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Borough of Thornburg, PA
Allegheny County
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Table of Contents
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[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974]
It is the intent, purpose and scope of this Part to regulate activities within Thornburg (hereinafter called "Borough") public park lands, recreation facilities and conservation areas within the Borough consistent with the enjoyment of such facilities and to prevent nuisances to the residents of the Borough in the use of such public park lands, recreation facilities or in the enjoyment of private property adjacent to or in the vicinity of such areas.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974]
1. 
No person, except those authorized by the Borough and conducting Borough business, shall, in recreation, park or conservation areas:
A. 
Injure, deface, disturb, befoul or in any manner destroy or cause to be destroyed any part of any recreation, park or conservancy site owned by or under the control of the Borough or any building, sign, structure, equipment, utility or other property found therein.
B. 
Remove, injure or destroy any tree, flower, shrub, plant or growing thing or any rock or other mineral.
C. 
Kill, trap, hunt, pursue or in any manner deliberately disturb or cause to be disturbed any wild bird or animal within the recreation, park and conservancy sites owned or operated by the Borough.
D. 
Throw, discharge or place or cause to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake 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 may result in the pollution of said waters; or dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, refuse or trash anywhere within the park and conservancy sites owned by or under the control of the Borough; but rather shall make use of proper receptacles where provided, and where not so provided, all such material shall be carried away from the park by the person responsible for its presence and properly disposed of elsewhere.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974]
1. 
Hours of Operation. Recreation, park and conservation areas shall be open daily to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, except that all facilities having outdoor lighting shall be open to the public, for their specifically intended purpose only, to 11:00 p.m. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, other than Borough officers or employees conducting Borough business therein, to occupy or be present in said park during any hours in which the park is not open to the public. Permits may be obtained for use after closing for specific activities. Any part of any park or recreation area may be declared closed to the public at any time and for any interval of time by a notice posted at the main entrance to the schoolhouse. During such periods of time it shall be unlawful to enter upon or occupy such areas or portions thereof contrary to posted notice.
2. 
Group Activity; Possession and/or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages.
A. 
Whenever any Thornburg group, association or organization desires to use recreation or park facilities for a particular purpose, which use would substantially interfere with the public's enjoyment of the facilities or where said group or organization is comprised of at least one-half nonresidents, a representative of said group, association or organization shall first obtain a permit for such use in designated areas from the Recreation Board. The Borough Council may adopt an application form to be used by the Recreation Board which may require an indemnity bond or other security to protect the Borough from any liability of any kind or character and to protect Borough property from damage. The Recreation Board shall grant the permit if it appears that the group, association or organization meets all of the conditions in the application.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession, custody or control any spiritous, malt, vinous or other alcoholic beverage, including beer, of any kind whatsoever, while in, on or occupying the Borough recreation or park facilities.
3. 
Use of Facilities. Facilities and areas in Borough recreation, park or conservancy sites shall be used only for the purposes designated or implicit in their character. Special activities including flying model airplanes, games, picnics, the operation of motor scooters, motorcycles, minibikes, go-carts, snowmobiles and similar vehicles shall be permitted only at locations or trails specifically designated for such use and at times established.
4. 
Motor Vehicles. All vehicles shall be parked in areas or places so provided and designated. Parking in places contrary to posted regulations and times is prohibited, and such vehicles may be removed by the Borough at the owner's expense. It shall be unlawful to clean, wash, repair or do any work whatsoever on private vehicles within recreation, park and conservation areas, except for emergency repairs, without a permit from the Recreation Board.
5. 
Fees. The Borough Council shall have the authority to issue a fee schedule for permits, set the amount of deposits and prescribe conditions under which deposits are collected or forfeited. Such revenue shall be used for recreation, park and conservation purposes within the general fund.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974]
1. 
The Borough Recreation Board is hereby authorized to:
A. 
Designate the areas and the time during which the various recreational activities and uses of the parks and recreational facilities shall be conducted.
B. 
Prescribe regulations for the use of various athletic fields, courts, recreational areas and picnic sites, which regulations shall be publicly displayed.
C. 
Prescribe regulations for the granting of permits or reservations for the use of the various athletic fields, courts, recreational areas and picnic sites which shall be issued on a first-come-first-served basis upon payment of such permit fee as may be established and be limited to the area for which said application shall be made.
D. 
Establish and set from time to time such schedule of permit and activity fees as it may reasonably determine to be necessary to defray the costs of issuing permits and monitoring the particular activity involved, subject to review and approval by the Borough Council.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974; as amended by Ord. 357, 12/13/1996; § 73-5; and by Ord. 387, 12/14/2009]
1. 
Fires and Fireworks. Fires may not be built or allowed anywhere in recreation, park or conservation areas except in stoves, fireplaces or designated areas provided for that purpose. Fireworks may not be used or exploded or burned at any time or place within the recreation, park or conservation areas.
2. 
Animals. It shall be unlawful for owners of domesticated animals to permit the same within recreation, park or conservation areas.
3. 
Gambling. Gambling is prohibited on or in recreation, park and conservation lands.
4. 
Merchandising, Advertising and Signs. No person shall, in any recreation, park or conservation area:
A. 
Offer for sale any article or thing nor place any stand, cart or vehicle for the display of any such article or thing except under the authority of the Recreation Board, by application and permit.
B. 
Announce, advertise or call the public attention in any way to any article or service for sale or hire.
C. 
Post any placard, bill, notice, sign, advertisement or inscription upon any structure, tree, stone, fence or thing within any recreation, park or conservation area or on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to any recreation, park or conservation area, except as provided in Part 12 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27] and that the Recreation Board may place informational signs within such areas.
5. 
Personal Conduct. It shall be unlawful for any person in any recreation, park or conservation area to:
A. 
Disturb the peace or use profane or obscene language.
B. 
Endanger the safety of any person by any conduct or act.
C. 
Commit any assault or battery or engage in fighting.
D. 
Carry, possess or drink any alcoholic beverage, including beer.
E. 
Violate any rule for the use of the park, recreation or conservation area made or approved by the Recreation Board.
F. 
Prevent any person from using any park or any of its facilities or interfere with such use in compliance with this Part and the rules applicable to such use.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974, § 73-6; as amended by Ord. 387, 12/14/2009]
The Borough Council and agents designated by it, primarily the Recreation Board, shall administer the provisions of this Part, including the establishment and collection of fees, preparation of application forms, issuance and revocation of permits and promulgation of rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Part and all other decisions relative thereto. The Borough Police and/or the Mayor shall have the authority to cause acts in violation of this Part to be terminated or to expel the perpetrators of such acts from the area or to call the Borough Police to arrest and detain such violators or to file a complaint for such violation with a magisterial district judge.
[Ord. 273, 6/10/1974, § 73-7; as amended by Ord. 357, 12/13/1996, § 73-7; and by Ord. 387, 12/14/2009]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this Part, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues shall constitute a separate offense. Where such violator has removed, destroyed, damaged or defaced or befouled the recreation, park and/or conservation area or the contents thereof, the cost of maintenance, repair or replacement shall be charged to such person or group in addition to any fine or penalty. Further use of such recreation and park facilities may be denied to violators of this Part, in addition to the imposition of fines or costs.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
The purpose of this Part is to provide standards for the regulation of dogs within the Thornburg Conservation Park by the following actions:
A. 
Creation of a permit system for those patrons who wish to use the Conservation Park with dogs, so as to protect and promote the public welfare by ensuring that permits are granted to those owners who have read and understand the regulations, and that expenses attending such use are defrayed by permit fees.
B. 
Creation of rules and regulations for owners of dogs who use the Conservation Park, so as to protect the well-being of all patrons of the Park.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
Wherever used in this Part, the following words shall have the meaning indicated:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
A designated officer, authorized to enforce the provisions of the Dog Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and of authorized to enforce the provisions of this Part.
APPLICANT
An owner or other guardian of a dog who has filed an application for a dog permit.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Thornburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
CONSERVATION PARK or PARK
The entire area presently dedicated as the Thornburg Conservation Park. No other Borough park falls within the definition of Conservation Park.
LEASH
A form of restraint, not to exceed eight feet in length, held by a responsible person or his agent, and attached to his or her dog.
OFF LEASH
To allow a dog to be without physical restraint from its owner or guardian, but remaining under the voice command of the owner or guardian.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
No person, resident or otherwise, shall allow his or her dog to be within the Conservation Park, without first having obtained a dog park permit from the Borough. A separate permit shall be required for each dog.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
Any owner of a dog who wishes to allow his or her dog to enjoy the Conservation Park must first obtain a dog park permit from the Borough. Permit applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
2. 
The permit must be displayed by the owner and the dog at all times while the dog is in the Park.
3. 
All dogs that are off leash in the Conservation Park are required to be under the voice command of their owners. The Borough reserves the right to immediately revoke the permit of any dog who attacks, jumps up or on, or otherwise threatens another dog, or a person or child while off leash or on leash.
4. 
Prior to the grant of a permit, the Borough will review the application, including information concerning the animal's vaccination status. Any dog that is not up-to-date with his rabies, distemper, or bordetella vaccines will not be granted a permit.
5. 
If an applicant is denied a permit, their dog may not enter the Conservation Park.
6. 
The enforcement of the permit system may be undertaken by the Animal Control Officer, the Crafton Police Department and/or any other individual designated by the Borough from time to time with the power to enforce this Part.
7. 
The permit is nontransferable, and must be returned to the Borough immediately upon disuse within the permit period.
8. 
All permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued, and automatically expire on December 31 of the current year. All permit holders must apply each year to obtain a permit.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
A permit shall be required for any dog to be brought into the Thornburg Conservation Park.
2. 
Every applicant for a permit shall complete a written application and submit it to the Borough Secretary. Applications are available from the Borough Secretary.
3. 
The applicant must provide proof of a current city or county dog license, and that his or her dog is up-to-date on all shots, including, but not limited to, DHLPP (distemper), bordetella (kennel cough) and rabies. All vaccines must remain current for the duration of the permit period. The applicant must submit information from the dog's veterinarian that the dog's shots are up-to-date, or a letter from a licensed veterinarian stating that the dog is unable to receive vaccinations for medical reasons.
4. 
The applicant shall include payment of a non-refundable permit fee.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
The Borough Secretary shall receive all applications and shall collect all permit fees as required by this Part. All fees should be determined by a fee schedule adopted and amended from time to time by resolution of Borough Council. Fees may be set in differing amounts depending on the applicant's residency. Council may limit the number of permits issued in any year as well as the number of permits per person or household.
2. 
The Borough Secretary shall transmit all applications to the Animal Control Officer, who shall indicate approval thereon. In the event of disapproval, the Animal Control Officer shall note the reasons therefore, a copy of which shall be sent to the applicant. Every permit shall automatically expire by limitation and become null and void on the first day of the next calendar year after which the permit has been issued.
3. 
The fees set by Borough Council shall not be modified based on the applicant's date of application.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
Dogs shall be allowed in the Conservation Park five days per week, such days to be designated by Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this Part. No dogs shall be permitted on leash or off leash on the remaining two days of the week.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
Enforcement of this Part may be performed by the following: the Mayor of the Borough of Thornburg, the Crafton Police Department, the Borough Animal Control Officer, and any other person appointed from time to time by the Borough to enforce the provisions of this Part.
2. 
The Borough Council may adopt rules and regulations, by way of resolution to assist in implementing, administering and enforcing this Part. When so adopted, such rules and regulations shall be part of and incorporated into this Part.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
Neither the issuance of a permit under the provisions of this Part nor the compliance with the provisions hereof or with any condition imposed by the Borough hereunder shall relieve any person from responsibility for damage to persons or property resulting therefrom or as otherwise imposed by law, nor impose any liability upon the Borough for damages to persons or property.
[Ord. 389, 2/14/2011, § II]
1. 
Any person violating any of the provisions of this Part, or the rules and regulations adopted by Borough Council to implement, administer and enforce this Part, shall be subject to having his or her permit(s) revoked as follows by Borough Council, and may not be eligible to apply for a future permit:
A. 
A permit may be revoked immediately for a serious violation involving actual harm to a person, dog or property.
B. 
A permit may be revoked upon the second violation within a twelve-month period for violations that do not involve actual harm to a person, dog or property.
C. 
Upon receiving a complaint regarding violation of this Part, the Mayor or other person designated by Council may initially revoke a permit. Borough Council shall make the final determination as to whether a permit is revoked.
2. 
In addition, any person who shall violate this Part, or the rules and regulations adopted by Borough Council to implement, administer or enforce this Part, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of up to $600, plus costs and in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.