[HISTORY: Derived from Ch. 16 of the 1971 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
See Chapter 156, Fees, § 156-13, for fees for recreation.
Permits for special events in parks shall be obtained by application to the Department of Recreation in accordance with the following procedure:
A. 
A person seeking a permit hereunder shall file an application with the Department of Recreation stating:
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
The name and address of the person sponsoring the activity.
(3) 
The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
(4) 
The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired.
(5) 
An estimate of the anticipated attendance.
(6) 
Any other information which the Department 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 Department 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. 
Within five days after the receipt of an application, the Department of Recreation shall apprise an applicant, in writing, of its reasons if it refuses a permit, and any aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal to the Township Council by serving written notice thereof on the Township Clerk within five days of such refusal. A copy of such notice shall also be served on the Department within the same time, and such Department shall immediately forward the application and the reasons for its refusal to the Township Council, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth under Subsection B of this section and sustain or overrule the Department's decision within 10 days from the receipt of the appeal by the Township Clerk. The decision of the Township Council shall be final.
D. 
A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances.
E. 
The person to whom the permit is issued shall be liable for all loss, damage or injury sustained by any person whatsoever by reason of the negligence of the person to whom such permit shall have been issued. The Department of Recreation 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 Department prior to the commencement of any activity of issuance of any permit.
F. 
The Department of Recreation shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.
A. 
Parks shall be opened daily to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No person shall remain in any park, playground or recreational area after 9:00 p.m. except in attendance at an organized activity approved by the Recreation Superintendent, or remain in such park, playground or recreational area 30 minutes subsequent to the conclusion of any regularly scheduled Township-authorized event ending after 9:00 p.m.
B. 
Any section or part of any park may be declared closed to the public by the Department of Recreation 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 Department shall find reasonably necessary.
A. 
No person in a public park or 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 tree or plant or injure the ark, 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 or walk, stand or sit upon monuments, vases, planters, fountains, railings, fences or upon any other property not designated or customarily used for such purposes.
(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 be remove or have in his possession the young of any wild animal, or the eggs, nest or young of any reptile or bird. Exception to the foregoing is made in that snakes known to be deadly poisonous or other 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 shall or may result in the pollution of such waters.
(10) 
Have brought in or shall dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, 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 shall be properly disposed of elsewhere.
(11) 
Drive any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or parking areas, or such areas as may on occasion specifically be designated as temporary areas by the Department of Recreation.
(12) 
Park a vehicle in other that an established or designated parking area, and such parking shall be in accordance with posted directions and the instruction of any attendant who may be present.
(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 with unreasonable disregard for 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 purposes of swimming or bathing, or congregate thereat when such activities are prohibited by the Department of Recreation 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 Department of Recreation for such purposes for each individual site.
(19) 
Erect, maintain, use or occupy on or in any beach or bathing area any tent, shelter or structure of any kind unless there shall be an unobstructed view into the tent, shelter or structure from at least two sides, nor shall any guy wire, rope 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 to be so covered with a bathing suit so as to indecently expose his 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 such park or operate any boat, raft or other water craft, whether motor-powered or not, upon any waters, except at places designated for boating by the Department of Recreation. Such activity shall be in accordance with applicable regulations as are now or hereafter shall be 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 remain on or in any boat during such closed hours of the park.
(25) 
Fish in any waters except those designated by the Department of Recreation for such use and under such regulations and restrictions as have or may be prescribed by the Department.
(26) 
Fish in any area where bathing is permitted.
(27) 
Carry or possesses firearms of any description or air rifles, spring guns, bows and arrows, slings, paint ball rifles or guns 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, nor shall any person shoot into park areas from beyond park boundaries.
(28) 
Picnic or lunch in a place other than those designated for such purpose. Attendants shall have the authority to regulate activities in such areas when necessary to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all persons. Visitors shall comply with any directions given to them to achieve such maximum use.
(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, nor shall any person 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 a house-trailer, camp-trailer, camp-wagon or the like except in areas designated by the Department of Recreation for such purposes.
(33) 
Take part in or abet the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as balls, stones, arrow, 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, 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) 
Bring alcoholic beverages, drink same at any time or be under the influence of intoxicating liquor in a park unless express prior authorization and required permits have been secured from the Recreation Department, Municipal Clerk and the State of New Jersey, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
(36) 
Have in his possession, or set or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn, any firecrackers, torpedo rockets or other fireworks or explosives of inflammable material, or discharge them or throw them into any such areas from lands or highways adjacent thereto. Also prohibited is 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 Department of Recreation, permits may be given for conducting properly supervised fireworks in designated park areas.
(37) 
Allow a dog or other domestic animal to enter into areas clearly marked by the Department of Recreation by signs bearing the words "Domestic Animals Prohibited in this Area." Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the running of dogs at large. All dogs in areas where such animals are permitted shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than six feet in length.
(38) 
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 Department of Recreation for the use of the opposite sex. Exception is made for children under six years of age.
(39) 
Appear at any place in other than proper clothing.
(40) 
Solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private.
(41) 
Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Department of Recreation, nor shall any person 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.
(42) 
Enter an area posted as "Closed to the Public," nor shall any person use or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices.
(43) 
Gamble or participate in or abet any game of chance except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Department of Recreation.
(44) 
Go on the ice on any of the waters except where designated as skating fields; provided, that a safety signal must be displayed.
(45) 
Sleep or protractedly lounge on the seats, 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.
(46) 
Fail to produce and exhibit any permit from the Department of Recreation he 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.
(47) 
Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.
(48) 
Expose or offer for sale any article or thing, or 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 Department of Recreation.
(49) 
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 whatsoever on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park.
(50) 
Hit golf balls using golf equipment unless in attendance at an organized activity approved by the Superintendent of Recreation.
[Amended by Ord. No. 1954-07]
A. 
No owner or driver shall cause or permit his vehicle to remain 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 such park areas from 1/2 hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted.
B. 
No motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), trucks, vans and campers, except Township vehicles or Township authorized vehicles conducting park maintenance activities or emergency service functions, shall be permitted to operate or be parked on Township parkland, playgrounds, or trolley right-of-way, except in designated driveways and parking lots.
[Amended by Ord. No. 1954-07]
The Department of Recreation and park attendants shall:
A. 
Diligently enforce the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
Have the authority to eject from the park area any person or persons acting in violation of this chapter.
C. 
Have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing, or device in the park used in violation of this chapter.
D. 
Any motor driven vehicle or device seized pursuant to Subsection C of this subsection will be towed at owner's expense and shall be only returned upon payment of the fees and fine or by order of the court.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department.
The Township reserves the right with respect to any or all of the public park and recreation areas, and any facilities located therein, to enter into any agreement with the Board of Education of the Township concerning the control and use thereof, and, anything contained in this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, any use of such premises or such facilities by the Board of Education pursuant to any agreement with the Township Council or Department of Recreation heretofore or hereafter entered into shall be free and exclusive from any control or supervision of or by the Department.
[Amended by Ord. No. 1535-98]
A violation of any provision of this chapter will subject the violator to the fines and penalties prescribed for ordinance violations under Chapter 1, Article III, General Penalty, of the Township Code.