Township of Neptune, NJ Parks and Recreational Facilities

§ 23-1 PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

[Amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

[Ord. No. 1096 § 1; Ord. No. 1355 § 2; Ord. No. 1511 § 1; Ord. No. 07-29 § 1; Ord. No. 11-41; Ord. No. 13-06 § 2; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

The following locations within the Township are designated as playfields and parks for recreational activities as hereinafter set forth:

	Park Name	Location
a.	Shark River Hills Field	Beverly Way
b.	Jumping Brook Field	Jumping Brook Road
c.	Anthony C. Loffredo Fields	West Bangs Avenue
d.	Bert Willis Fields	Old Corlies Avenue
e.	Sunshine Village Park	Monmouth Avenue
f.	Liberty Park Mini Park	Monroe Avenue
g.	Midtown Commons Park	West Lake Avenue
h.	West Grove Mini Park	Division Street
i.	Shark River Hills Memorial Park and Playground	South Riverside Drive
j.	Pittenger Place Mini Park	Pittenger Place
k.	Mini Park at Trident	Hillview
l.	Hillview Mini Park	Hillview Drive and Hill Drive
m.	Central Avenue Mini Playground	Ocean Grove
n.	Volunteer Park	South Riverside Drive
o.	Bradley Park	Ridge Avenue
p.	Veterans Memorial Park	Old Corlies Avenue
q.	Marina Park	South Riverside Avenue and Beverly Way
r.	Gables Park	Corlies Avenue

In addition to the locations set forth herein, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to any and all open space owned by the Township including all areas identified in the Township's Roster of Open Space Inventory.

§ 23-1.2 Permitting and Regulations.

[Ord. No. 1096 § 2; Ord. No. 1355 § 3; Ord. No. 06-20 § 1; Ord. No. 12-03; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

The playfields and appropriate field permitting shall be under the supervision of the Recreation Director for the Township, hereinafter referred to as Director.

Park hours: dawn to dusk; Township-controlled lighted fields permitted until 10:00 p.m. Neptune Township reserves the right to close the parks as necessary for health, safety or public welfare.

Neptune Township reserves the right to utilize park areas for Township programs which will limit access by the public for purposes other than the scheduled program.

Organized play on Playing Fields is approved by permit only through the Recreation Office.

Pick-up play; to not include organized teams, organizations, or similar institution, is allowed, however, access and preference will be given to permitted play.

No motorized or non-motorized vehicle of any description shall be permitted upon any portion of the playfields.

No motor vehicle shall be parked in the area of the playfields except at those places designated for parking.

No food or beverage shall be sold at the parks without first obtaining a mercantile license from the Township.

Facilities are to be used at the participant's sole and exclusive risk; parks are not supervised

§ 23-1.3 Posting of Rules and Regulations.

[Ord. No. 1096 § 3; Ord. No. 1355 § 4; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

The rules and regulations set forth in subsections 23-1.2 and 23-2.1 shall be posted in summary and reference at each field.

§ 23-1.4 Penalties for Violations.

[Ord. No. 1096 § 4; New]

Any person, firm or corporation charged with violating any provision of this chapter, upon conviction in the Municipal Court, shall be liable to the penalty stated in Chapter 1, Section 1-5. Each violation of any provision of this chapter and each day that this chapter is violated, shall be deemed and taken to be a separate and distinct offense.

§ 23-1.5 Use of Sunshine Village Park, Jumping Brook Fields, Bert Willis Fields, Shark River Hills Field and Anthony C. Loffredo Fields.

[Ord. No. 06-20 § 1; Ord. No. 12-03; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

The scheduling and field use permitting of Sunshine Village Park, Jumping Brook Fields, Bert Willis Fields, Shark River Hills Field and Anthony C. Loffredo Fields shall be through the Recreation Department and shall be coordinated with the schedules of the appropriate youth sports organization under contract with the Township. These organizations include the Neptune Soccer Association, Neptune Little League and Neptune Fliers Youth Football & Cheer.

§ 23-2 USE OF PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS.

§ 23-2.1 Conduct.

[Ord. No. 1688 § 1; Ord. No. 98-12 § 1; Ord. No. 13-06 § 1; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

While in a public park or recreation area, all persons shall conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner, and in particular, no person shall:

Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, displace or remove any buildings, bridges, tables, benches, fireplaces, railings, paving materials, public utilities 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.

Fail to cooperate in maintaining restrooms in a neat and sanitary condition.

Dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stones, trees, shrubs, plants or other wood or, materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, or other means.

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.

Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant, or injure the bark, or pick flowers or seed of any tree or plant, dig in or otherwise disturb grassed areas, or in any other way injure the natural beauty or usefulness of any area.

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.

Tie or hitch an animal to any tree or plant or any structure.

Hurt, molest, kill, wound, trap, abuse, shoot, pursue or throw objects at, or have in his/her possession any animal, reptile or bird found within any park, nor shall their habitats be disturbed, except where specifically designated and permitted. No person shall purchase, sell, accept or give away any such animal, reptile, bird or eggs except as may be specifically provided for and permitted.

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 any park or any tributary stream, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such water, any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which may result in the pollution of said waters.

Have brought in, dump in, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, garbage, refuse, or organic or inorganic solid liquid waste.

Drive or park any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or parking areas, or such areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary parking areas by Township of Neptune.

Leave a vehicle standing or parked at night in established parking areas or elsewhere in the park areas. No motor vehicle shall be parked in said park areas from one half hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted.

Ride a bicycle or any wheeled recreational device without reasonable regard to the safety of others.

Leave a bicycle or any wheeled recreational device lying on the ground or pavement or set against trees, or in any place or position where a person may trip over or be injured by it.

Swim, bathe, or wade in any waters or waterways in any park, except in such waters and at such places as may be specifically designated for such activities.

Bring into or operate any boat, raft, or other watercraft, whether motor powered or not, upon any waters, except at places designated for boating by Township of Neptune. Such activity shall be in accordance with applicable regulations as are now or will hereafter be adopted.

Fish in any area where bathing is permitted.

Shooting into or within park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden. No person shall carry or possess firearms of any description, spring-guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other forms of weapons or devices potentially inimical to wildlife or dangerous to human safety, or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, or any kind of trapping device, except as may be specifically permitted.

Violate the regulation that use of tables and benches follows the generally accepted rule of "first come, first served."

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.

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 those areas designated by Township of Neptune for those purposes.

Ride a horse except on designated bridle trails, where permitted. Horses shall be thoroughly broken and 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.

Bring alcoholic beverages or drink same at any time except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated and permitted by Township of Neptune.

Have in his/her possession, set or otherwise cause to explode, discharge, or burn, any fireworks, firecrackers, or explosives or flammable material, or discharge them or throw them into any such areas from lands or highways adjacent thereto.

Be responsible for the entry of a dog or other domestic animal into areas clearly marked by Township of Neptune signs bearing the words "Domestic Animals Prohibited in this Area". All domestic animals in those areas where such animals are permitted shall be adequately restrained at all times.

Solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated and permitted by Township of Neptune.

aa.

Build, or attempt to build, a fire except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by Township of Neptune. No person shall drop, throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, paper or other flammable material within any park or on any highways, roads, or streets abutting or contiguous thereto.

bb.

Gamble, participate in, or abet any game of chance except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by Township of Neptune.

cc.

Go onto the ice on any waters except such areas as are designated as skating areas and provided a safety signal is displayed.

dd.

Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.

ee.

Expose, or offer for sale, any article or thing, nor place any stand, cart, or vehicle for the transportation, sale, or display of any such article or thing. Exception is made for any permitted or licensed concessionaire acting by and under the authority and regulation of Township of Neptune.

ff.

Paste, glue, tack, or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect, or cause to be erected, any sign on any park lands or roads in any park.

gg.

Golf or engage in any activity that creates divots or damage to the surface of any ball field, park or recreational area.

hh.

Smoke, chew, or possess lighted cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, or any other type of tobacco and/or cannabis product.

ii.

Use or operate any grill including, but not limited to charcoal, propane, or electric grills.

jj.

Be in possession of any container made of glass.

kk.

Be in possession of or bring any type of balloon.

ll.

Be in possession of or bring any type of confetti, or material that will disperse on use or be thrown.

mm.

All refuse must be disposed of in receptacles provided by the Township for such purposes. If those receptacles are filled, refuse must be carried out of the park and disposed of appropriately.

nn.

While in the Skatepark and Pumptrack, all persons shall conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner. The following rules of conduct must be followed in addition to all other park conduct regulations:

Park hours: dawn to dusk.

Facilities are to be used at the participant's sole and exclusive risk; parks are not supervised.

Use only un-motorized, wheeled, recreational devices with wheel base less than 20 inches.

Proper safety equipment, including but not limited to, helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are required.

Always inspect the area before use.

Do not use if surface is wet, icy or snow covered.

Food, beverages, and gum is prohibited.

Possession of any container made of glass is prohibited.

Be responsible; exercise common sense.

10.

Be respectful and courteous of others. Fighting and foul language is strictly prohibited.

11.

Personal Ramps, boxes, rails or other similar items are not permitted.

12.

All refuse must be disposed of in receptacles provided by the Township for such purposes. If those receptacles are filled, refuse must be carried out of the park and disposed of appropriately.

13.

Do not willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, displace or remove any buildings, bridges, tables, benches, fireplaces, railings, paving materials, public utilities 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.

§ 23-2.2 Public Use and Availability of Park and Recreation Areas.

[Ord. No. 1688 § 2; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year dawn to dusk; Township-controlled lighted fields permitted until 10pm. The opening and closing hours for each individual park shall be posted therein for public information and shall be determined from time to time by resolution of Township of Neptune.

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap or other protected class be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in, any park facility, program, or activity.

Discrimination on the basis of residence, including preferential reservation, membership, or annual permit systems is prohibited except to the extent that reasonable differences in admission and other fees may be maintained on the basis of residence.

§ 23-2.3 Permits.

[Ord. No. 1688 § 3]

Permits for special events/activities in parks must be obtained by application to Township of Neptune in accordance with the following procedures:

Standards for issuance of a use permit by Township of Neptune shall include the following findings:

That the proposed activity or use of the park will not unreasonably interfere with, or detract from, the general public enjoyment of the park.

That the proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with, or detract from, the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and reaction.

That the proposed activity or uses that are reasonably anticipated will not include violence, crime or disorderly conduct.

That the facilities desired have not been reserved for other use at the date and hour requested in the application.

Within ten (10) days after the receipt of an application for permit, Township of Neptune shall apprise an applicant in writing of its reasons for refusing a permit, and provide for an appeal process.

A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in said permits.

The person(s) to whom the permit is issued shall be liable for all loss, damage, or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of the negligence of the person(s) to whom such permit shall have been issued. The Township of Neptune shall have the right to require any permittee to submit evidence of liability insurance covering injuries to members of the general public arising as a result of such permitted activities in such amounts as may be from time to time determined by Township of Neptune prior to the commencement of any activity or issuance of any permit.

Revocation. The Township of Neptune shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.

§ 23-2.4 Enforcement.

[Ord. No. 1688 § 4; amended 6-27-2022 by Ord. No. 22-21]

The Township of Neptune or its designated agents shall, in connection with their duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of this section.

The Township of Neptune or its designated agents shall have the authority to eject from the park area any person(s) acting in violation of this section.

The Township of Neptune or the designated agents shall have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing, or device in the park, or used, in violation of this section.

This section shall also be enforced by the Police Department of the municipality.

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