Town of Parma, NY Parks, Recreation and Public Buildings

The purpose of this chapter shall be to preserve the public peace and good order in areas and structures owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the Town of Parma and designated or operated as public buildings, public parks or recreation areas and to contribute to the safety and enjoyment of the users thereof by regulating the hours of use, by regulating the use of motorized vehicles and by prohibiting certain activities inimical to customary public buildings, parks and recreation uses.

§ 97-3 Restrictions on use.

Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Town Board, town parks and recreation areas will be open to the general public from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day and otherwise will be closed. Hours of operation and access for public buildings shall be in accordance with a schedule as adopted by the Town Board or its designee for the particular building involved. Except as herein provided, entrance to or occupancy of any such building or park or recreation area is prohibited. The Town Board or its designee may allow the use of such areas for times other than those herein specified upon application to said Board and a permit issued for such use.

Permits. Buildings and grounds use permits will not be required for the general public use of park and recreation areas on an individual or family group basis for customary passive recreational uses such as picnicking and unorganized sports activities. The use of the buildings, grounds and related facilities by community organizations not directly affiliated with the town and by private clubs or groups shall be subject to obtaining a permit from the Town Board or its designee. In reviewing and granting such permits the Town Board shall have the right to request any information about the applicant it deems necessary and shall also have the right to establish fees, security deposits, insurances and any specific restrictions it deems necessary based on the nature and extent of the applicant's proposed use. The Town Board at all times reserves the right to reject any application for buildings and grounds use if it feels it represents a use that conflicts with customary use of public facilities, exceeds the capacity of the room, area or structure proposed for the requested use or is, in the judgment of the Board, not in the best interest of the town.

Recreation Commission use. Activities conducted by the Hilton-Parma Recreation Commission shall not be subject to the time limitations and permit requirements herein specified, provided that the activities have been reviewed and approved by the Recreation Commissioners. Schedules for such activities must be filed well in advance with the Town Board or its designee.

Conflicting dates or activities. In the event that there is a conflict in proposed use, the Town Board or its designee shall attempt to resolve the conflict to the satisfaction of all parties involved. If this is not possible, the final decision rests with the Town Board or its designee.

Governmental use precedence. The use or occupation of buildings and grounds by any duly elected or appointed board, committee, court or department for the purpose of conducting meetings, hearings, trials or performing other work consistent with normal, necessary governmental functions shall take precedence over any other scheduled or intended activity.

§ 97-4 Prohibited acts.

The following acts or activities are prohibited, and no person shall:

(1)

Operate any motorized vehicle, such as an automobile, minibike, motorcycle, snowmobile and the like, within the area of the town lands; provided, however, that the operation of licensed vehicles for the transportation of the public to and from the park lands is permitted within designated roadways, and the casual parking of such vehicles is also permitted within designated parking areas.

(2)

Discharge any firearm, spring gun or air gun, slingshot or bow and arrow or carry any concealed weapons considered to be dangerous within the public buildings or park areas.

(3)

Injure, deface or disturb any part of town lands or any building, room, sign equipment or any other property therein or remove, injure or destroy any tree, flower, shrub, rock or mineral therein.

(4)

Set fire or assist others to set fire to any timber, trees, shrubs, grass, leaves, shelters, buildings, equipment or any other combustible material or suffer any fire upon other lands to extend onto any part of any town lands. Fires within town fireplaces and stationary or portable grills are permitted within the town lands, but must be completely extinguished after use.

(5)

Throw, cast, lay, drop, discharge, deposit, bring into or leave in any part of the town lands any garbage, containers for food or liquids, other waste or other obnoxious material other than in containers provided for such purpose.

(6)

Drive or propel or cause to be driven any permitted vehicle at a rate of speed greater than the speed so designated.

(7)

Use unreasonably loud or obscene language, fight, perform acts intended to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm or interfere with any officer of the town, county or state in the performance of his or her duty.

Alcoholic beverages shall be prohibited except by special permit of the Town Board or its designee.

§ 97-5 Exceptions.

The prohibitions contained in § 97-4 shall not apply to:

(1)

Members of authorized law enforcement agencies or the Recreation Commission or the agents and employees of said Commission or Town Public Works employees, while in the performance of their duties.

Areas within parks or recreation areas which are so designated may be used for otherwise prohibited activities. If any such areas, such as minibike trails, snowmobile trails, etc., are so designated, they shall be conspicuously posted by signs or otherwise.

§ 97-6 Administration.

The Town Board or its designee is charged with the administration of this chapter.

§ 97-7 Enforcement.

[Amended 5-16-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]

Members of the State Police and Monroe County Sheriff's Department shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

§ 97-8 Penalties for offenses.

[Amended 4-18-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000]

Violation of any of the provisions or regulations of this chapter, and as pursuant to § 135 of the Town Law of the State of New York, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 or imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or both, for each violation, plus cost of damages incurred within public buildings or park and recreation areas.

§ 97-9 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

PARKS

The grounds, buildings thereon, waters therein and any other property necessary for the operation thereof and constituting a part thereof which is now or may thereafter be maintained or operated and controlled by the Town of Parma, and shall include recreation areas and playgrounds.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Any structure that is owned, leased or otherwise under the control and supervision of the Town of Parma.