[Ord. #98-07]
It shall be unlawful for any person in a public park or recreation area to:
a. 
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.
b. 
Fail to cooperate in maintaining restrooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition.
c. 
Dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stones, trees, shrubs, or plants or other wood or material, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting or other means or agency.
d. 
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.
e. 
Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant or injure the bark, or pick flowers or seeds 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.
f. 
Walk, stand or sit upon monuments, vases, plants, fountains, railings, fences or upon other property not designated or customarily used for such purposes.
g. 
Tie or hitch an animal to any tree or plant.
h. 
No person shall hunt, molest, kill, wound, trap, abuse, shoot, pursue, or throw missiles at, remove, or have in his possession, any animals, reptile or bird found within a township park, nor disturb its habitat within a township park; or buy, receive, have in possession, sell or give away such animal, reptile, bird or eggs so taken, except as may be specifically provided for as being in accordance with State/Federal Fish and Game Laws.
i. 
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 thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of such waters.
j. 
Have brought in or shall dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, or refuse, or other trash. No such refuse or trash shall be placed in any waters in any park, or left any where on the grounds, 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 properly disposed of elsewhere.
k. 
Drive or park any vehicle on any area except the designated park roads or parking areas, or such areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary areas by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission.
l. 
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 parking areas from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted.
m. 
Ride a bicycle without reasonable regard to the safety of others.
n. 
Swim, bathe, or wade in any waters or waterways in any park, except in such waters and at such places as are provided therefor, and in compliance with township regulations. Nor shall any person frequent any waters or places customarily designated for the purpose of swimming or bathing, or congregate thereat when such activities are prohibited by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission upon a find that such use of the water could be dangerous or otherwise inadvisable.
o. 
Erect, maintain, or use or occupy on or in any beach or bathing area any tent, shelter, or structure of any kind nor shall any guy wire, rope, or extension brace or support be connected or fastened from any such structure to any other structure, stake, rock, or other outside object.
p. 
Shooting into park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden. No person shall carry or possess firearms of any description, or air-rifles, spring-guns, bow and arrows, slings 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, except as may be specifically provided for and being in accordance with State/Federal Fish and Game Laws.
q. 
Picnic or lunch in a place other than those designated for that purpose.
r. 
Violate the regulation that use of individual fireplaces together with tables and benches follows the generally accepted rule of "first come, first served."
s. 
Use any portion of the picnic area or any of the buildings or structures 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.
t. 
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.
u. 
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 house-trailer, camp-trailer, camp-wagon, or the like except in those areas designated by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission for this purpose.
v. 
Take part in or abet the playing of all games involving throwing or otherwise propelled objects such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins, horseshoes, quoits or model airplanes, except in those areas set apart for such form 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.
w. 
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.
[Ord. #98-07]
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:
a. 
Bring alcoholic beverages, drink same at any time nor shall any person be under the influence of intoxicating liquor in a park.
b. 
Have in his possession, or set or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn, any firecrackers, torpedo, rockets, or other fireworks, firecrackers, or explosives of inflammable material, or discharge them or throw them into any such areas from lands or adjacent highways. This prohibition includes 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 Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission, permits may be given for conducting properly supervised fireworks in designated park areas.
c. 
Be responsible for the entry of a dog or other domestic animal into areas clearly marked by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission 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 those areas where such animals are permitted shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than six feet in length. Leashed dogs shall be permitted on the walking trail and the undeveloped areas, but not on any of the playing fields.
d. 
Solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private.
e. 
Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission. No person shall 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.
f. 
Enter an area posted as "Closed to the Public," nor shall any person use, or abet in the use of any area in violation of posted notices.
g. 
Gamble, or participate in or abet any game of chance except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission.
h. 
Go onto the ice on any of the waters except such areas as are designated as skating fields, and provided a safety signal is displayed.
i. 
Upon request, fail to produce and exhibit any permit from the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission he claims to have to any authorized person who shall desire to inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any ordinance or rule.
j. 
Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any persons or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a permit.
k. 
Expose or offer for sale any article or thing, nor 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 regulation of the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission.
l. 
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 whatever on any park lands or highways or roads in any park.
[Ord. #98-07]
a. 
Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, parks shall be open to the public every day of the year during designated hours. The opening and closing hours for each individual park shall be posted for public information and shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Wantage Township Committee or Recreation Commission.
b. 
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap be excluded from participation in be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in any park facility, program, or activity.
c. 
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.
[Ord. #98-07]
Permits for special events in parks shall be obtained by application to the Wantage Township Recreation Commission in accordance with the following procedures:
a. 
A person seeking issuance of a permit shall file an application with the Wantage Township Recreation Commission stating:
1. 
The name and address of applicant.
2. 
The name and address of the person, persons, corporation, or associations sponsoring the activity; if any.
3. 
The day and hours for which the permit is desired.
4. 
The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired.
5. 
Any other information which the recreation commission shall find reasonably necessary for a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued hereunder.
b. 
Standards for issuance of a use permit by the Wantage Township Recreation Commission.
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 enjoyment of the park.
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 of police operation by the Police Department exercising jurisdiction over the park.
5. 
That the facilities desired have been reserved for other use at the date and hour requested in the application.
c. 
Within 30 days after receipt of the complete application, the Wantage Township Recreation Commission shall either issue the permit or deny their permit. In the event the permit is denied, the commission shall state its reasons in writing and serve a copy of the denial on the applicant by certified and regular mail. In the case of a denial, the party shall have the right to appeal to the Wantage Township Committee by serving written notice on the Wantage Township Clerk within seven days of the denial.
A copy of the notice shall also be served on the Wantage Township Recreation Commission within the same time and the commission shall immediately forward the application and the reasons for its refusal to the Wantage Township Committee which shall consider the application under the standard set forth under paragraph b and sustain or overrule the Wantage Township Recreation Commission's decision within 10 days from the receipt of the appeal by the Wantage Township Clerk. The decision of the Wantage Township Committee shall be final.
d. 
A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in permits.
e. 
The person or persons 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 or persons to whom such permit shall have been issued. The Wantage Township Recreation Commission 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 commission prior to the commencement of any activity or issuance of any permit.
f. 
Revocation. The Wantage Township Recreation Commission shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule, regulation or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.
[Ord. #98-07]
a. 
The Wantage Township Recreation Commission shall, in connection with their duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of these rules and regulations.
b. 
The Wantage Township Recreation Commission shall have the authority to eject from the park area any person or persons acting in violation of these rules and regulations.
c. 
The Wantage Township Recreation Commission shall have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing, or device in the park, or used in violation of these rules and regulations.
d. 
These rules and regulations shall also be enforced by any police department.
[Ord. #98-07]
Any persons violating any of the provisions of these regulations or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant hereto, shall upon conviction be subject to the replacement, repair or restoration of any damaged park property and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and in default of payment thereof may be sentenced to imprisonment in the county jail in the discretion of the judge for a term not exceeding 30 days.
[Ord. #98-07]
a. 
These rules may be changed or modified by the Wantage Township Committee or the Recreation Commission as the need arises.
b. 
These rules and regulations are in addition to and not derogation of any other regulation involving any of the subject matters contained in the within rules and regulations.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
The provisions herein relate to Lake Neepaulin and its tributaries and any and all public areas provided for public use within the jurisdiction of the Township of Wantage, hereinafter referred to as Lake Neepaulin and to all persons who enter upon or use said areas. The Township Committee of the Township of Wantage, in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey, is hereinafter referred to as the "Committee."
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOATING
Shall mean and include any means of conveyance on water by means of a boat or any other type of craft or device for any purpose.
FISHING
Shall mean either the taking of or pursuing or attempting the taking of fish at lawful times and in such lawful manner as may be permitted by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
SWIMMING
Shall mean and include bathing, wading, diving and floating, either self-supporting or with the aid of a flotation device.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
The Committee has provided a designated public area(s) to provide public access to Lake Neepaulin. All other property bordering Lake Neepaulin is private property and is not open to the public. The designated public area(s) is/are the only Lake Neepaulin access area open to the public for parking, launching of boats, parking of boat trailers or any other lawful activity at Lake Neepaulin.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
a. 
Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, Lake Neepaulin and the designated public area will be open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
b. 
Lake Neepaulin may be declared closed to the public by the Committee at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at a regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise), and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as the Committee shall find reasonably necessary.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
a. 
Boating.
1. 
Boats may be launched from any public access area. All boats used on Lake Neepaulin must conform to applicable laws of the State of New Jersey including, but not limited to, the requirements for occupant emergency flotation devices.
2. 
In accordance with laws of the State of New Jersey, only battery-powered electric motors may be used on boats operated on Lake Neepaulin.
b. 
Fishing.
1. 
Public fishing is permitted in Lake Neepaulin in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, including, but not limited to, the requirement for a freshwater fishing license, and in such manner as may be permitted by the laws of the State of New Jersey. Fishing shall be catch and release only. All fish shall be returned alive to the lake.
2. 
The Committee may curtail or strictly prohibit any or all fishing privileges authorized hereunder which it deems necessary for the conservation and preservation of fish or any other reasonable cause in which the best interest of the residents of the Township of Wantage is in any manner involved.
c. 
Swimming. Swimming is permitted at the sole risk of the swimmer. The Township shall not provide lifeguards or any other person to monitor swimmers or their safety.
d. 
Boat Storage. The Wantage Recreation Department may designate one or more areas on the Lake Neepaulin property for boat storage areas. The Township Clerk shall issue permits for boat storage in the designated areas, on a first come, first serve basis. Wantage residents may apply for permits from March 1. Nonresidents may apply for any available permits after April 15. Boat storage shall be permitted on the premises on a first come, first serve basis. All boat storage shall be at the risk of the boat owner. All boat storage permits shall expire on December 1st of the calendar year. Boat storage shall not be permitted on the property from December 1st until April 1st.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
a. 
The following activities shall be prohibited:
1. 
No person shall ice skate, ice fish or engage in any like activity.
2. 
No person shall willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with or displace or remove any tree, plant, building, bridge, table, bench, fireplace, railings, pavings, waterlines or other public utilities or parts or appurtenances thereof, signs, notices or placards, whether temporary or permanent, monuments, or other structures or equipment facilities or Township property or appurtenances whatsoever, either real, personal or private, without the specific authorization of the Committee.
3. 
No person shall construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any public utility into, upon or across such lands without the specific authorization of the Committee.
4. 
No person shall throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the waters of Lake Neepaulin or other body of water in or adjacent to any part of any tributary or stream, any substance, matter or thing, liquid, solid or gas which will or may result in the pollution of said waters, including, but not limited to, those materials designated as hazardous waste pursuant to the laws of the State of New Jersey.
5. 
No person shall dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, waste, garbage, refuse or other trash, and no such refuse shall be placed in any waters in or contiguous to Lake Neepaulin or left anywhere on the grounds thereof, but shall be placed in the proper receptacles where these are provided, and, where receptacles are not provided, all such rubbish shall be carried away from the lake areas and public access area by the person responsible for its presence and properly disposed of elsewhere.
6. 
No person shall drive any vehicle on any area except the designated road and the designated parking areas, nor leave a vehicle or boat parked overnight in the public access area(s), with the exception of Township and emergency vehicles.
7. 
No four-wheelers or all-terrain vehicles of any type shall be operated on or about the Lake Neepaulin property, including the frozen lake surface.
8. 
No person shall ride a bicycle on other than a vehicular road or path designated for that purpose or leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving or set against a tree or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.
9. 
No person shall indecently expose his or her person or dress or undress on any beach or public area or in any vehicle in the public access area(s).
10. 
No person shall operate any gasoline or diesel engine in Lake Neepaulin, except by the New Jersey State Fish and Game Commission or as may be expressly authorized by the Committee.
11. 
No person shall use any portion of the public access area(s) or of any building or structure therein for picnics or gatherings to the exclusion of other persons; nor shall any person use such facilities for an unreasonable time if the facilities are crowded.
12. 
No person shall take part in or abet the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects, such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins or model airplanes, except in areas designated for such forms of active recreation by the Committee.
13. 
No person shall possess or discharge any firearm, including air-powered guns (such as BB guns or pellet rifles) on Lake Neepaulin or in the public access area(s) or cause to discharge a weapon in the direction of any of the private residences abutting Lake Neepaulin.
14. 
No person shall possess any controlled dangerous substance or its analogue, as defined under the laws of the State of New Jersey or be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs while there.
15. 
No person shall solicit alms or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private.
16. 
No person shall build or attempt to build a fire, except in such areas as may be designated by the Committee and in conformance with the Forest Fire Service of the State of New Jersey. No person shall drop, throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes or cigars, tobacco or other flammable material within the public access area(s), or on any area contiguous thereto.
17. 
No person shall 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, including but not limited to parking in areas designated for the handicapped.
18. 
No person shall sleep or protractedly lounge overnight in the public access area(s) or on the lake or engage in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to a breach of the public peace.
19. 
No person shall expose or offer for sale any article or thing nor shall any person station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for the transportation or sale or display of any such articles or things without written consent of the Committee.
20. 
No person shall paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription whatsoever, except as authorized by the Committee.
21. 
No person shall grow, cultivate, plant or harvest any illegal plantings of a substance defined as a controlled and dangerous substance pursuant to the laws of the State of New Jersey.
22. 
No person shall trespass upon private lands abutting the lake or public access area(s) without the owner's authorization.
23. 
No person shall make any verbal or physical threats toward another person using Lake Neepaulin, the public access area(s), property abutting the lake and access area(s), or any person duly authorized by the Committee for enforcement or public safety.
24. 
No person shall harvest, keep or remove any fish or other inhabitant of the lake.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
Any person or entity whom shall violate any provision of this chapter, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $2,000, or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days or by a period of community service not to exceed 90 days. Any person who is convicted of violating any provision of this section within one year of the date of a previous violation of this same section and who was fined for the previous violation, shall be sentenced by a court to an additional fine as a repeat offender. The additional fine imposed by the court upon a person for a repeated offense shall not be less than the minimum or exceed the maximum fine fixed for a violation of the section, but shall be calculated separately from the fine imposed for the violation of the section.
[Ord. No. 2015-06]
All persons utilizing Lake Neepaulin are hereby on notice of potentially hazardous structures in the lake, including, but not limited to, structures that are submerged beneath the waterline, such as trees and branches. All persons utilizing the lake do so at their own risk.