathing
beach or in the water adjacent thereto.
(h)
Go into or remain in the water of any bathing
beach when directed by a police officer or some other authorized person
to leave the same or when in an intoxicated condition.
(j)
Go beyond the water limits designated or authorized
for bathing and swimming purposes.
(k)
Refuse or neglect to obey the orders and directions
of any police officer or other authorized person as to the time, place
or areas for bathing.
(l)
Use or permit the use of water skis or boats
in any bathing area except for lifesaving or emergency purposes.
(m)
Eat, drink or picnic in any area except those
designated for such purposes.
(n)
Peddle, vend, purvey, sell, distribute or otherwise
dispose of any food, drink, goods, wares and/or merchandise on any
bathing beach.
(o)
Bathe with or otherwise use any soap, detergent
or shampoo.
(p)
No motorized watercraft, including but not limited
to model power boats, shall be operated at any time on any municipally
owned lake.
[Amended 11-11-1986 by Ord. No. 86-55]
(4) The freshwater bathing beaches operated by the Township
of Stafford shall be used only by the residents and taxpayers of Stafford
Township and their guests in accordance with the requirements hereinafter
provided.
(5) If required by resolution of the Township, no person
over the age of 12 years shall use any of said bathing beaches without
first paying a license fee as set by the Township for each year, for
which there shall be issued to him a badge. Said badge at all times
shall be worn by any person using any of the bathing or beach facilities
and shall be displayed and exhibited upon request by any police officer
or by any other authorized person.
(6) Each resident or taxpayer shall be entitled to apply
for and obtain 10 badges for use by members of his immediate family,
which, for the purposes of this chapter, shall mean the resident or
taxpayer and his parents and children. In addition, each resident
or taxpayer shall be entitled to apply for and obtain two guest badges,
except that in those cases where a house is rented or leased by the
owner thereof, such owner shall be entitled to five guest badges for
each such house. For the purpose of this chapter, a guest shall mean
any person who is not a resident, taxpayer or member of his immediate
family as hereinabove defined.
(7) The Township Council may, from time to time, adopt
rules and regulations pertaining to the issuance of licenses and the
supervision and control of said bathing beaches.
(8) No person shall lend, give, rent or sell any beach
badge to any other person subsequent to the original issuance, except
that guest badges obtained for use by tenants of a rented or leased
house as hereinabove provided may be used by subsequent tenants of
the same house during the season.
(9) The Township Council, its representatives, agents,
officers and employees shall have the right to challenge and demand
proof of the age of any child and to revoke a beach badge and all
rights and privileges arising from the issuance thereof for any violation
of any of the provisions of this chapter, in which event, the fee
paid for said badge need not be refunded.
A. No person shall bring into or operate any vessel upon
any park waters except at places designated for boating activities
by the Township. Boating shall be carried on in accordance with the
terms of this chapter and other regulations that the Township may
promulgate.
B. Vessels shall be operated in a manner that does not
endanger the occupants of other vessels or persons in the water or
on shore. Where motor-propelled vessels are allowed, they shall yield
to unmotorized vessels, and all vessels shall yield to sailboats.
C. No person shall operate a vessel on designated park
waters during park closing hours, nor shall any person remain on a
vessel in designated park waters during designated park closing hours
unless a permit is obtained from the Township.
D. The following regulations shall also apply to the
operation of vessels on park waters:
(1) Motor-powered vessels shall not be operated without
a competent person at the vessel's controls.
(2) Operators of any vessel shall be responsible for any
damage caused by their vessel's wake.
(3) Overtaking vessels shall pass to the left side of
the overtaken vessel.
(4) Vessels on opposite and parallel courses shall pass
to the right of one another by keeping the other vessel to the left
side.
(5) Whenever two vessels approach each other at an oblique
or right angle and in such a manner that a risk of a collision is
created, then the vessel which has the other vessel on its left side
has the right of way and shall hold its course and speed. The vessel
which has the other vessel on its right side shall yield to the other
vessel and shall not cross ahead of the other vessel.
(6) Vessels under way shall keep clear of vessels at rest
or at anchor.
(7) Motor-powered vessels shall be fitted with an effective
muffler, unless preparing to engage in or engaging in an approved
competition.
(8) Every vessel shall have on board a minimum of one
life preserver for each person on board.
(9) Gasoline tanks on vessels having inboard motors shall
be vented overboard, and carburetors on inboard motors shall be fitted
with flame arrestors.
(10)
Airboats shall not be operated on park waters
without a permit from the Director.
E. The use or operation of any ship, boat, raft, hydroplane
or other like vehicle under power used in or upon the water, capable
of being occupied by one or more persons, in or upon any of the lakes,
rivers, streams or waterways west of State Highway Route No. 9 in
the Township of Stafford without the prior approval and written consent
of the Township Council, except as hereinafter provided, is prohibited.
F. An application may be made to permit a regatta, race,
boat show or other like event, the duration of which will not exceed
one day. Said application shall be in writing and shall state the
reason or reasons for which a permit is requested and shall set forth
the approximate number of ships, boats, rafts, hydroplanes or other
like vehicles designed to be used or operated under power, which it
is anticipated will participate, the starting and finishing times
of said event and the precautionary measures being taken for the safety
of the participants, spectators and the public.
(1) If satisfied that the proposed use or operation is
not inimical to the public health and safety and does not create a
dangerous or hazardous situation, then the Township Council may issue
such permit, subject to any conditions which it deems necessary for
the protection of the public health, safety and the general welfare.
(2) The Township Council may, by resolution, designate
the Township Clerk or other municipal official to issue such permits
and in said resolution shall establish such standards as the Township
Council deems necessary to guide and direct said officer in the issuance
of said permits.
G. No person shall launch a motor-propelled boat, jet
ski or other vessel from Township park lands or beaches except from
a Township-designated boat-launching ramp. If the Township provides
a designated boat-launching ramp, it shall be marked by signs identifying
the boat-launching ramp as a Township facility to be used for the
launching of motor-propelled boats, jet skis or other vessels.
[Added 11-21-1989 by Ord. No. 89-69]
A. No person shall engage in fishing for profit in park
waters or shall buy or sell fish caught in park waters on park property.
B. No person shall fish in any park waters where swimming,
bathing or wading is permitted and posted.
A. No person shall water ski in park waters except at
the locations and landings designated by the Township.
B. No person shall water ski in a way that endangers
swimmers, other skiers or occupants of any vessel.
A. No person, except an authorized Township employee,
park guard or law enforcement officer, shall bring on to park property
or have in his possession on park property any fire arm or ammunition,
any explosive, dynamite cap, fireworks, airgun, pellet gun, spring
gun, slingshot, crossbow, bow and arrow, any device by means of which
a projectile can be propelled, any device which can be loaded with
blank cartridges, any trapping device, any incendiary bomb or material,
any smoke or stink bomb, any tear gas or other disabling chemical
or agent, any acid or caustic substance or any inflammable liquid,
except fuel contained in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, vessel,
lantern camp stove or camp heater and not more than one gallon of
liquid fuel in a closed metal container.
B. No person shall discharge any of the weapons or instruments listed in Subsection
A into any park from outside a park.
C. The Township may designate areas within a park where
bows and arrows can be used or where firearms can be used. In such
cases, the Township shall promulgate regulations for the safe use
of such devices, and no person shall fail to abide by such regulations.
D. The Township may designate times and places where
fire works can be used within a park. The Township shall promulgate
regulations to assure that, in such cases, the fireworks are used
in a safe manner.
A. The Township shall designate those areas of a park
where picnicking is permitted. No person shall picnic other than in
a designated area.
B. Individual fireplaces and tables in picnic areas shall
be available on a first-come, first-served basis, except that a group
of 25 or more persons must obtain a permit in advance for the use
of picnic facilities. Applications for a permit shall be made at least
10 days in advance to the Township Clerk.
[Amended 10-1-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-15]
C. Picnickers shall not leave a picnic area before all
trash in the nature of boxes, papers. cans, bottles, garbage and other
refuse are placed in a disposal receptacle, where provided. If no
trash receptacles are available, then refuse and trash shall be carried
away from the park area by the picnicker to be properly disposed of
elsewhere.
A. No person shall camp in a park except in areas that
have been designated for camping by the Township, if any. Camping
shall be limited to tent camping, trailer camping or camping with
other equipment designed specifically for camping and must obtain
written approval from the Township Council.
B. No person shall camp in a park without first obtaining
a camping permit from the Township or its designated agent.
A. No person shall start or maintain, in any park, any
outdoor fire except in designated picnic or camping areas. Fires shall
be limited to cooking fires or fires in camp lanterns or heaters.
B. Cooking fires shall be started and maintained only
in a stove, fireplace or barbecue pit maintained by the Department,
or in a portable camp stove. Fuels used in cooking fires shall not
produce any noxious fumes or smoke.
C. No person starting or maintaining any fire in a park
shall leave the area where the fire is located without first completely
extinguishing the fire.
A. No person in a park shall:
(1) Ride a horse, mule, donkey or pony except on designated
paths or trails. Where riding is permitted, the animals used shall
be thoroughly broken and properly restrained, and ridden with due
care, and shall not be allowed to go unattended nor shall they be
hitched to any rock, tree or shrub. The Township may designate which
trails or paths in a park, if any, can be used for riding.
(2) Have been responsible for the entry of a dog or other
domestic animal into areas other than automobile parking concourses
and walks immediately adjacent thereto and in such other areas as
maybe clearly marked by signs bearing the words "Domestic animals
permitted in this area." Dogs shall not be allowed to run loose, but
shall at all times be restrained or kept on a leash not more than
six feet in length.
(3) Allow any horse, mule, donkey, pony, dog or other
domestic animal onto any recreational field.
(4) Abandon any animal in the park.
B. The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Horses or dogs employed by a law enforcement officer
or park guard in the performance of his duties.
(2) Seeing Eye dog used by a visually handicapped person,
provided that the dog is at all times kept under control.
(3) Animals or fowl kept by the Department or under its
direction.
No person in a park shall take part in or abet
the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects
such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins, kites or model airplanes,
except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation. The playing
of organized games such as football, baseball and the like is prohibited
except on fields, courts or areas designated for such use.
No person shall bring into, consume or sell
alcoholic beverages in a park, except that:
A. Alcoholic beverages may be sold by persons operating
under a concession from the Township, subject to the regulation and
control of the Director. Sale of alcoholic beverages shall be by the
individual drink only, and drinks shall only be consumed on the premises
of the concession. The sale of beer and wine in unopened containers
shall not be permitted.
B. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed at family or group
of 25 or more picnics or functions, provided that a permit for such
consumption is obtained. The Township may require that one or more
law enforcement officers or park guards be present at such picnics
or functions. In such cases, the expense shall be paid by the group
having the picnic or function. For purposes of this section, a group
picnic must consist of 25 or more persons.
C. Owners of vessels docked or moored at or in a park
marina, if any, shall be permitted to transport alcoholic beverages
across park property for use on board their vessels.
No person shall conduct raffles or card games
for money or drawings for prizes or participate in any other form
of gambling within a park.
No person shall solicit contributions in a park
for any purpose, except upon obtaining written permission from the
Township Council.
[Amended 11-18-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-144]
No person over the age of eight years shall
enter or use rest room, bath or dressing-room facilities designated
for the use of the opposite sex.
No person having the control of any device producing
amplified sound shall operate or permit such device to be operated
in any park so that the sound produced exceeds 105 decibels [db(A)]
at a point 50 feet in front of the center point of the distance between
the loudspeaker installations.
No person in a park shall refuse or fail to
produce and exhibit any permit he claims to have, upon the request
of any law enforcement officer, park guard or other authorized park
employee who wishes to inspect the permit for the purpose of determining
that the provisions of this chapter have been complied with.
No person in a park shall:
A. Expose or offer for sale or hire any article, thing
or service nor station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for the
transportation, sale or display of any article, thing or service unless
a permit has been obtained from the Township.
B. Announce, advertise or call the public's attention
in any way to any article, thing or service for sale or hire unless
done pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Township.
C. Paste, glue, tack or otherwise place any sign, placard,
advertisement or inscription in a park or erect or cause to be erected
any sign on any public lands, highways or roads adjacent to a park
unless done pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Township.
[Amended 5-7-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-22]
A. In addition to any other provision of this chapter
that requires the obtaining of a permit prior to engaging in a given
activity, no person in a park shall conduct, operate, present, manage
or take part in any of the following activities unless a permit is
obtained prior to the start of the activity:
(1) Any picnic, outing or gathering sponsored by any person
or family composed of 25 or more persons.
(2) Any contest, exhibit, dramatic performance, play,
motion-picture, radio or television broadcast, fair, circus, musical
event or any similar event.
(3) Any public meeting, assembly or parade, including
but not limited to drills, maneuvers, ceremonies, addresses, speeches
or political meetings.
(4) Any use of any park facility by a certain person or
group of persons to the exclusion of others.
(5) Buses,
cargo vans, and shuttle buses may not park or drop off people at any
Stafford Township-owned or -controlled park, playground or playing
field without having obtained a permit from the Stafford Township
Municipal Clerk unless such bus, or cargo van is related to a scheduled
game with a team, organization, or school having a lease or permit
from the Township of Stafford. Applications must be completed and
submitted with the proper fee of $25. Applications for a permit must
be submitted at least 10 days in advance to allow the Township time
to process the application. If an application form is not received
within 10 days prior to arrival, there will be a late fee of $10.
Only persons who have secured advance permits may park, load or unload
buses within the Stafford Township-owned or -controlled park, playground
or playing field parking lot or adjacent areas and streets. Permits
shall be limited so that no more than two buses are scheduled to park
at the Township-controlled park, playground or playing field parking
lot or adjacent areas on any given day. Permits must be displayed
in the windshield of the bus while the bus is within the Stafford
Township-controlled park, playground or playing field parking lot
or adjacent areas.
[Added 10-1-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-15]
(6) Persons who park, load or unload buses or cargo vans within the Stafford Township-owned or -controlled park, playground or playing field parking lot or adjacent areas without first obtaining a permit shall, upon conviction before the Municipal Court Judge duly authorized to entertain and hear such complaints, be subject to the penalties as provided in §
151-39, Violations and penalties, at the discretion of said Municipal Court Judge.
[Added 10-1-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-15]
B. In lieu of or in addition to a permit, Township may
enter into a lease with a person for a given activity in accordance
with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:12-14.
A. A person seeking the issuance of a permit to carry
on an activity in a park shall file an application with the Township.
The application shall state:
(1) The name, address and telephone number of the person
applying for the permit.
(2) If the use or activity is to be conducted for, on
behalf of or by any person other than the applicant, the name, address
and telephone number of that person.
(3) The exact nature of the use or activity for which
the permit is being sought.
(4) The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
(5) The park and the portion of the park desired to be
used to carry out the proposed use or activity.
(6) An estimate of the anticipated attendance.
(7) Any other information that the Township finds to be
reasonably necessary in order to determine whether to issue a permit.
B. Applications shall be filed not less than 10 days
nor more than 60 days before the date of the proposed use or activity.
[Amended 10-1-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-15]
C. A person seeking issuance of a permit under this chapter
shall file an application with the Township Clerk, together with an
application fee of $25, on forms provided by the Township Clerk.
[Amended 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
D. Upon the submission of an application for a permit
under this chapter, the Township Clerk shall review the application
for completeness and shall verify with the Recreation Director that
the park where the proposed event is to occur is available for use
on the date requested. If the application is complete and the date
is available, the Township Clerk shall forward said application to
the Fire Prevention Official, the Construction Official, the Recreation
Director and the Township Administrator for review, in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.
[Added 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
[Added 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
A. Approval of the Fire Prevention Official. The Township
Clerk shall forward the application for a permit to the Fire Prevention
Official. The Fire Prevention Official shall review the application
to determine the need for any approvals or permits from the Fire Prevention
Official with regard to fire prevention and safety, including, but
not limited to, fireworks, fires, and any other use of the park which
might create a risk of unreasonable harm. After the Fire Prevention
Official has reviewed the application, he or she shall document the
need for any inspections, approvals or permits from the Fire Prevention
Official on the application and any other special conditions which
may be required.
B. Approval of the Construction Official. The Township
Clerk shall forward the application for a permit to the Construction
Official. The Construction Official shall review the application to
determine whether any construction permits would be required for any
structures that may be considered for use during the event. The Construction
Official shall note on the application any approvals, permits or special
conditions which may be required by the Construction Official for
the event.
C. Review by the Recreation Director. After the Fire
Prevention Official and the Construction Official have reviewed the
permit application, the Township Clerk shall forward the application
to the Recreation Director. The Recreation Director shall review the
application to determine any aspects of the application which require
input from the Chief of Police or the Superintendent of Public Works.
The Recreation Director shall review the application to ensure compliance
with issues to include, but not be limited to, complaints, insurance,
crowd control, parking and use of the parks. The Recreation Director
shall note any special conditions which he or she believes are necessary
for the issuance of a permit. The Recreation Director shall consult
with the Township Administrator, and the approval of the Township
Administrator shall be required for any special conditions.
A. The Township Clerk shall issue a permit unless she
finds:
(1) That the proposed activity or use of the park will
unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public use
and enjoyment of the park.
(2) That the proposed activity or use of the park will
unreasonably interfere with or detract from the public health, safety
or welfare.
(3) That the conduct of the proposed activity or use is
reasonably likely to result in violence to persons or property, resulting
in serious harm to the public.
(4) That the proposed activity or use will entail an extraordinary
expense or operation by the Township.
(5) That the facilities desired have been reserved for
another activity or use at the day and hour requested in the application.
(6) That the necessary approvals of the Fire Prevention
Official, the Construction Official, the Recreation Director and the
Township Administrator have been obtained.
[Added 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
B. The Township may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions
on the granting of a permit, including but not limited to any of the
following:
(1) Restrictions on fires, fireworks, amplified sound,
use of alcoholic beverages, dancing, sports, use of animals, equipment
or vehicles, the number of persons to be present, the location of
any bandstand or stage or any other use which appears likely to create
a risk of unreasonable harm to the use and enjoyment of the park by
others or of damage to park property.
(2) A requirement that the applicant post a reasonable
deposit of security for the repair of any damage to park property
or the cost of cleanup, or both.
(3) A requirement that the applicant pay a fee for the
actual expenses of the cost of furnishing adequate security forces
and/or additional staff supervision by the Department of Recreation
at the proposed use or activity.
[Amended 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
(4) A requirement that the permittee furnish additional
sanitary and refuse facilities that might be reasonably necessary,
based on the use or activity for which the permit is being sought.
C. Permits shall not be transferable without written
consent of the Township.
D. Within five days after receipt of an application, the Township Clerk shall apprise an applicant in writing of her reasons for refusing a permit or of any conditions attached to the issuance of a permit, and any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal in writing within two days to the Township Administrator, who shall consider the application under the standards set forth in Subsection
A and sustain or overrule the Township Clerk's decision within seven days.
[Amended 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
E. A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations
and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted
in his permit.
F. The person or persons to whom a permit is issued shall
be liable for any loss, damage or injury to any person or property
whatever by reason of the negligence of the person or persons to whom
such permit was issued.
G. The Township shall have the power to revoke a permit
issued hereunder upon the violation of any of the standards of issuance
as set forth in this chapter, upon the violation of any condition
or restriction under which the permit was issued, or in the event
of any circumstances endangering public health, safety and welfare
or the violation of any Stafford ordinance or other applicable law.
[Amended 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
[Amended 12-19-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-69]
As a general rule, Township parks shall be open
to the public every day of the year from sunrise to dusk (sunset).
In no case shall parks be open beyond 9:00 p.m. except for athletic
events on lighted athletic fields and courts, which shall not extend
beyond 11:00 p.m. The Township may in its reasonable discretion extend
or contract these hours for any park or a portion of any park by resolution.
No person shall enter, be or remain in any park after closing hours
unless a permit has been obtained. Park closing shall be posted at
park entrances.
Any section or part of any park may be declared
closed to the public by the Township at any time and for any interval
of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily
or otherwise) and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as the
Township shall find reasonably necessary.
The Director shall, with approval of the Township
Council, have the power to make, from time to time, such reasonable
rules and regulations as are necessary to manage, use, preserve and
govern park property and activities.
[Added 12-7-1999 by Ord. No. 99-79]
A. All skaters must skate responsibly.
B. All skaters must wear the following safety equipment
at all times: helmet, elbow pads and knee pads.
C. A child under 12 years of age who wishes to utilize
the park must be accompanied by an adult.
D. All participants 12 years of age and over must have
a photo identification card on their person showing their name, current
address and birth date.
E. The hours of operation for the skateboard park will
be as follows:
(1) 10:00 a.m. to dark on Saturdays and holidays.
(2) 12:00 noon to dark on Sundays.
(3) 2:00 p.m. to dark on weekdays during the school year.
(4) 10:00 a.m. to dark on weekdays when school is not
in session.
F. Any person attempting to use the facility during other
times shall be subject to the penalties provided in this chapter.
G. The facility is for in-line skates and skateboards
only. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted in or on the
skateboard park at any time.
I. No skating is permitted when surfaces are wet or icy.
J. No drug or alcohol use is permitted at any time.
K. Any individual caught vandalizing the facility will
be subject to penalties provided for in this chapter.
[Amended 12-7-1999 by Ord. No. 99-79]
Any person found violating any provision of
this chapter shall either be arrested or ejected from the park.
[Amended 11-11-1986 by Ord. No. 86-55; 2-21-1989 by Ord. No. 89-22; 12-7-1999 by Ord. No. 99-79; 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-62]
A. Any person violating or failing to comply with any
of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof,
be punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, by imprisonment for
a term not to exceed 90 days or by community service of not more than
90 days, or any combination of fine, imprisonment and community service
as determined in the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge. The
continuation of such violation for each successive day shall constitute
a separate offense, and the person or persons allowing or permitting
the continuation of the violation may be punished as provided above
for each separate offense.
B. The violation of any provision of this chapter shall
be subject to abatement summarily by a restraining order or injunction
issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.