[1976 Code § 4-20]
The purpose of this section is for the protection of public health, safety and the proper exercise of police power in the regulation and conservation of the woodlands and wildlife for the parks and recreation areas of the borough and for the general welfare of the borough's citizens.
[1976 Code § 4-20.2; amended 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021; 3-2-2026 by Ord. No. 3-2026]
As used in this section:
CONSERVATION AREAS
A conservation area shall be that areas within the Borough of Pitman designated and posted as "Pitman Conservation Area," and such other areas as shall be designated conservation areas and posted as such from time to time as determined by the Borough Council of the Borough of Pitman.
PARK AREA
Shall be any area within the Borough designated and posted as a park, including but not limited to those named in this chapter, as well as those areas containing lakes, other recreational facilities, playground equipment, or are known and described as the parks and playgrounds of the Borough of Pitman. Such areas may be posted from time to time as determined by the Mayor and Council and described with specific names.
PARK NAMES
Are known and described as follows: Shertel Park, Alcyon Park, Betty Park, Glen Lake Park and area, Ballard Park, Hollywood Dell, and such other park areas as may be added from time to time by the Mayor and Council.
[1976 Code § 4-20.3; Ord. No. 7-2017]
Unless by specific permission of the Mayor and Borough Council or its designee, no person shall in any of the park areas perform or do any of the following:
a. 
Ride a motor vehicle on other than paved vehicular roads or park such vehicle in other than established or designated parking areas.
b. 
Ride a minibike, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, go-cart or other motorized equipment within the park area.
c. 
Ride a bicycle, skateboard or roller blades on other than a paved vehicular road or path designated for that purpose or leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving, or set against trees, or in any place or position where another person may trip over or be injured by it. A helmet and head, elbow and kneepads must be worn when roller-blading, roller-skating or skateboarding. When bicycling, a helmet shall be worn in accordance with state law.
d. 
Engage in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language.
e. 
Carry, possess, dispense, consume or be under the influence of any alcoholic liquors, including wines, beers and alcohols, or any controlled dangerous substance.
f. 
Gamble or participate or abet in any game of chance.
g. 
Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any road, walkway or parking area.
h. 
Play any audio device when audible beyond its immediate vicinity to the annoyance of others.
i. 
Damage, cut, carve or remove any tree, shrub or vegetation or pick the flowers or seeds of any tree, shrub or other vegetation.
j. 
Feed, hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, chase, tease, shoot or throw any missile at any animal or bird, or have in one's possession the young of any wild animal or the eggs or nest of any birds.
k. 
Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, displace or remove any building, bridge, dam, table, bench, fireplace, railing, paving, or paving material, waterline or other public utility or paths 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 public property or appurtenances whatsoever.
l. 
Dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, earth or other landfill material, automobile parts, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage or refuse or other trash on any land or in any water covered by this section, or fail to place such materials in a receptacle placed for such purpose.
m. 
Throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake or stream or other body of water in or adjacent to any part of any tributary, stream, storm sewer or drain flowing into such water any substance or thing, liquid or solid, living or nonliving.
n. 
Drop, throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco, paper or other inflammable materials or light, build, kindle or maintain any fire except in places provided for such purposes. Fires in the provided places must be extinguished when leaving the area.
o. 
Expose or offer for sale any article or thing or station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for transportation, sale or display of any such article.
p. 
Paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription, whether temporary or permanent, on any tree, post or any property in the park.
q. 
Engage in golfing or the throwing of a javelin, discus or shot put or archery.
r. 
Dig, trench or excavate by tool, blasting or other means any earth or other materials from the area.
s. 
Permit any dogs (except Service dogs) or other furred animals in any playground area, athletic field, in Ballard Park, or Borough owned and maintained flower bed(s) along First Avenue, unless authorized by an Event Permit. Owners are responsible for the proper disposal of the animal's droppings in areas where such animals are permitted. All furred animals, where permitted, shall be leashed. (See Chapter 5, Animal Control, for specific regulations pertaining to control of dogs and disposal of pet waste.)
t. 
Ride horseback in any park area.
[1976 Code § 4-20.4]
Public lakes and streams within the Borough shall be available to the public for fishing at lawful times and in such manner as may be permitted by the State of New Jersey. All fishing privileges authorized hereunder may be from time to time curtailed or prohibited by Mayor and Borough Council upon proper posting in any fishing areas.
[1976 Code § 4-20.4A,a]
Detailed rules and regulations concerning the use of tennis courts and basketball courts located at Shertel Park shall be promulgated by the Recreation Commission. The Recreation Commission shall provide for hours, the policing of same, the reservation of the courts, priority of use and such other requirements. Such rules and regulations shall not become effective until promulgated by the Recreation Commission and approved by ordinance of the Mayor and Borough Council.
[1967 Code § 4-20.4B,a]
As used in this section:
ALCYON PARK
Shall be known as Alcyon Lake and the area of Borough owned land known as Block 219, Lots 1 and 2.
BETTY PARK
Shall be known as the area of borough-owned land between Cedar Avenue, Alcyon Lake and Lake Avenue, known as Block 177, Lots 1 and 7 on the Tax Map of the Borough of Pitman.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,b]
Use of the athletic fields is restricted to Pitman residents and their guests. Scheduling of the fields shall be the responsibility of the Recreation Department.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,c]
The park shall be open during daylight hours only, weather permitting. Use of the athletic fields beyond these hours must be approved by the Recreation Director. Activities using the lighting system must conclude by 10:00 p.m.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,d]
The Recreation Commission may limit or close to the public use specific areas or facilities of the park whenever such action is deemed necessary for proper management and operation and/or in the best interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,e]
A person shall not start or maintain any charcoal or open fire except in areas specifically designated for that purpose. Any such fires shall not be left unattended and shall be extinguished and cool to the touch before being unattended. No portable charcoal or propane grills may be brought into the park without the written approval of the Police Chief.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,g]
Launching of boats and canoes is permitted only at areas designated for that purpose. Boats and conveyances powered by gasoline motors are prohibited. Boats powered by a single electric motor of 36 pounds thrust or less are permitted, subject to applicable state regulations. All boats must be equipped with an approved personal flotation device for each person on board. All boats and motors must be registered with the Borough of Pitman at the municipal offices and must display the appropriate registration decal. No boat shall be operated in a manner that will cause alarm, personal injury or property damage. No boat may be left in Alcyon Lake overnight.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,i]
Fishing in Alcyon Lake is permitted during the hours of operation of the park and subject to the laws and licensing requirements of the State of New Jersey.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,j]
Ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and similar winter activities are permitted only in areas specifically designated for that purpose and at the sole risk of the individual.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,k]
Groups of 20 or more persons wishing to use the picnic pavilion must make a reservation with the Recreation Commission at least five days prior to the intended use. A cash security deposit is required with the reservation. If the facility is left in an acceptable condition, the deposit will be refunded. Each such group shall have one adult supervisor for each nine children under age 18.
[1976 Code § 4-20B,l]
Use of the amphitheater must be reserved with the Recreation Department at least five days prior to the intended use.
[1976 Code § 4-20.5]
Permits for special events in areas regulated by this chapter shall be obtained by application to the Recreation Commission in accordance with the following procedure, except for the Grove Circle Auditorium and Sunset Auditorium, for which area permits shall be obtained by application to the Borough Clerk.
[1976 Code § 4-20.5a]
Any persons seeking issuance of a permit hereunder shall file an application with the Recreation Commission stating:
a. 
The name and address of the applicant.
b. 
The name and address of the person, persons, corporation or association sponsoring the activity, if any.
c. 
The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
d. 
The part or portion of Borough grounds for which such permit may be desired.
e. 
An estimate of the anticipated attendance.
f. 
The particular use for which the area is sought.
g. 
Any other information upon which the Recreation Commission feels is reasonably fair to make a determination as to whether or not the permit should be issued.
[1976 Code § 4-20.5b]
The Recreation Commission shall issue a permit hereunder when it finds the following:
a. 
That the proposed activity or use of the park area will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the area.
b. 
That the proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and recreation.
c. 
That the proposed activity and use is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct.
d. 
That the proposed activity will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense by the Police Department or other agency of the Borough.
e. 
That the facilities desired have not been otherwise reserved for some specific day and hour previously under another application.
[1976 Code § 4-20.6]
Within five days after receipt of an application, the recreation commission shall appraise an applicant in writing of its reasons for refusing a permit, and the aggrieved person shall have the right to appeal in writing within five days to the Mayor and Borough Council, which body will then consider the application under the standards set forth in this section and sustain or overrule the recreation commission. Such matter shall be heard at the nearest council meeting for determination.
[1976 Code § 4-20.7]
Any person receiving a permit shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully, as though the same were inserted in such permits.
The person to whom a permit shall be issued shall be liable for any loss, damage or injuries sustained by any person whatsoever by reason of the negligence of the person to whom such permit shall have been issued.
The Recreation Commission shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon the finding of any violation of any rule, ordinance or upon good cause shown.
[1976 Code § 4-20.8]
This chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department or any person authorized by the Borough. Any person convicted of violating any provisions of this chapter or any regulation or rule promulgated hereunder shall be liable to the penalty stated in Chapter 1, Section 1-5.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021]
The conservation area shall include Block 141 Lot 5, Block 140 Lots 2, 14, 15, and 16 of the Tax Map of the Borough of Pitman.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021; amended 3-2-2026 by Ord. No. 3-2026]
The conservation area shall be open during sunrise to sunset, weather permitting.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021; amended 3-2-2026 by Ord. No. 3-2026]
The Recreation Director may limit or close to the public use specific areas or facilities of the conservation area whenever such action is deemed necessary for proper management and operation and/or in the best interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021; amended 3-2-2026 by Ord. No. 3-2026]
A person shall not start or maintain any charcoal or open fire except in areas specifically designated for that purpose. Any such fires shall not be left unattended and shall be extinguished and cool to the touch before being unattended. No portable charcoal or propane grills may be brought into the conservation area without the written approval of the Fire Official.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021]
Overnight camping in any section of the conservation area is prohibited.
[Added 12-27-2021 by Ord. No. 16-2021]
Unless by specific permission of the Mayor and Borough Council or its designee, no person shall engage in any activities in the conservation prohibited in the parks of the Borough and enumerated in § 16-3.1a-t.