Village of Winneconne, WI Parks and Recreation

Littering prohibited.

No person shall litter, dump or deposit any rubbish, refuse, earth or other material in any park. 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.

No person 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, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such waters, any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of said waters.

Sound devices. No person shall operate or play any amplifying system unless specific authority is first obtained from the Village Board or Park Committee.

Bill posting. No person shall post, paste, fasten, paint or attach any placard, bill, notice, sign or advertising matter upon any structure, tree or other natural object in any park. Except park regulations and other signs authorized by the Village Board or Park Committee are allowed, including, but not limited to: speed limit, parking, ADA accessibility, directional, traffic and sales and advertising signage at ball parks, swim pond, and other locations approved by the Park Committee.

Throwing stones and missiles prohibited. No person shall throw stones or other missiles which may cause harm in or into any park.

(5)

Removal of park equipment prohibited. No person shall remove benches, seats, tables or other park equipment from any park unless specifically authorized by the Village Administrator.

(6)

Trapping. "Trapping" when used in this section includes the taking, or the attempting to take, of any wild animal by means of setting or operating any device, mechanism or contraption that is designated, built or made to close upon, hold fast or otherwise capture a wild animal or animals; live traps on a person's property are excluded. The trapping of wild animals is hereby prohibited in Village parks, except municipal trapping authorized by the Village Board, or private trapping approved through a permit process by the Police Department under the authorization of the Park Committee. This provision does not apply to persons authorized by firms hired by the Village to conduct wildlife harvests pursuant to DNR-approved wildlife management programs.

(7)

Making of fires. No person shall start, tend or maintain a fire except in personal grills or designated fireplaces. Personal grills shall be used only in designated picnic areas. The use of personal grills is permitted provided lawns and vegetation are not endangered. Unburned fuel and ashes shall be disposed of in such a manner as to prevent fire or damage to any park property. Control of the fire and the smoke will be the responsibility of the person using such a fire.

(8)

Protection of park property.

No person shall kill, injure or disturb or attempt to injure or disturb waterfowl, birds or animals, wild or domestic, within any park, except as permitted by the Police Department under the authorization of the Park Committee. This provision does not apply to persons authorized by firms hired by the Village to conduct wildlife harvests pursuant to DNR-approved wildlife management programs.

No person shall climb any tree or remove flowers or fruit, wild or cultivated, or break, cut down, trample upon, remove or in any manner injure, deface, write upon or ill use any tree, shrub, flower, flower bed, turf, soil, sand, fountain, fireplace, monument, railing, waterline improvement, ornament, building, structure, apparatus, bench, table, official notice, sign or other property within any park.

(c)

No person shall deface, by throwing stones, pebbles or other debris at any of the toilets, bubblers or other sanitary facilities located in any Village park; or to deface by drawing with crayon, chalk, paint, or anything else on any of the buildings or equipment at any Village park; or to deface the equipment by means of a sharp instrument.

(9)

Motorized vehicles. Except for authorized maintenance vehicles, no person shall operate an unlicensed or licensed motorized vehicle outside of areas specifically designated as parking areas or areas where the operation of such vehicles is specifically permitted by the Police Department under the authorization of the Park Committee. Motor vehicles are restricted to the roads and drives and parking areas. No motor vehicles of any nature may be used on the seeded areas except vehicles which have Village Board or Park Committee authorization for shows, rides or exhibits and then only for the purpose of loading and unloading. No vehicle maintenance or car washing is permitted in any Village park.

(10)

Snowmobiles. No person shall operate a snowmobile in a Village park except in designated areas. Snowmobiles shall only be operated on designated trails.

(11)

Speed limit. No person shall operate any vehicle in a Village park in excess of 15 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

(12)

Glass beverage bottles in parks prohibited. No individual shall possess or consume, nor shall any party sell, any beverage in a glass bottle or glass container in any Village park.

(13)

Reckless driving in parks prohibited. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in a reckless manner in any of the public parks of the Village.

(14)

Parking in parks. No person shall park any motor vehicle in any park in the Village except in a designated parking area. The overnight parking of vehicles is prohibited unless granted such permission for special occasions by the Police Department under the authorization of the Park Committee.

(15)

Horse and carriages. No person shall ride a horse or drive a horse-driven vehicle in any park, or lead a horse into a park, except on roads or designated bridle paths, except when approval of the Village Board or Park Committee is first obtained. It shall be unlawful for any person to ride a horse or drive a horse-driven vehicle in a careless, negligent or reckless manner which may endanger the safety and well-being of others. Horseback riding shall be allowed only during the daylight hours. No person shall ride a horse which cannot be held under such control that it may be easily turned or stopped. Horses shall not be left unbridled or unattended.

(16)

Removing tree protectors. No person shall remove any device for the protection of trees or shrubs except the Village Forester or someone acting under direct authority or the Village Forester.

(17)

Arrows. No person shall use or shoot any bow and arrow in any Village park, except the use of blunt-tipped target arrows in authorized areas of if permitted by the Police Department.

(18)

Fees and charges. The Village Board, upon the recommendation of the Village Administrator and Park Committee, shall establish such fees as deemed necessary for use of any park facility, shelter or land area. It shall be unlawful to use such areas without payment of such fee or charge when required.

(19)

Firearms; hunting. Possessing or discharging of any air gun, slingshot, explosive, firearm or weapon of any kind is prohibited in all Village parks accept as permitted by the Police Department under authorization of the Park Committee.

(20)

Fish cleaning. Cleaning of fish in shelters, toilet facilities or picnic areas is prohibited in all Village parks.

(21)

Controlled substances. Possessing, using or dispensing of a controlled substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act is prohibited in all Village parks.

(22)

Vendors restricted. No person shall sell, vend or give away any article of merchandise whatever, without a written permit from the Park Committee. No person shall expose or offer for sale any article or thing nor station or place any stand, cart, or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing, excepting regularly authorized concessionaires acting by and under the authority and regulation of the Park Committee unless special permission is granted by the Park Committee during a special event.

(23)

Alcohol beverages. The consumption or possession of alcohol beverages in Village parks shall be as regulated by § 203-4 of this Code.

(24)

Pets. Dogs and any other pets must be kept on a leash or under control at all times; pet owners are responsible for cleanup of pet waste.

(25)

Skates. No skateboards, in-line skates or roller skis will be permitted in the park at any time, except in paved areas.

(26)

Restrooms and washrooms. No person shall fail to cooperate in maintaining restrooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition.

(27)

Misuse of equipment. Jumping, standing or misuse will not be permitted on any bench, bleachers or picnic tables; any misuse or use with intent to do damage will be considered vandalism and may result in dismissal from the park.

(28)

Loitering on equipment preventing use. No loitering is permitted on playground equipment so as to disrupt use by persons waiting to use such equipment.

(29)

Responsibility for equipment damage. Any person or persons causing any damage to property in the Village Park shall be punished and/or fined under the appropriate ordinance and be required to make full and complete restitution.

(30)

Camping. Camping is prohibited in Village parks, unless prior written permission is first obtained from the Park Committee in conjunction with a special event.

(31)

Satellite toilets; dumpsters. It will be the obligation of civic organizations or other major park users to provide satellite toilets and extra garbage dumpsters during the time of celebrations or special events.

(32)

Waste disposal restrictions. No person shall dispose of any garbage, bottles, tin cans or any other solid waste material, including demolition material, in any Village park where the waste is generated from outside of the Village park property.

(33)

Bicycle restrictions. No person shall ride a bicycle or skateboard or roller blades in a reckless manner or ride in and around any bleacher area or shelter house areas when occupied or during events. No bicycles are permitted in any park building whether ridden or parked there for any reason.

(34)

Picnic areas. No person shall leave a picnic area in a park before a fire in the said picnic area is completely extinguished and before all trash, garbage and other refuse in the said picnic area is placed in the disposal receptacles provided for that purpose or removed from the park.

(35)

Bathing and swimming. No person in the park shall 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 therefore, and in compliance with such regulations as are herein set forth or may be hereafter adopted.

(36)

Feeding of birds and animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to feed, provide food, or assist another person in the feeding of wildlife or any wild animal in or from any park within the Village of Winneconne.

§ 409-2 Turf protection on public property.

Except as authorized by the Park Committee, no person shall dig into the turf of any Village-owned park or recreational property for any purposes whatsoever or remove any trees or flowers. Absent authorization by the Park Committee, the use of metal detectors and digging for buried objects on Village parks or recreational property is prohibited.

§ 409-3 Park hours.

Park hours. Village parks shall be closed on such days of the year and at times of the day as are posted within each locale.

Exceptions for organized activities. Subsection A shall not apply to any persons participating in or any organized activity in a Village park, which was authorized by the Village Board or Park Committee. This exception shall apply during the time such activity is in progress at a Village park and for 30 minutes after the termination of such activity.

§ 409-4 Reservation of park space.

Policy on reservation. The Village-owned park and park facilities and shelter areas are primarily for the nonexclusive use of the residents and visitors of the Village. However, under proper circumstances, exclusive use of the same or parts thereof may be permitted. This section is intended to regulate exclusive use of municipally owned parks, park facilities, park shelters or parts thereof, in the Village of Winneconne to the end that the general welfare of the Village is protected.

Reservation of park space.

A person or group, firm organization, partnership or corporation may reserve the use of a park facility or a park shelter/pavilion by written application filed with the Clerk-Treasurer or for referral to the Park Committee for a permit for exclusive use of a park. The Village Clerk-Treasurer shall issue permits for exclusive use of a portion of a park or park shelter, while the Park Committee shall issue permits for the exclusive use of Village parks. All reservations shall be made on application forms in the office of the Village Clerk-Treasurer. Areas not reserved shall be open to use by all.

Whenever any group, association or organization desires to use an area of said park facilities for a particular purpose (such as picnics, parties or theatrical or entertainment performance) a representative of said group, association or organization shall first obtain a permit from the Village Clerk-Treasurer for such purposes. The Village Clerk-Treasurer may grant the application if it appears that the group, association or organization will not interfere with the general use of a park by the individual members of the public and if the said group, association or organization meets all other conditions contained in the application. The Clerk-Treasurer may require an indemnity bond to protect the Village from any liability of any kind or character and to protect Village property from damage, and shall contain such a provision if the swimming lake is to be utilized by said group.

Application. Applications shall be filed with the Park Committee at least 14 days prior to the date on which the exclusive use of the entire park is requested, or with the Clerk-Treasurer at least three days prior to the date on which a portion of a park is to be used, and shall set forth the following information regarding the proposed exclusive use:

The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.

If the exclusive use is proposed for a group, firm, organization, partnership or corporation, the name, address and telephone number of the headquarters of the same and the responsible and authorized heads or partners of the same.

The name, address and telephone number of the person who will be responsible for the use of the said park, area or facility.

The date when the exclusive use is requested and the hours of the proposed exclusive date.

(5)

The anticipated number of persons to use the said park, area or facility.

(6)

Any additional information which the Park Committee or Clerk-Treasurer finds reasonably necessary to make a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued.

Reasons for denial. Applicants under this section may be denied for any of the following reasons:

If it is for a use which would involve a violation of federal or state law or any provision of this Code.

If the granting of the permit would conflict with another permit already granted or for which application is already pending.

If the application does not contain the information required by Subsection C above.

The application is made less than the required days in advance of the scheduled exclusive use.

(5)

If it is for a use of the park or park facility at a date and time when, in addition to the proposed use, anticipated nonexclusive use by others of the park or park facility is expected and would be seriously adversely affected.

(6)

If the law enforcement requirements of the exclusive use will require so large a number of persons as to prevent adequate law enforcement to the park, park facility or shelter area involved or of the rest of the Village.

(7)

The exclusive use will reasonably create a substantial risk of injury to persons or damage to property.

(8)

The exclusive use is so poorly organized that participants are likely to engage in aggressive or destructive activity.

(9)

If the use would unusually interfere with the general public's use of the park.

Shelter house reservations.

Procedure.

Shelter reservations are accepted by the Village Clerk-Treasurer. Actual reservations can be made in person or via United States mail and only by persons 18 years of age and older. Any cancellation fees are nonrefundable; however, fees are transferable under the discretion of Clerk/Treasurer if made within 30 days of original date.

No reservation shall be accepted prior to January 2 of any year.

Fees. Rental fees for the shelters shall be determined by Village Board, including a cleanup deposit.

Condition of facilities. All groups using park facilities will be held responsible for excessive cleanup and/or damages to facilities (i.e., tables moved out of shelter houses must be moved back under shelters, no posts shall be removed without permission, cleanup required, doors locked after use, etc.).

Exceptions. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Village from requiring advance reservations for such special events and conventions as the Village deems necessary.

Indemnification. Prior to granting any permit for exclusive use of the park, the Village may require the permittee to file evidence of good and sufficient sureties, insurance in force or other evidence of adequate financial responsibility, running to the Village and such other third parties as may be injured or damaged, in an amount depending upon the likelihood of injury or damage as a direct and proximate result of the exclusive use sufficient to indemnify the Village and such third parties as may be injured or damaged thereby, caused by the permittee, its agents or participants.

Permit not required for Village activity. A permit is not required for exclusive use of the park or a park facility sponsored by the Village of Winneconne.

Permit revocation. The Village President, Village Administrator, Park Committee, Village Board or a law enforcement officer may revoke a permit already issued if it is deemed that such action is justified by an actual or potential emergency due to weather, fire, riot, other catastrophe or likelihood of a breach of the peace or by a major change in the conditions forming the basis of the issuance of the permit.

Form of permit. Each permit shall be in a form prescribed by the Park Committee and shall designate the park, park facility or shelter area involved, date, hours of the exclusive use, purpose of the exclusive use and the name of the person, group, firm, organization, partnership or corporation to which the permit is issued.

Class B fermented malt beverage licenses. When fermented malt beverages are sold at any event authorized by this section, a valid fermented malt beverage license shall be obtained and the provisions of §§ 203-10 and 203-23 of this Code shall be fully complied with. Said license must be held by the person who filed the original license and shall be presented to any law enforcement officer upon request.

Care of facilities. Persons reserving Village facilities shall be completely responsible for cleaning up the facilities after the event to the satisfaction of Village officials. All reserved areas shall be left in a clean condition, with refuse placed in containers provided for such purpose. Any organization or corporation reserving any area in a Village park shall agree to assume full responsibility for all damage to Village property by any invitee of said organization or corporation and shall make full payment therefor upon billing by the Village Clerk-Treasurer. Failure to do so shall deny future use of park facilities until such payment be made, in addition to any other remedy which the Village may have.

§ 409-5 Ultralight aircraft regulated.

Definition. An ultralight aircraft, vehicle or hang glider is an unpowered or powered aircraft which is not subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration by virtue of its characteristics and which is defined as an "ultralight vehicle" by 14 CFR 103.1 and which is defined as an "ultralight aircraft" by § 114.195, Wis. Stats.

Regulations regarding use. No person shall operate any ultralight aircraft within the Village in such a manner or in such a location as to endanger or injure any person or property. No person shall operate an ultralight aircraft in the Village in violation of any applicable state and federal regulations and standards. No person shall cause an ultralight aircraft to land or to take off from any property without permission of the owner or occupant of said property, provided that an emergency landing may be made to prevent a catastrophe. In the case of landing or taking off from a Village public park or other public property, the operator of such ultralight aircraft shall first obtain a permit from the Park Committee. No fee shall be charged by the Park Committee for such permit which may be issued for a period up to 30 days nor shall the Park Committee sponsor such activity.

§ 409-5.1 Fishing piers.

[Added 3-16-2021]

Operation of vehicles. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle or bicycle upon the Village piers located in the Wolf River parallel to the Highway 116 bridge [the "fishing pier(s)"]. Village maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles may operate on the fishing piers when necessary. The gross vehicle weight of these vehicles, including load, shall not exceed the WisDOT Project ID 6190-15-72 design specifications dated October 7, 2019.

Conduct on fishing piers and in adjacent parking areas.

Prohibited conduct; unlawful acts. On the Village fishing piers and the adjacent parking area, no person shall:

Dive, jump, or swim from the fishing pier.

It is unlawful to tie or moor any watercraft to the fishing pier.

(c)

Bring or allow pets on the fishing pier.

(d)

Place fish in trash containers.

(e)

Possess alcoholic beverages.

(f)

Use the railing or benches for cleaning or cutting bait or fish.

(g)

Bed down or sleep on the fishing piers.

(h)

Deface, damage or defile the fishing pier.

(i)

Litter on or off of the fishing pier.

(j)

Post notices or posters, except on bulletin boards.

(k)

Operate or be in possession of a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates or inline skates on the fishing pier.

(l)

Use traps, nets, seines or other trapping or netting devices off the fishing pier.

(m)

Use devices utilizing combustible fuels, such as grills or heaters.

(n)

Feed birds or otherwise toss fish, fish remains, or other food products that may be consumed by birds.

(o)

Use glass containers. No person shall take upon the fishing pier any glass container or be in possession of any glass container on the fishing pier.

(p)

No metal fishing pole holders to be attached to the railing of the fishing pier.

Assumption of risk by visitors. Persons using the fishing piers and any Village-owned parking lot adjacent to the piers do so at their own risk.

WATERS OF THE VILLAGE OF WINNECONNE

Fishing pier pass required. When using the fishing piers for any use, a fishing pier pass is required. Daily passes expire at midnight of each day. Annual passes are nontransferable and expire on March 31 of each year. Daily and annual pass rates are set by the Village Board and published in the fee schedule. Pier passes must be available for inspection at any time.

Revocation of fishing pier pass and privileges. The Village reserves the right to revoke the fishing pier privileges granted under this chapter for violations of its provisions. Any pass holder found guilty of misusing their pass to provide unauthorized access to the fishing pier for another person may have their pass revoked. Such revocation may be in addition to other fines or penalties for such violation.

Violations and penalties. Any person or persons violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof in the Municipal Court of the Village of Winneconne, be subject to a fine of not less than $5 nor more than $500. Each violation shall be considered as a separate and specific violation of this chapter, and the penalties herein prescribed shall apply to such separate and specific offenses.

§ 409-6 Restrictions on parking of boats.

[Amended 8-15-2023]

The parking of a boat for a period in excess of 48 consecutive hours at any dock, seawall or other public docking area located within or along the shoreline of any park under the control of the Village of Winneconne Park Committee shall be prohibited unless the owner obtains a permit for each twenty-four-hour period the boat is parked at a dock, seawall or other public docking area beyond 48 consecutive hours. The owner shall prominently display the receipt for the permit in the boat's window.

§ 409-7 Operation of boats and vessels.

Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this section:

BOAT

Every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

MOTORBOAT

Any boat equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.

OPERATION OF A MOTORBOAT

Controlling the speed or direction of a motorboat.

OPERATOR

A person who is engaged in the operation of a motorboat, who is responsible for the operation of a motorboat, or who is supervising the operation of a motorboat.

SLOW-NO-WAKE

That speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while maintaining steerage control.

Any waters within the corporate limits of the Village of Winneconne. The provisions of this section shall be enforced under the direction of the Police Department.

Applicability, enforcement, and penalties. The provisions of this section shall apply to all waters of the Village of Winneconne. The provisions of this section shall be enforced under the direction of the Police Department. Unless specifically set forth herein, or by statute, any violation of this chapter may result in a forfeiture equal to 10 times the overnight mooring fee. Each day during which a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense and a separate forfeiture shall accrue for each day.

[Amended 2-16-2021]

Muffler requirement. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate a boat on the waters of the Village of Winneconne without having a muffler attached to and actually in use upon the motor which is being operated on such boat. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate any boat on the waters of the Village of Winneconne with the cutout open on such motor and to operate any motorboat with any unusual noise which tends to cause a disturbance to the public unless such boat is engaged in a race duly authorized by the Village Board.

Speed restrictions. No person shall operate a motorboat on the waters of the Village of Winneconne in violation of the following speed restrictions:

Speed to be reasonable and prudent. No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing. The speed of a motorboat shall be so controlled as to avoid colliding with any object lawfully in or on the water or with any person, boat or other conveyance in or on the water in compliance with legal requirements and exercising due care.

Fixed limits. In addition to complying with Subsection D(1) above, no person may operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of the posted notice as established by regulatory markers or as prescribed in Subsection D(3).