[1978 Code § 25-2; Ord. No. 689 § 1]
DIRECTOR
Shall mean the Director of Parks & Recreation of the Township of Sparta.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Shall mean all on-road and off-road vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, mini-bikes, mopeds, go-carts, dune buggies, and dirt bikes, and any other similar motor vehicles of the type that is normally used on land for recreation, entertainment or pleasure.
RECREATION AREA
Shall mean any property owned or leased by the Township which is dedicated for open space and recreation purposes and which is open to the public either without charge or on a fee basis. The term includes, but is not limited to playgrounds, parks, ballfields, swimming areas, beaches, natural education facilities, and any paths, roadways, sidewalks, and parking areas therein or adjacent thereto.
[1978 Code § 25-3; Ord. No. 689 § 1]
The rules and regulations promulgated herein shall apply to public parks, playgrounds and recreational areas, and where applicable to other lands owned or controlled by the Township and devoted to public recreational use or purpose.
[1978 Code § 25-4.1; Ord. No. 689 § 2]
Except as otherwise posted, all recreation areas shall open at sunrise and shall close 1/2 hour after sunset. No person shall enter upon or remain within a recreation area except during hours of operation.
[1978 Code § 25-4.2, 3; Ord. No. 689 § 2]
a. 
Master schedule. The Director of Parks & Recreation shall maintain a master schedule for the reserved use of all recreation facilities.
b. 
Applications for Reserving Facilities. Applications for reserved use of facilities may be obtained at the office of the Director of Parks & Recreation or other designated locations. Applications shall be completed in full and returned at such times as may be designated by established rules and regulations.
[1978 Code § 25-6; Ord. No. 689 § 4; amended 11-22-2022 by Ord. No. 22-16; 12-10-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-20]
All recreation areas shall be open to the general public unless specifically restricted by action of the Township Council. The Township Council shall have the power to establish fees for use of all facilities. For those facilities open to the general public, the Township Council shall have the power to establish higher fees for nonresidents than for residents.
Type
Minimum
Maximum
Recreation Division
Summer recreation day camp registration fee - weekly*
$35
$300
Creative Kids Camp (Summer Program)*
$10
$300
Adult leagues (basketball softball and mushball)*
$150
$450
Other program fees*
$5
$300
Pre-school (yearly)*
$1,000
$2,700
Senior Division
Program fees*
$5
$300
Senior trips **based on location and length of trip
Vary**
Facility Rental Fees
Station Park, Sparta Glen, Tyler Park, Edison Park - per day
$50
$500
Recreation facility: per usage
$50
$400
Field light fee: per usage
$25
$500
Memorial Trees and Benches
Memorial trees
$450
$750
Memorial benches
$1,800
$2,000
*
All programs are self-sustaining and fees are determined based on the program costs.
[1978 Code § 25-4, 25-9; Ord. No. 689 § 2,9]
a. 
The Director of Parks & Recreation shall have the power to promulgate and publish rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter governing activities and programs sponsored by the Department of Parks & Recreation and for the safety and well being of the general public, subject to review by the Township Manager.
b. 
It shall be the duty of the Township Manager through the Chief of Police and Recreation Director to enforce the provisions of this chapter. It shall be unlawful for any person to disobey the directive of any person supervising any public park or recreation area or to disobey the direction of any sign, or to deface, destroy, or remove any such sign.
[1978 Code § 25-7.1, 7.2, 25-8; Ord. No. 689 § 5, 6, 7]
a. 
Ejection from Area. The Director, any park attendant, and any Police Officer shall have the authority to eject from any recreation area, any person acting in violation of this chapter.
b. 
Seizure and Confiscation of Property. The Director, any park attendant, and any Police Officer shall have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing, or device in a recreation area if the possession or use of such property, thing, or device is prohibited.
c. 
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be liable to the penalty stated in Chapter 1, Section 1-5. The Municipal Court shall have the power to ban a violator from entering upon or using the recreation area until the further order of the court, upon petition, and for good cause shown.
[Ord. No. 2018-06 § 2; 1978 Code § 25-5; Ord. No. 689 § 3; New; Ord. No. 2018-06]
No person or persons in a public park or recreation area shall:
a. 
Ride or drive any motor vehicle except on established roads and ways, and then only at posted speeds.
b. 
Enter upon any portions of the grounds in disregard of signs or posted notices forbidding such entry.
c. 
Disturb or interfere with any improvements made or being made in or about the parks or drives.
d. 
Park a vehicle in other than an established or designated parking area.
e. 
Leave a vehicle standing or parked at night in established parking areas, or elsewhere in the park area.
f. 
Park any type of wheeled vehicle in a parking area designated for the use of handicapped persons unless such vehicle is identified with a special state license plate issued to handicapped persons.
g. 
Ride or drive any off-road vehicle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), mini-bike or dirt bike.
h. 
Ride, hitch or walk horses except with written consent of the Department of Parks & Recreation.
i. 
Allow any animals in any park or recreational area unless specifically designated by the Director.
j. 
Kill, injure or disturb any animal or bird, or have in his possession the young of any wild animal, or the eggs or nest or young of any reptile or bird; or damage any grass, trees, shrubs, plants, soil, rocks, sand, buildings, sign structure, or equipment upon any premise under the jurisdiction of the Township.
k. 
Carry or use firearms or explosives, fireworks, air rifles, bows and arrows, sling shots or any weapon. At the discretion of the Mayor and Council, a permit for a properly supervised fireworks display, in accordance with all applicable State statutes, may be issued as set forth in Section 4-18 and the Township Code.
l. 
Scatter litter or any form of waste material, or break, throw, or place any glass on lawns, walks, roads, benches, tables, wooded, or other areas on any park property.
m. 
Have glass bottles or containers of any type without written permission from the Department of Parks & Recreation.
n. 
Use park or recreational area trash receptacles for personal refuse removal or dumping of materials other than those generated from picnic use at the time of that particular visit.
o. 
Throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the water of any pond, lake, stream, or other body of water in or adjacent to any park or tributary stream, storm sewer, or drain flowing into such water any substance matter, or things, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of such waters.
p. 
Swim, bathe, or wade in any waters or waterways in or adjacent to any park except in such waters and such places as are provided therefore and in compliance with such regulations and hours as are hereinafter adopted.
q. 
Occupy any grounds for picnic parties, assemblages, business or entertainment except those designated by the Department of Parks & Recreation.
r. 
Have alcoholic beverages in one's possession except by obtaining a permit from the Township Police, nor shall any person in the park be under the influence of intoxicating beverages at any time.
s. 
Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.
t. 
Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas under regulations as may be designated. No person shall drop, throw, or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco, paper, or other flammable material within any park or on any highways, roads, or streets abutting or contiguous thereto.
u. 
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 areas by the picnicker to be properly disposed of elsewhere.
v. 
No person shall launch, land, use or operate any boat, canoe, raft, or other water craft in or on any waters within or adjacent to any open space and recreation area unless such body of water shall have been designated by the Director for such purpose. Such activity shall be in accordance with regulations as have been or may hereafter be adopted.
w. 
No person shall fish in any waters whether by the use of a hook and line, net, trap, or other device except in waters designated by the Director for that use and under such regulations and restrictions as have been or may hereafter be adopted.
x. 
No person in any open space and recreation area shall engage in boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting, or indecent language or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to cause a breach of public peace.
y. 
Throw, cast, catch, kick, fly or strike any baseball, golf ball, football, basketball, model airplane or other object except in designated and approved places.
z. 
Loiter during any part of the period between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise, or permit a vehicle to remain standing for a longer period than five minutes except when its occupants are attending a gathering or function held under a permit.
aa. 
Coast with hand sleds, bob sleds, skis, carts, or other vehicles on wheels or runners except in those places designated.
bb. 
Sell, vend, or give away in or upon any of the parks or drives, any articles of merchandise whatever without the express written permission of the Director of Parks & Recreation Department.
cc. 
Solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private without the express written permission of the Director of Parks & Recreation Department.
dd. 
Gamble or participate or abet any game of chance in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Director.
ee. 
Paste, glue, tack, or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatever, nor shall any sign whatever be placed on highways or roads adjacent to the park, except in areas designated.
[1978 Code § 3-5.1; New]
The following additional regulations shall apply to the Sparta Glen.
a. 
The Glen shall be open and maintained from May 1 through October 15 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. After October 15 the Glen will remain open, weather permitting.
b. 
The speed limit within the Glen shall be 15 miles per hour.
c. 
Motorcycles and horses are prohibited within the Glen.
d. 
No person in the Glen shall dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stone, trees, shrubs, plants, or other wood materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency.
e. 
No person in the Glen shall damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plants, or injure the bark, pick flowers or seeds of any tree or plant, dig in, or otherwise disturb grass areas, or in any other way injure the natural beauty or usefulness of the area.
f. 
Dogs may be walked in the Glen but will not be allowed to run at large. Any dog shall be deemed to be running at large unless the owner of the dog carries, or leads the dog, in designated areas, by a strap or rope not exceeding six feet in length, or unless such owner keeps such dog in an automobile or vehicle, or causes such dog to be attached to such automobile or other vehicle by a chain, rope or strap not exceeding six feet in length.
g. 
Overnight camping is prohibited unless a permit is obtained through the Parks & Recreation Department and a copy brought to the Police Department.
h. 
Hunting is prohibited in the Glen.
[New]
The following additional regulations shall apply to Station Park, the Library Mini-Park and Ungerman Field.
a. 
Reservation of picnic facilities are limited to specified areas as designated on the permit.
b. 
A "carry in, carry out" policy for groups shall be enforced.
c. 
Athletic field lights will remain on until 10:30 p.m. New innings may not be started after 10:00 p.m.
d. 
No field maintenance shall be performed by anyone other than the Parks Department staff or those individuals designated by the Director.
[New]
The following additional regulations shall apply to Tyler Park and Edison Park.
a. 
Tennis courts shall be used for the express purpose of playing tennis.
b. 
No person shall enter upon any court surface unless such person is wearing tennis shoes or sneakers.
c. 
No person shall do any act which may cause damage to the surface, nets, fencing or any other part of the tennis courts or surrounding property.
d. 
Both parks enforce a "carry in, carry out" policy in regards to garbage.
[New]
The following additional regulations shall apply to the White Lake Beach Club.
a. 
Participation in the White Lake Beach Club is by membership only unless otherwise stated by the Parks & Recreation Department.
b. 
A Waterfront Director shall be employed by the Parks & Recreation Department for the purpose of enforcing the day to day operations of the facility.
c. 
All members must abide by the rules and regulations posted at the site as established by the Parks & Recreation Department and the New Jersey Department of Health State Sanitary Code for Public Recreational Bathing.
d. 
This facility enforces a "carry in, carry out" policy in regards to garbage.
e. 
Parking is in designated areas only.
[Ord. No. 04-04 § 1]
No person shall enter or utilize the Skate Park except in accordance with the following rules and regulations:
a. 
All persons entering the Skate Park are deemed to have acknowledged that the Skate Park is an unsupervised activity site designed for skateboarding and inline skating only, and that all use of the Skate Park is at the risk of the user.
b. 
Skateboarding is prohibited outside of the enclosed Skate Park.
c. 
All persons entering the Skate Park are deemed to have agreed to indemnify, defend and save harmless the Township of Sparta, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers for, from and against accident, injury, including death, and/or loss of property or damage thereto sustained as result of using the Skate Park.
d. 
All persons entering the Skate Park are deemed to have knowledge that the Township of Sparta is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
e. 
All persons entering the Skate Park are required to use personal protective equipment (including, but not limited to, helmet, elbow and knee pads) at all times during use of the Skate Park.
f. 
Use of any and all motorized and non-motorized vehicles within the Skate Park, including (without limitation) bicycles, tricycles, unicycles and scooters, is strictly prohibited. Use of the Skate Park is limited to non-motorized skateboard and inline skates.
g. 
No food, beverages or glass containers are permitted within the Skate Park (with the sole exception of water contained in plastic water bottles).
h. 
No alcoholic beverages, tobacco in any form, or illegal drugs are permitted within the Skate Park.
i. 
No pets are permitted within the Skate Park.
j. 
No one may enter or use the Skate Park during the time it is closed due to rain, snow or the occurrence of an event conducted under a permit issued by the Recreation Commission or Coordinator unless the person is participating in said event.
k. 
No one may enter or use the Skate Park during the time that it is closed for routine maintenance.
l. 
The Skate Park shall be closed from 1/2 hour after sunset or 8:00 p.m., whichever is earlier, until 9:00 a.m. the following day. No one shall enter the Skate Park during the aforesaid hours.
m. 
No ramps, obstacles or other devices not provided by the Township (including, but without limitation, benches and tables) may be taken into or used within the Skate Park.
n. 
Amplified music is not permitted within the Skate Park without the express approval of the Recreation Commission or Coordinator. Other music is permitted, provided that the volume is maintained at a reasonable level and is not audible at a distance of 50 feet from the sound device.
o. 
Express approval by the Recreation Commission or coordinator is required for any and all competitive and demonstration events at the Skate Park.
p. 
All persons using the Skate Park shall adhere to all other rules and regulations governing Township field/parks and property set forth in this chapter.
q. 
Any person violating any rule or regulation set forth in this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 1, Section 1-5, General Penalties of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of Sparta.