In accordance with the provisions of RSA 31:39I(a), the Town
of Merrimack hereby adopts this chapter to regulate, protect and preserve
the use of Abbie Griffin Park, Bishop Field, Cpl. Tim Gibson Memorial
Athletic Complex including Martel & Gibson Fields, Merrimack Skate
Park, Reeds Ferry Athletic Fields, Joseph and Josephine Twardosky
Ball Field, Twin Bridge Park & Bise Field, Veterans Memorial Park,
the park portion of Wassennan Park, Harold and Barbara Watson Park,
Weston Park, Street Boat Ramp, Frazier Square, the ATV facility off
Lawrence Road and any other Town-owned property designated as being
a park or for recreational area (hereinafter referred to collectively
as "restricted recreational area(s)"). The declared purpose for this
chapter is to enhance certain opportunities for the public for recreation,
education, cultural development and other activities consistent with
the existing uses and preservation of these restricted recreational
areas. Any park rules in addition to those set forth herein shall
be posted on the property. This chapter shall be enforced by the Merrimack
Police Department.
No person may occupy, remain, stay or loiter upon any restricted
recreational areas prior to 1/2 hour before sunrise or 1/2 hour after
sunset, except under the direction of or with the written permission
from the Town Council, the Town Manager or his designated agents.
(This provision shall in no way be intended to preclude authorized
and regularly scheduled activities or events from occurring outside
of the prescribed times.)
No person shall make or kindle any fire in any restricted recreational
area, except in charcoal grills specifically designated for that purpose.
No person shall possess any glass containers in any restricted
recreational area.
No person shall throw, leave or discard any trash, rubbish or
garbage in any restricted recreational area except in containers provided
therefor. Household or construction-related trash cannot be disposed
of in park trash containers or dumpsters.
No person shall use, consume, carry or bring any alcoholic beverages
or any unlawful drugs as defined by RSA 318-B:1 upon or within any
restricted recreational area for any reason. With prior written permission
of the Town Council or its designee, alcoholic beverages may be consumed
in predesignated areas.
No person shall bring or allow any animal to be in any restricted
recreational area, except on a leash in accordance with RSA 466:30-a.
The only time dogs are allowed off leash in recreational areas is
when they are inside the enclosure fence at the Merrimack Dog Park.
No person shall remove or deface any building, equipment, tree,
shrub or flower located in any restricted recreational area.
No smoking, vaping or cannabis use shall be permitted in any
restricted recreational area except in designated areas.
Town parks/facilities under the jurisdiction of the Director
of Public Works or the Director of Parks and Recreation may periodically
be closed, in whole or in part, and access denied to the public. No
person shall enter upon or use these facilities while under closure
without the expressed written permission of the Town. The Town Council
and Town Manager shall be notified of all closures before they are
effected and notice shall be posted at each point of public access,
on the Town website and other electronic media, and in at least two
public places in the Town notifying the public of the closure.
A The Wasserman Park Town Beach shall be for the exclusive use
of Merrimack residents and their authorized guests. Nonresident visitors
are permitted to use the area only when accompanied by a Merrimack
resident or having the appropriate parking pass affixed to their vehicle.
Passes shall consist of either a valid Merrimack facility pass or
rearview mirror placard.
A. The waterfront parking lot, which is located across from the theater,
shall be restricted to Merrimack residents only. Signs will identify
the parking lot.
B. In accordance with New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Env-Wq
905.07(b)(2), domestic animals shall be prohibited from the beach
and swimming area between June 15 and August 31.
Metal detectors shall be permitted in facilities under the jurisdiction
of the Parks and Recreation Department under the following circumstances:
A. Metal detectors shall be permitted along the shoreline of the Town
beach and a minimum distance of 25 feet away from the active play
areas on athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions,
unless otherwise posted.
B. No metal detecting shall be done inside the dog park while dogs are
inside and playing. Note: This is due to the dog's sensitivity
to strangers and/or strange equipment. Not all dogs will tolerate
strangers, strange equipment and the strange sounds that these devices
tend to make.
C. Money or items found whose value is in excess of $5 shall be reported
to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be
guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a penalty not to exceed
$1,000 and the cost to repair the damages; such penalty may be used
to improve or repair the Town's park facilities.