Town of Griswold, CT Recreation

There is hereby established a Recreation Commission consisting of seven members to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for the following terms of office:

(1)

Three for two years.

(2)

Two for four years.

(3)

Two for six years.

Replacements shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen as their terms expire.

One of said Commission members shall be named Chairman by vote of the majority of the Commission members.

§ 74-1.B Alternate members.

[Added 3-26-2013 STM[1]]

There shall be three alternate members in addition to the seven regular members of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Griswold. The Board of Selectmen must appoint all members for the following terms of office.

Such alternate members shall have all of the powers of regular Commission members when properly seated.

[1]

Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former § 74-1 as § 74-1.A.

§ 74-2 Powers and duties.

Said Commission shall be empowered to establish, maintain and regulate parks, playgrounds, baths, swimming pools, recreation areas or places and public gardens, the location of which shall be approved by the freemen of the Town of Griswold at a Special Town Meeting called by the Board of Selectmen for that purpose.

§ 74-3 Budget.

Said Commission shall prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Selectmen, which budget shall become a part of the Selectmen's annual budget.

Article II Parks and Recreation Areas

[Adopted 5-22-2003 STM, effective 6-10-2003]

§ 74-4 Scope.

The rules and regulations set forth herein shall apply to and be in effect in all parks and areas under the control, supervision and jurisdiction of the Town of Griswold.

§ 74-5 Definitions.

For the purpose of this article, terms used herein are defined as follows:

PARK

Any parkland or open space (including buildings and property therein) owned by the Town of Griswold.

PERSON

Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association of persons, and the singular number shall include the plural.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The governing Town department for parks and recreation and individuals appointed by the Department as its authorized agents.

VEHICLE

Every device in, upon or by which a person or property is or may be transported.

§ 74-6 Hours of closing.

No person shall be permitted to remain, stop or park within the confines of any park between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except in an emergency or with special written permission from the Recreation Department. In emergency situations or when the public interest demands it, any portion of a park may be closed to the public or to designated persons until it is deemed prudent to allow readmission. Nonobservance of this section shall constitute a violation.

§ 74-7 Permits.

A permit must be obtained from the Recreation Department for the following:

(1)

The use of park lodges or pavilions.

(2)

The vending of food and drink.

Permits shall be issued by the Recreation Department.

Permit applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applications for permits must be received by the Recreation Department at least one week prior to the date of the intended use. The signer of a permit shall be responsible for all damages to park facilities, grounds or contents thereof and shall agree to indemnify the Town of Griswold for such damage.

All permits issued shall be in writing by the Recreation Director and shall be subject to park rules and regulations. A permit to do any act shall authorize the same only insofar as it may be performed in strict accordance with the written terms and conditions thereof and not in violation of any law, ordinance, rule or regulation governing parks. Any violation of any term or condition thereof or any law, ordinance, rule or regulation governing parks shall constitute grounds for revocation of said permit by the Recreation Department, whose action therein shall be final.

No person shall fail to produce and exhibit any permit which he claims to have upon request of the Recreation Department or its authorized agent, who shall inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any ordinance or regulation. Failure to produce any permit upon request will nullify existence of said permit.

The applicant shall pay any associated fees at the time the permit is obtained. Such fees may vary according to the activity permitted and the facilities used.

§ 74-8 Park regulations.

Preservation of property and natural features. No person shall injure, deface, disturb or befoul any part of a park nor any building, signs, equipment or other property found therein; nor shall any tree, flower, shrub, rock or other natural element be removed, injured or destroyed.

Horses. Horses are not allowed in any park except by express written permission of the Recreation Department.

Hunting, trapping and molesting wildlife. No person within the confines of any park shall hunt, trap or otherwise molest any animal or bird; nor shall any person remove, collect or have in its possession the young of any wild animal or the eggs or nest of any bird unless express written permission is given by an authorized agent of the Town of Griswold.

Firearms. No person shall use, carry or possess firearms of any kind or have air- or gas-powered guns, crossbow or bow, or other missile-throwing devices or weapons of any kind within the confines of any Townpark.

Soliciting; unlawful sales. No person shall beg, hawk, peddle or solicit within any park without written permission from an authorized agent of the Town of Griswold.

Special events. No individual or organization shall conduct, sponsor or promote any special event or other public activity in a park without prior authorization of the Recreation Director. Events or activities which, in the opinion of the Director, constitute hazards and dangers to the personal safety of the participants or other park visitors; endanger peace and good order in the parks; interfere with the regular and normal use of the facilities and activities by park visitors; or are inconsistent with the use of the park for park purposes will not be permitted.

Noise. No person or persons shall disturb other park users by causing excessive levels of noise.

Littering, rubbish, garbage, sewage and noxious material. Refuse is not to be dropped, thrown or scattered on park property. All persons shall use restrooms as provided in the park and shall cooperate in maintaining the restrooms in a neat and sanitary condition. No person shall throw, discharge into, cast, drop or leave in any river, brook, stream, pond, lake, public pool, or drain any substance, matter or thing, either liquid or solid, which may or shall result in the pollution of said river, brook, stream, pond, lake or public pool. No person, shall bring into, leave behind or dump any material of any kind into the park except the refuse, ashes, garbage and other material of a picnic or other permitted activity, and such material shall be deposited in receptacles provided for such purposes.

Alcoholic beverages. The consumption or possession of alcoholic liquors or beverages in a park is by special permit from the Board of Selectman.

Dogs, cats and other household pets. No person shall bring into, permit, have or keep in the park any dog, cat, household pet or other animal destructive to birds and other wildlife, except that dogs or cats are permitted if held in control by a leash. All persons bringing pets into the park are responsible for cleaning up after them. No pets are permitted in any beach, swimming area, playing field or playground.

Swimming, swimming areas and beaches. No person shall bathe, wade or swim within any park or swimming area, except at such times and in such areas as designated by the Recreation Department and as set forth by any rules adopted by the Recreation Department.

Bicycles, snow vehicles, motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles.

(1)

No person shall ride a bicycle or any other vehicle upon the lawn, ballfields, playing courts or picnic areas of any park.

(2)

No motorized snow vehicles or all-terrain vehicles shall be permitted in any areas of a park.

(3)

No unlicenced motorbikes or other unlicenced vehicles shall be permitted in any area of a park.

(4)

Riders of bicycles shall comply with the rules for the regulation of other vehicles.

(5)

Bicycles should be parked in places provided for such purpose.

Traffic.

(1)

No person shall drive any automobile, motorcycle, motorized bike or other vehicle in any area of any park except on the proper drives and parking areas or permit the same to stand upon the drives or any part thereof so as to congest traffic or obstruct the drive. Paths established as foot or bicycle paths shall not be used for vehicular traffic.

(2)

No vehicle shall be operated on any road or drive in any park at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

(3)

All stop signs and other traffic control devices must be obeyed.

(4)

No person shall fail to obey all traffic officers or Townemployees authorized and instructed to direct traffic in the park.

(5)

No person shall park any vehicle or permit any vehicle to remain standing on any roadway within the boundaries of a park or parkway in excess of the length of time and between the hours as hereinafter specified. No parking shall be allowed on any of the park roads between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 ant Parking areas in the parks are established for the convenience of patrons while using the facilities of the parks. It shall be unlawful for any person to park, stop or leave standing any vehicle in any parking area in any park except during the time he/she remains in the park. The term "parking" shall mean the standing of any vehicle, whether occupied or not, upon any park road otherwise than temporarily or while actively engaged in loading or unloading or while standing in obedience to traffic signals or regulators. This does not apply to Town of Griswold vehicles.

(6)

No person shall operate a vehicle along or over any road or drive within a park in a reckless manner or without due regard for the safety and the rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of said park drive or roads.

(7)

It shall be the duty of every person operating an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle of traffic or burden within the parks or parkways to comply with the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of Connecticut and with all orders, directions and regulations issued by traffic officers or officially displayed on any post, standard, sign or device installed for the regulation of traffic.

(8)

No person shall leave any motor vehicle, trailer or other vehicle within any park after closing hours except in an emergency and only after obtaining permission from the Director of Recreation or his authorized agent. Any vehicle left within any park after closing hours without permission shall be removed from the park at the owner's expense.

(9)

Repairing or servicing of vehicles is prohibited within a park except in an emergency and upon notification of the Recreation Department.

Advertising and signs. No person shall post or display any sign, banner, advertisement, circular, notice or statement within any park.

Picnicking; cooking fires.

(1)

No person shall picnic or cook in any area not designated for that purpose by the Recreation Department nor make or kindle any fire except in places provided therefor. Each person must be sure that any fire he/she started is completely out before leaving the park.

(2)

No person shall move or carry tables or equipment found within a park for park use to a different area of the park.

Disorderly conduct.

(1)

No person shall disturb the peace and good order in any park by fighting or disorderly conduct, use threatening, abusive, indecent or obscene language or threaten violence to the person or property of others.

(2)

No person shall congregate with others in a public place and refuse to comply with a lawful order of the police or authorized personnel to disperse and leave the park.

(3)

No person shall loiter in or near toilet buildings or parking areas.

(4)

No person shall write, paint, carve or otherwise mark or deface public property.

(5)

No person shall be in the park under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

§ 74-8.1 Tobacco-free community recreation.

[Added 8-11-2015 STM]

Findings and purpose.

(1)

The Griswold Board of Selectmen endorses the following:

(a)

The mission of the Town's Park and Recreation Department is to provide recreational and leisure opportunities that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the Town of Griswold and to provide safe environments. The Town's Park and Recreation Department has an obligation to prohibit those activities which it deems contrary to this mission.

(b)

The Town cares deeply about promoting the good health and quality of life for its citizens and visitors.

(c)

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.

(d)

Secondhand smoke contains many harmful chemicals and cancer-causing agents and is a serious health risk to humans, especially to infants, children and pregnant women, and increases a nonsmoker's risk for asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.

(e)

Chewing tobacco contains many harmful chemicals and cancer-causing agents, and its use is associated with cancers of the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat.

(f)

The use of chewing tobacco is associated with saliva or spit being cast upon the ground, seating areas, and other surfaces in recreational areas, resulting in increased risk of nonusers being exposed to bacteria and viruses of a variety of respiratory illnesses.

(g)

Tobacco use in and around these recreational facilities creates the contradictory message of young people being encouraged and coached by adults to engage in healthy activities, while at the same time being exposed to adults and older youth using tobacco products which cause adverse health effects as the result of exposure to secondhand smoke and/or spit or saliva.

(h)

Tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to tobacco saliva are clearly contrary to enhancing the quality of life and providing safe environments.

(2)

Based on the endorsements listed in Subsection A(1) above, the purpose of this section is to provide for the health of and protect the safety of the inhabitants of the Town by regulating, pursuant to Section 7-148(c)(7)(H)(xvi) of the Connecticut General Statutes, activities deemed to be deleterious to public health on property owned by the Town and which are used for recreational purposes. This section will enhance the enjoyment of all persons using said property.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated.

RECREATIONAL PROPERTY

Any public park property owned by the Town and which is under the supervision and control of the Town's Park and Recreation Department. The term "recreational property" shall not include school grounds.

SCHOOL GROUNDS

A parcel of land or portion thereof used for school purposes and operated by the Town of Griswold Board of Education.

SMOKE or SMOKING

The lighting or carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or similar device.

Violations. It shall be a violation of this section for:

(1)

Any person to use tobacco in any form on or within any recreational property, including without limitation, smoking, chewing or spitting tobacco or tobacco products.

(2)

Any person to use smoke on or within any recreational property.

Penalties for offenses. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of an infraction subject to a fine of $50 for each separate offense or violation. Any and all remedies which the Town has in enforcing this section, at law or in equity, shall be cumulative and two or more or all of such remedies may be exercised at the same time.

Posting by Town Park and Recreation Department. The Town Park and Recreation Department shall, subject to the Town Recreation Commission's approval of scope and location, post a sign or signs on a recreational property stating such recreational property is a "tobacco-free zone" to indicate that said recreational property is subject to this section, and there shall be distinctly marked designated smoking areas.

Savings clause. If any subsection, clause, provision or portion of this section, or if any regulation established pursuant to the terms of this section, shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect or impair any other section, clause, provision or portion of this section or of any regulation established pursuant to the terms of this section.

Activities otherwise prohibited. No provision of this section shall serve to validate any activity otherwise prohibited by state or local law or lawfully enacted zoning regulations.

When effective. This section shall become effective 30 days from the date of its adoption.

§ 74-9 Parental responsibility.

No parent, guardian or custodian of any minor shall permit or allow him or her, as the case may be, to do any act which would constitute a violation of this article. Nonobservance of this section shall be a violation.

§ 74-10 Compliance required; liability of Townofficials.

No person shall fail or refuse to comply with any reasonable order relating to the regulation, direction or control of traffic or to any other order lawfully given by any police officer or Townofficial in the execution of his or her office or willfully resist, obstruct or abuse any police officer or Townofficial in the execution of his or her office or duties. Nonobservance of this section shall be a violation.

No official or employee of the Town of Griswold shall, while acting pursuant to the provisions of this article, be personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as the result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her official duties, provided that such acts are performed in good faith and without gross negligence.

§ 74-11 Penalties for offenses.

Any person convicted of a violation of this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $90.

Any person damaging park property shall be liable for any and all related damages.