[Adopted 10-27-1993 by Ord. No. 93-30 as Ch. 160, Art. II, of the 1993 Code]
[Amended 10-26-1994 by Ord. No. 94-21; 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14; 6-11-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10; 5-14-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-10; 10-29-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-18]
A. 
No person in a public park and recreation area shall:
(1) 
Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with or displace or remove any buildings, bridges, tables, benches, fireplaces, railings, pavings or paving materials, water lines or other public utilities or parts or appurtenances thereof, signs, notices or placards, whether temporary or permanent, monuments, stakes, posts or other boundary markers or other structures or equipment, facilities or park property or appurtenances whatsoever, either real or personal.
(2) 
Fail to cooperate in maintaining rest rooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition. No person over the age of six years shall use the rest rooms and washrooms designated for the opposite sex.
(3) 
Dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stones, trees, shrubs or plants or other wood or materials or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting or other means or agency.
(4) 
Construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary, or run or string any public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on special written permit issued hereunder.
(5) 
Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any plant or injure the bark or pick flowers or seed of any tree or plant, dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way injure the natural beauty or usefulness of any area.
(6) 
Climb any tree; walk, stand or sit upon monuments, vases, planters, fountains, railings, fences or upon any other property not designated or customarily used for such purpose.
(7) 
Tie or hitch an animal to any tree or plant.
(8) 
Hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, pursue, chase, tease, shoot or throw missiles at any animal, wildlife, reptile or bird; nor shall he remove or have in his possession the young of any wild animal or the eggs or nest or the young of any reptile or bird. Exception to the foregoing is made in that snakes known to be deadly poisonous or deadly reptiles may be killed on sight.
(9) 
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 or any tributary, stream, storm sewer or drain flowing into such water any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid which will or may result in the pollution of said waters.
(10) 
Have brought in or shall dump in, 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 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.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 139, Littering.
(11) 
Drive any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or parking areas or such areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary parking areas by the Township Committee.
(12) 
No owner or driver shall cause or permit his/her vehicle to stand outside of designated parking spaces, except for a reasonable time to take up or discharge passengers or equipment. No motor vehicle shall be parked in said park areas from 1/2 hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted.
(13) 
Leave a vehicle standing or parked at night in established parking areas or elsewhere in the park areas.
(14) 
Leave a bicycle in a place other than a bicycle rack when such is provided and there is space available.
(15) 
Ride a bicycle without reasonable regard to the safety of others.
(16) 
Leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving or set against trees or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by them.
(17) 
Swim, bathe 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 hereinafter adopted; nor shall any person frequent any waters or places customarily designated for the purpose of swimming or bathing or congregate thereat when such activities are prohibited by the Township Committee upon a finding that such use of the water would be dangerous or otherwise inadvisable.
(18) 
Frequent any waters or places designated for the purposes of swimming or bathing or congregate thereat, except between such hours of the day as shall be designated by the Township Committee for such purposes for each individual site.
(19) 
Erect, maintain, use or occupy on or in any park area, any tent, shelter or structure of any kind, unless authorized by permit if use so permitted there shall be an unobstructed view into said tent, shelter, or structure from at least two sides, nor shall any guy wire, rope or extension brace or support be connected or fastened from any such structure to any other structure, stake, rock or other object outside thereof.
(20) 
Allow himself/herself to be so covered with a bathing suit so as to indecently expose his or her person.
(21) 
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 purpose.
(22) 
Bring into or operate any boat, raft or other watercraft, whether motor powered or not, upon any waters, except at places designated for boating by the Township Committee. Such activity shall be in accordance with the applicable regulations as are now or hereafter adopted.
(23) 
Navigate, direct or handle any boat in such a manner as to unjustifiably or unnecessarily annoy or frighten or endanger the occupant of any other boat.
(24) 
Launch, dock or operate any boat of any kind on any water between the closing hour of the park at night and the opening hour of the park the following morning, nor shall any person be on, remain on or in any boat during said closed hours of the park.
(25) 
Fish in any waters except in waters designated by the Township Committee for that use and under such regulations and restrictions as have or may be prescribed by the Township Committee.
(26) 
Fish in any area where bathing is permitted.
(27) 
Carry or possess firearms of any description, or air rifles, 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. Shooting into park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 107, Firearms.
(28) 
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.
(29) 
Violate the regulation that use of individual fireplaces, together with tables and benches, follows the generally accepted rule of first come, first served.
(30) 
Use any portion of the picnic area or any of the buildings or structures therein for the purpose of holding picnics to the exclusion of other persons, unless provided for by permit, nor shall any persons use such areas and facilities for an unreasonable time if the facilities are crowded.
(31) 
Leave a picnic area before the fire is completely extinguished and before all trash is placed in the disposal receptacles where provided. If no such trash receptacles are available, then trash shall be carried away from the park area by the picnicker to be properly disposed of elsewhere.
(32) 
Set up tents, shacks or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping; nor shall any person leave in a park after closing hours any movable structure or special vehicle to be used or that could be used for such purpose, such as house trailer, camp trailer, camp wagon or the like, except in those areas designated by the Township Committee for those purposes.
(33) 
Take part in or abet the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects, such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins, horseshoes, quoits or model airplanes, except in those areas set apart for such forms of recreation. The playing of rough or comparatively dangerous games, such as football, baseball and lacrosse, is prohibited except on the fields and courts or areas provided therefor. Roller-skating shall be confined to those areas specifically designed for such pastime.
(34) 
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.
(35) 
Parking restrictions at Manalapan Recreation Center:
(a) 
Parking shall be completely prohibited on the main road running through the Manalapan Township Recreation Center.
(b) 
Parking shall be permitted in designated parking areas only.
(c) 
No parking shall be permitted on nonpaved areas inside the Manalapan Recreation Center unless otherwise instructed by a police officer or Manalapan Recreation Center supervisor.
(d) 
There shall be no parking in or along any entrance to any parking area in the Manalapan Recreation Center.
(e) 
All vehicles shall be parked within a single designated parking space as indicated by marked lines on the surface on the parking area or unless otherwise instructed by a police officer or Manalapan Recreation Center supervisor.
(f) 
Parking for the handicapped shall be designated and established in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-197 et seq. No parking shall be permitted by persons in handicap spaces without the appropriate identification as provided by law.
(g) 
No vehicle shall park in any space designated for "Official Use Only," unless so authorized by the Manalapan Recreation Center supervisor.
(36) 
Use, operate, drive, ride in or upon, or permit the use, operation, driving or riding of, a recreational motor vehicle.
(a) 
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION AREAS
For purposes of the within subsection, “public park and recreation areas” shall include all parks, recreational facilities, or areas or playground areas owned or controlled by the Township of Manalapan.
RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLES
All vehicles propelled by means other than human muscular powers, which are used primarily for recreational purposes, including, but not limited to, motorized bicycles, mopeds, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), go-carts, motorized dirt bikes, dune buggies, motor scooters, off-road vehicles, and snow mobiles.
(b) 
Exceptions.
[1] 
Operation of a recreational motor vehicle by a person unable to ambulate/move without the assistance from another person, a cane, crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, or other similar device/equipment shall not be deemed a violation of the within provision, when such recreational motor vehicle is being utilized for such ambulatory assistance.
[2] 
It shall not be unlawful for any employee of the Township of Manalapan to operate a recreational motor vehicle as defined herein for the purpose of maintaining the public park and recreation areas, repairing the public park and recreation area, or performing any other public work within the scope of his/her public employment.
(c) 
Violations and penalties. In addition to the penalty provisions set forth in § 163-3, the Municipal Judge shall also have the authority to require any offender to repair/restore any damage caused by violation of the within section (and/or otherwise require the offender to reimburse the Township of Manalapan for its costs in having the public parks/recreation areas restored to the predisturbed condition).
(37) 
Restrictions on Manalapan Day at Manalapan Recreation Center:
(a) 
No person shall use, operate, drive, ride in or upon, or permit the use, operation, driving or riding of a bicycle or a scooter in the Manalapan Recreation Center during the day designated as Manalapan Day each year.
(38) 
Restrictions on use of electric vehicles.
(a) 
No person shall use, operate, drive, or ride an electric vehicle, including a low-speed electric bicycle, moped, scooter, hoverboard, or segway, on any unpaved surface in any park or recreation area.
(b) 
No person shall use, operate, drive, ride in or upon, or permit the use, operation or riding of an electric vehicle in the Manalapan Recreation Center during the day designated as Manalapan Day each year.
While in a public park or recreation area, all persons shall conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner, and in particular, no person shall:
A. 
Bring alcoholic beverages or drink same at any time while in a public park or recreation area.
[Amended 6-24-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-14]
B. 
Have in his possession or set or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn any firecrackers, torpedo rockets or other fireworks, firecrackers or explosives of flammable material or discharge them or throw them into such areas from lands or highways adjacent thereto. This prohibition includes any substance, compound, mixture or article that in conjunction with any other substance or compound would be dangerous from any of the foregoing standpoints. At the discretion of the Township Committee, permits may be given for conducting properly supervised fireworks in designated park areas.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
C. 
Be responsible for the entry of a dog or other domestic animal into areas clearly marked by the Recreation Commission with signs indicating "NO PETS" or "NO PETS PERMITTED." Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the running of dogs at large. All dogs in those areas where such animals are permitted shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than six feet in length.
D. 
Occupy any seat or bench or enter into or loiter or remain in any pavilion or any other park structure or section thereof which may be reserved and designated by the Township Committee for the use of the opposite sex. Exception is made for children under six years of age.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
E. 
Appear at any place in other than proper clothing.
F. 
Solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private, unless by approved permit.
G. 
Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Township Committee. No persons shall drop, throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco paper or other inflammable material within any park or on any highways, roads or streets abutting or contiguous thereto.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
H. 
Enter an area posted as closed to the public, nor shall any person use or abet in the use of any area in violation of posted notices.
I. 
Gamble or participate in or abet any game of chance except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Township Committee.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
J. 
Go onto the ice on any of the waters except such areas as are designated as skating fields, and provided that a safety signal is displayed.
K. 
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.
L. 
Fail to produce and exhibit any permit from the Township Committee 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.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
M. 
Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.
N. 
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. Exception is here made as to any regularly licensed concessionaire acting by and under the authority and regulation of the Township Committee.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
O. 
Paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription whatsoever; nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatever on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
A. 
Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year during the designated hours. The opening and closing hours for each individual park shall be posted therein for public information and shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Township Committee.
B. 
Any section or part of any park may be declared closed to the public by the Township Committee 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 Committee shall find reasonably necessary.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
Permits for special events in parks shall be obtained by application to the Recreation Director after consultation with the Recreation Advisory Committee in accordance with the following:
A. 
A person seeking issuance of a permit thereunder shall file an application with the Recreation Director stating:
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
The name and address of the person, persons, corporation or association sponsoring the activity; if any.
(3) 
The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
(4) 
The park or portion thereof for which the permit is desired.
(5) 
Any other information which the Recreation Director shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued hereunder.
B. 
Standards for issuance of a use permit by the Recreation Director shall include the following findings:
(1) 
That the proposed activity or use of the park will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the park.
(2) 
That the proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and recreation.
(3) 
That the proposed activity or uses that are reasonably anticipated will not include violence, crime or disorderly conduct.
(4) 
That the proposed activity will not entail extraordinary or burdensome expense or police operation by the Township.
(5) 
That the facilities desired have not been reserved for other use at the date and hour requested in the application.
C. 
Appeal.
(1) 
Within 14 days after the receipt of an application, the Parks and Recreation Department shall apprise an applicant, in writing, of its reasons for refusing a permit, and any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal to the Recreation Advisory Committee by serving written notice thereof on the Parks and Recreation Director within five days of said refusal.
(2) 
A copy of said notice shall also be served on the Recreation Advisory Committee, and said Committee shall forward the application and the reasons for its refusal to the Township Committee, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth under Subsection B hereof and sustain or overrule the decision of the Recreation Advisory Committee within 10 days from the receipt of the appeal by the Township Clerk. The decision of the Township Committee shall be final.
(3) 
The Township and Recreation Advisory Committees shall schedule appeal hearings not later than their next regularly scheduled meeting.
D. 
A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in said permits.
E. 
The person or persons to whom the permit is issued shall be liable for all loss, damage or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of negligence of the person or persons to whom such permit shall have been issued. The Director shall have the right to require any permittee to submit evidence of liability insurance covering injuries to members of the general public arising out of such permitted activities in such amounts as may be from time to time determined by the Recreation Advisory Committee prior to the commencement of any activity or issuance of any permit.
F. 
Revocation. The Recreation Director shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance or upon good cause shown.
A. 
The Recreation Director and such other persons as he may designate shall, in connection with his duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of this article.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
B. 
The Recreation Director and any park attendant shall have the authority to eject from the park area any person or persons acting in violation of this article.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
C. 
The Recreation Director and/or his designee may upon notice to any person request that said person leave the park area and/or eject said person for violation of this chapter.
[Amended 4-24-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-14]
D. 
This article shall also be enforced by the Police Department of the Township.
The Township of Manalapan reserves the right with respect to any and all of the public park and recreation areas and any facilities located therein to enter into any agreement with the Boards of Education of Englishtown-Manalapan Township and the Freehold Regional Board of Education concerning the control and use of parks and recreation areas.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto shall, upon conviction, be subject to the replacement, repair or restoration of any damaged park property and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and in default of payment thereof may be sentenced to imprisonment in the county jail, in the discretion of the Judge for a term not exceeding 90 days.