Township of Middletown, NJ Article I Parks

§ 355-1 Observance of rules required.

[Amended 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-2784]

A. The rules and regulations set forth in this article for the government, use, maintenance and policing of the parks located within the municipal boundaries of Middletown Township shall be observed by all persons using the same.

B. Facility permit required. Refer to § 240-25 for facility permit provisions.

[Amended 2-6-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-3185]

§ 355-2 Prohibited acts.

The following acts are prohibited:

A. Cutting, defacing, injuring, removing or disturbing any tree, shrub, building, fence, bench or other structure, apparatus or property or picking, cutting or removing any shrub, bush or flower or mark or writing upon any building, fence, bench or other park structure.

B. The use of abusive or profane language.

C. The possession or use of firearms or the throwing of stones or other missiles.

D. The consuming, possessing or presence while under the influence of any illegal drugs in the park.

E. Hunting or trapping.

F. Gambling or betting.

G. Dumping or littering.

H. Any other activity constituting a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-1 et seq.

[Amended 2-6-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-3185]

I. The use or possession of fireworks.

[Added 7-29-1992 by Ord. No. 92-2293]

J. Paint ball, except in areas specifically designated by the department.

[Added 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-2784]

K. Skateboard riding is prohibited on all park walks, paths, drives, and courts; skateboarding is permitted at the skate park/rinks.

[Added 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-2784]

L. Use of motorized vehicles, including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited in all parks, properties and Township-owned open spaces, unless specifically authorized by the Township.

[Added 9-5-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-3206]

§ 355-3 Regulated activities.

[Amended 5-29-1990 by Ord. No. 90-2184; 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-2784; 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-2918; 7-18-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-3175; 12-21-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-3301]

The following activities in parks are regulated:

A. Fires are permitted in grills only.

B. All animals must be leashed.

C. Horseback riding is not permitted except in areas to be clearly marked and designated by the Department of Recreation.

D. The soliciting, selling or offering for sale of any goods is permitted only by special permit, which may be obtained from the Department of Recreation.

E. No person may consume, serve or possess alcoholic beverages or other intoxicating substances within any park or facility, except that the possession, serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages may be permitted at the Middletown Arts Center, Poricy Park and Bodman Park by special event permit to be issued by the Township Administrator, pursuant to terms and conditions as set forth by the Township Administrator, including but not limited to compliance with all state alcoholic beverage control laws and regulations, presentment of adequate insurance coverage and indemnification requirements being met.

F. Baseball, softball, golf and other sporting activities are permitted only in areas specifically marked and designated by the Department of Recreation for those purposes.

G. Non-sports- or non-recreation-related public assemblage, including but not limited to protests and marches, are prohibited except by special permit obtained from both the Middletown Police Department and the Department of Recreation. Requests must be received at least seven business days prior to the event.

H. No person shall distribute any circulars, cards or written matter or post, paste or affix any placard, notice or sign except by written permit from the Middletown Police Department and Department of Recreation.

I. Entertainment or exhibitions are permitted only by written permit obtainable from the Department of Recreation.

J. No one is permitted in a park between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except by permission from the Department of Recreation. Hours at public beaches shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

K. Motorized vehicles are restricted to parking lots and roadways. Nonlicensed operators and nonregistered vehicles are prohibited from all park areas, provided that minibikes with wheels no larger than 10 inches and engines no larger than 50 cubic centimeters shall be permitted in areas designated by the Department of Recreation and shall be operated in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Department.

L. No non-Township-owned vehicle or trailer shall be parked overnight in any park and will be subject to a summons and removal at owner's expense.

M. The speed limit on all drives, roads, and parking areas within any park area shall be 10 miles per hour.

N. The department is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and enforce such further rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper control and regulation of the parks facilities.

O. Metal detecting is permitted with the following restrictions on Township property:

(1) One hundred feet away from any building, facility, athletic field/court, garden, or activity.

(2) Recovery tools may only cause minimal disturbance to the ground.

(3) Digging may not exceed a depth of six inches.

(4) Sod must be restored to its original condition after digging.

(5) Articles found that are of apparent historical significance or personal value, such as jewelry and rings, must be turned in to the Department of Recreation.

P. The use of model rockets and radio controlled model aircraft is permitted, with appropriate permit, in designated areas within specified parks. A permit is required from the Department of Recreation.

Q. Drones. The use of manned or unmanned, powered or powerless flying objects or devices, either for landing or taking off, shall not be permitted in any Township park unless it has been specifically designated and posted for this purpose or written permission has been granted by the Recreation Department. All such usage shall be done in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FAA and any other state or federal agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

R. All synthetic turf fields within the Township of Middletown, specifically Croydon Hall Park, two fields at Nut Swamp School and all fields at Normandy Park, can only be used with a valid permit issued by the Department of Recreation. Without a valid permit these fields should not be accessed for any use. The only exception is use by the Middletown Public School system during normal school hours, including after-school sports and maintenance by authorized staff of Middletown Township or the Middletown Board of Education.

§ 355-4 Passive recreation areas; limitation of use.

[Added 5-12-1986 by Ord. No. 1874]

Roosevelt Park is hereby designated as a "passive recreation area" that is restricted in use to senior citizens [persons 60 years of age and older] and toddlers [persons six years of age and younger] and those persons who are accompanying the senior citizens and toddlers and who are responsible for their safety and well-being.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Original § 193-5, Violations and penalties, as amended 8-22-1988 by Ord. No. 2063, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-2784.

§ 355-5 Names of parks.

[Amended 3-24-1986 by Ord. No. 1860]

A. The Township park located on Port Monmouth Road and Wilson Avenue is hereby dedicated and named as "Butler Park" in memory of Pfc. Gregory W. Butler.

B. The Township park located in the Crestview Section of Middletown is hereby dedicated and named "Schulz Park" in memory of Corporal William A. Schulz.