City of Northwoods, MO Public Parks

A park, reservation, playground, beach, recreation center or any other area in the City, owned or used by the City, and devoted to active or passive recreation.

PARK SUPERVISOR

A person immediately in charge of any park area and its activities, and to whom all park attendants of such area are responsible.

VEHICLE

Any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered, animal drawn, or self-propelled. The term includes any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description, but excludes baby carriages and vehicles in the service of the City parks.

Section 220.020 Residency Requirement.

[CC 1987 §225.020; Ord. No. 455 §2, 9-12-1961]

Because of the small size of the parks of the City of Northwoods, the parks herein have been established for the benefit of the residents of this City. The use of all parks of the City of Northwoods is therefore limited to the citizens of Northwoods and their accompanied guests.

Proof of residency within the City of Northwoods shall be furnished upon request by the Park Supervisor, attendants or employees, or by any member of the Northwoods Police Department. Failure to furnish this proof shall result in expulsion from the park or arrest.

Section 220.030 Rules and Regulations.

[CC 1987 §225.030; Ord. No. 455 §§4 — 25, 9-12-1961]

Damaging Property. No person in a City park shall:

Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, or displace or remove, any building, bridges, tables, benches, fireplaces, railings, paving or paving material, water lines or other public utilities or parts or appurtenances thereof, signs, notices or placards whether temporary or permanent, monuments, stakes, posts, or other structure or equipment, facilities or park property or appurtenances whatsoever, either real or personal.

Dig or remove any soil, rock, stones, trees, shrubs, or plants, down timber or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency.

Construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on special written permit.

Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant or injure the bark, or pick the flowers or seeds, of any trees or plants; or attach any rope, wire, or other contrivance to any tree or plant; or dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas, or in any other way injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area.

Tie or hitch a horse or other animal to any tree or plant.

Hunt, molest, harm, trap, kill, shoot at any animal, reptile or bird; or remove the eggs or nest, or young of any bird, except that snakes known to be deadly poisonous, such as rattle snakes, moccasins, coral snakes, or other deadly reptiles may be killed on sight.

Give or offer, or attempt to give to any animal or bird any noxious substances.

Sanitation. No person in a park shall:

Throw, discharge, or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake, stream, bay or other body of water in or adjacent to any park or any tributary, stream, stormwater, or drain flowing into such waters, any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, except for health control which will or may result in the pollution of said water.

Bring in or dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, or refuse, or other trash. No such refuse or trash shall be placed in any waters in or contiguous to any park, or left anywhere on the grounds thereof, but shall be placed in the proper receptacles where these are provided; where 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 properly disposed of elsewhere.

Fail to cooperate in maintaining rest rooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition. No person over the age of six (6) years shall use the restrooms and washrooms designated for the opposite sex.

Traffic. No person in a park shall:

Fail to comply with all applicable provisions of the State of Missouri motor vehicle traffic laws in regard to equipment and operation of vehicles together with such regulations as are contained in this Code.

Fail to obey all traffic officers and park employees, such persons being hereby authorized and instructed to direct traffic whenever and wherever needed in the parks and on the highways, streets or roads immediately adjacent thereto in accordance with the provisions of these regulations and such supplementary regulations as may be issued subsequently by the Park Supervisor.

Fail to observe carefully all traffic signs, indicating speed, direction, caution, stopping, or parking, and all others posted for proper control and to safeguard life and property.

Ride or drive a vehicle at a rate of speed exceeding ten (10) miles an hour, except upon such roads as the Director may designate, by posted signs, for speedier travel.

Drive any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or parking areas, or such other areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary parking areas by the Park Supervisor.

Park a vehicle in other than an established or designated parking area, and such use shall be in accordance with the posted directions thereat and with the instruction of any attendant who may be present.

Park an automobile or other vehicle on any parking lot or within any area of a park for the purpose of washing, cleaning, waxing, repairing, changing tires or anything else pertaining to cleansing or repairing of an automobile.

Park an automobile or other vehicle after sunset.

Park a truck, trailer or commercial vehicle at any time unless loading or unloading, or by written permit.

10.

Park a commercial vehicle less than five hundred (500) feet from a park or by the parking areas of a park for the purpose of making any sale to persons using the park, unless a special permit, in writing, shall be issued.

Bicycles. No person in a park shall:

Ride a bicycle, except on the paved track/pathway within the park area. A bicycle may be wheeled or pushed by hand over any grassy area or wooded trail.

[Ord. No. 14-5 §1, 9-23-2014]

Leave a bicycle in a place other than a bicycle rack when such is provided and there is a space available.

Leave a bicycle lying on the paving, or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.

Bathing And Swimming. No person in a park shall:

Swim, bath, or wade in any waters or waterways in or adjacent to any park, except in such waters and at such places as are provided therefor, and in compliance with such regulations as are herein set forth or may be hereafter adopted. Nor shall any person frequent any waters or places customarily designated for the purpose of swimming or bathing, or congregate thereat when such activity is prohibited by the Director upon a finding that such use of the water would be dangerous or otherwise inadvisable.

Erect, maintain, use or occupy on or in any beach or bathing area any tent, shelter or structure of any kind unless there shall be an unobstructed view into said tent, shelter or structure from at least two (2) sides, nor shall any guy wire, rope or extension or exterior brace or support be connected or fastened from any such structure to any other structure, stake, rock or other object outside thereof.

Allow himself/herself to be so covered with a bathing suit as to indecently expose his/her person or call forth merited criticism. No person shall appear in bathing costume at any place in the park except within the limits of designated bathing places or areas, and all bathing costumes shall conform to commonly accepted standards.

Dress or undress on any beach, or in any vehicle, toilet or other place, except in such bathing houses or structures as may be provided for that person.

Hunting, Archery And Firearms. No person in a park shall hunt, trap or pursue wildlife at any time; or use, carry, or possess firearms of any description, or air rifles, pellet pistols, spring guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other forms of weapons potentially inimical to wildlife and dangerous to human safety, or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, or any kind of trapping device. No person shall shoot into park areas from beyond park boundaries. Archery is hereby prohibited.

Picnic Areas And Use. No person in a park shall:

Picnic or lunch in a place other than those designated for that purpose; attendants shall have the authority to regulate the activities in such areas when necessary to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all; visitors shall comply with any directions given to achieve this end.

Fail to observe and respect written permits issued for the use of a particular picnic area, fire pit, or structure, for a specified period.

Close off any picnic area, fire pit, or structure provided for recreational use or for the comfort of visitors in the park to the exclusion of other persons in any manner, nor shall any person use such area and facilities for an unreasonable time if the facilities are crowded.

Leave a picnic area before the fire is completely extinguished and before all trash in the nature of boxes, papers, cans, bottles, garbage and other refuse is placed in the disposal receptacles where provided. If no such 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.

Camping. No person in a park shall camp without a permit in other than specifically designated camping areas for organized camping provided by the Park Supervisor and used by groups of persons under adequate supervision. No person shall set up tents, shacks, or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping except as authorized by the issuance of a written permit. No person shall leave anywhere in the park, any camp trailer, camp wagon, house trailer, or other movable vehicle except such equipment left on designated parking areas when associated with camping groups holding authorized permits for such camping.

Games. 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, or model airplanes except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation. The playing of rough or comparatively dangerous games such as football, baseball and quoits is prohibited except on the fields and courts or areas provided therefor. Roller skating shall be confined to those areas specifically designated for such pastime.

Horseback Riding. No person in a park shall ride a horse except on designated bridle trails. Where permitted, horses shall be thoroughly broken and properly restrained, and ridden with due care, and shall not be allowed to graze or go unattended, nor shall they be hitched to any rock, tree, or shrub.

Intoxicating Beverages.

No minor shall possess or consume any intoxicating beverages at any time.

Adult persons in a park shall use the utmost discretion and moderation in the possession and consumption of all alcoholic beverages.

Loud, boisterous, unladylike or ungentlemanlike conduct shall be evidence per se that the proper degree of moderation has not been exercised in the possession and consumption of the alcoholic beverages, and shall be the cause for expulsion and/or arrest.

No one shall sell alcoholic beverages of any kind in a park except upon the written permit.

Exceptions: At certain specifically designated recreation centers where meals or lunches are served under concession privileges the sale of alcoholic beverages by such concessionaire will be permitted under the strict regulation and control of the Director. Sales of alcoholic beverages shall be made only by the drink (not in original bottle or package or otherwise in bulk) and shall be served for consumption only on the immediate premises of the concession.

Fireworks And Explosives. No person in a park shall bring or have in his/her possession, or set off or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn, any firecracker, torpedo, rocket, or other fireworks, including sparklers or explosives of inflammable material, or discharge them or throw them into any such area from land or highway adjacent thereto. This prohibition includes any substances, compound, mixture, or article that in any connection with any other substance or compound would be dangerous from any of the foregoing standpoints.

Domestic Animals. No person shall bring into or permit dogs or other domestic animals to enter into a park, except upon written permit of the Park Board or designated agent.

Reservation Of Facilities. No person in a park shall occupy any seat or bench, or enter into or loiter or remain in any pavilion or other park structure or section thereof which may be reserved and designated by the Park Board for the opposite sex, except children under six (6) years of age.

Dress. No person shall appear at any place within a park in other than that clothing which is generally accepted in the City of Northwoods for public appearance, or which is generally accepted apparel for the particular recreational activity in which the wearer may be engaged.

Soliciting Alms. No person shall solicit alms or contributions in a public or private park.

Fires. No person shall build or attempt to build a fire in a park except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Park Supervisor. No person shall drop, throw, or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco paper, or other inflammable materials, within any park area or on any highway, road, or street abutting or contiguous thereto.

Closed Areas. No person shall enter an area or roadway in a park posted as "Closed to the Public", nor shall any person use, or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices.

Gambling. No person shall gamble, or participate in or abet any games of chance in a park.

Going Onto Ice. No person in a park shall go onto the ice on any of the waters except such areas as are designated as skating fields, and then only if a safety signal is displayed.

Loitering, Boisterousness Or Misconduct.

No person in a park shall sleep or protractedly lounge on the seats, or benches, or other areas, or engage in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting, or indecent language, or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to breach the public peace.

No person in a park shall fail to produce and exhibit any permit which he/she claims to have, upon request of any authorized person who shall desire to inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any ordinance or rule.

Merchandising, Advertising, And Signs. No person in a park shall:

Expose or offer for sale any article or thing, nor shall he/she station or place any stand, cart, or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing, except persons operating concessions authorized by the Park Board.

Announce, advertise, or call public attention in any way to any article or service for sale or hire, except persons operating concessions authorized by the Park Board.

Paste, glue, tack, or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatever in a park except by written permit.

Section 220.040 Park Operating Hours.

[CC 1987 §225.040; Ord. No. 455 §26, 9-12-1961]

Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year during designated hours. The opening and closing hours for each individual park shall be posted therein for public information.

Any section or part of any park may be declared closed to the public by the Park Supervisor 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 Park Supervisor shall find reasonably necessary.

Section 220.050 Permits.

[CC 1987 §225.050; Ord. No. 455 §27, 9-12-1961]

Required. A permit to reserve facilities or areas shall be obtained for participating in tennis, softball, hardball, group picnics, special use of any portion of the park, or any other particular activity.

Application. A person seeking issuance of a permit hereunder shall file an application at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance with the appropriate Park Supervisor.

The application shall state:

The name and address of the applicant.

The name and address of the person sponsoring the activity, if any.

The day and hours for which the permit is desired.

The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired.

An estimate of the anticipated attendance.

Any other information which the Park Supervisor finds reasonably necessary to a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued hereunder.

Standard For Issuance. The Park Supervisor shall issue a permit hereunder when he/she finds:

The proposed activity or use of the park will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the park.

The proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and recreation.

The proposed activity or use is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct.

The proposed activity will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense or Police operation by the City.

The facilities desired have not been reserved for other use at the day and hour required in the application.

Appeal. Within ten (10) days after receipt of an application, the Park Supervisor shall apprise an applicant in writing of his/her reasons for refusing it, and any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal in writing within fifteen (15) days to the Park Board, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth in Subsection (B) hereof and sustain or overrule the Park Supervisor's decision within twenty (20) days. The Park Board shall notify the appellant in writing of such decision.

The decision of the Park Board shall be final, except as provided under the Administrative Procedure and Review Act, as set forth in Chapter 536, RSMo.

Effect Of Permit. A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in the permit.

Liability Of Permittee. The person to whom a permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of the negligence of the person or persons to whom such permit shall have been issued. Organizations granted permits to hold functions within a park shall furnish to the Park Board, upon request, proof of their financial responsibility and liability for any and all injuries sustained by any person or persons as a result of that organization's activity within the park, including the preparation of and the dismantling of all facilities provided for the function covered by the permit. The aforementioned financial responsibility shall be in such form as the Park Board shall require to hold the City, its officials, agents and employees harmless and to defend any claim for any loss whatsoever.

Revocation. The Park Supervisor shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.

Section 220.060 Enforcement of Regulations.

[CC 1987 §225.060; Ord. No. 455 §28, 9-12-1961]

The Park Supervisor and any park attendant, or Police Officer, shall have the authority to eject from the park, any person acting in violation of this Chapter. The Park Supervisor and any park attendant, or Police Officer, shall have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing or device in the park or used in violation of this Chapter. In the event of resistance to action intended to correct a violation of this Chapter, either physical or otherwise, the Park Supervisor or park attendants shall refer the violation to the Police Department.

Section 220.070 Fee For Use of Park and Community Activity Building and Park Pavilion.

[Ord. No. 02-03 §§1 — 2, 4-9-2002; Ord. No. 03-02 §§1 — 2, 1-14-2003; Ord. No. 11-3 §7, 4-26-2011]

There is hereby established a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for any person, firm or corporation who desires to use the City of Northwoods park and/or community activity building. Said fee is payable upon application for a permit to use the park and/or community activity building.

The one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee as described in Subsection (A) shall include a one hundred dollar ($100.00) deposit, and said deposit shall be refunded if the park and/or community activity building is left in a clean manner. The Director of Public Works shall inspect the park and/or community activity building and make a determination if the one hundred dollar ($100.00) deposit shall be refunded.

There is hereby established a fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for any person, firm or corporation who desires to use the City of Northwoods park pavilion. Said fee is payable upon application for a permit to use the park pavilion.

The fee as described in Subsection (C) shall include a one hundred dollar ($100.00) deposit, and said deposit shall be refunded if the park pavilion is left in a clean manner. The Director of Public Works shall inspect the park pavilion and make a determination if the one hundred dollar ($100.00) deposit shall be refunded.