Chapter 17: Park Rules and Regulations

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

Land or water in the City of Bowie (the "City") which the City owns or in which it holds a leasehold or easement interest and which is managed by the City for the use and benefit of the public for recreational purposes and/or the protection or maintenance of wildlife habitats or natural, scenic or historical properties.

§ 17-2 Park rules.

[Amended by Ord. No. O-2-01, effective 3-7-2001; Ord. No. O-7-05, effective 6-2-2005; Ord. No. O-8-06, effective 11-2-2006; Ord. No. O-1-12, effective 4-18-2012]

The following are adopted as the City park rules:

Persons in and on park property shall comply with official signs of a prohibitory or directory nature and, during emergencies, shall comply with the directions of authorized individuals.

Fires. Fires are allowed in fireplaces only, or in other authorized locations, as follows:

(1)

Private grills may be used in designated family areas without a City permit and may be used in designated pavilions and group areas upon the issuance of a City permit; provided, however, that no private grill with a cooking surface area exceeding six square feet and other specialized cooking equipment may be used except in designated pavilions and group areas and upon the issuance of a permit. The City Manager or his designee shall establish standards for the issuance of a permit for private grills with cooking surface areas exceeding six square feet and other specialized cooking equipment. The use of oil fryers and steamers in City parks is prohibited except as allowed by permit.

(2)

All fires must be extinguished upon departure.

(3)

No person shall leave a fire, hot grill or hot ashes unattended for any reason. The term "unattended" as used in this subsection shall mean that there is no responsible person at least 18 years old within 10 feet of the fire, hot grill or hot ashes.

All trash shall be placed in appropriate containers.

The use of, or carrying of, firearms and any other dangerous or deadly weapons by any person other than a duly authorized law enforcement officer is prohibited.

Abuse of animal life is prohibited.

Unauthorized sale of tickets is prohibited. Authorization for sale of tickets may be obtained by individuals, groups or organizations by completing, in writing, the special authorization form that is issued by the City upon request. The City Manager has the authority to deny all requests if, in his opinion, the sale of tickets at the time or place or in the manner or circumstances specified in the permit application will impair the public health, safety or welfare.

Alcoholic beverages.

(1)

The consumption of alcoholic beverages without a valid City permit or in violation of permit conditions is prohibited.

(2)

Unauthorized sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages in violation of applicable county, state and federal law is prohibited.

(3)

Authorization for sale of alcoholic beverages or consumption in park areas of alcoholic beverages may be obtained by individuals, groups or organizations by completing, in writing, the special authorization form that is issued by the City upon request. The City Manager has the authority to deny all requests if, in his opinion, the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages at the time or place or in the manner or circumstances specified in the permit application will impair the public health, safety or welfare.

A person may not act in a disorderly manner to the disturbance of the public in any City park or in any parking lot thereof, or in any vehicle thereon. Disorderly conduct shall include but is not limited to engaging in sexual intercourse, exposing oneself, urinating or defecating outside of City provided restrooms, abusive language or immoral or indecent acts.

Unauthorized solicitation of money for any reason is prohibited. Authorization for solicitation of money may be obtained by individuals, groups, or organizations by completing, in writing, the special authorization form that is issued by the City upon request. The City Manager has the authority to deny all requests if, in his opinion, the solicitation of money at the time or place or in the manner or circumstances specified in the permit application will impair the public health, safety or welfare.

Destruction of property, which includes, but is not limited to, cutting down of trees and abuse of plants, the throwing of any type of missile for the purpose of destruction or possible destruction of property, or jeopardizing the safety and welfare of park users or park employees is prohibited.

Unauthorized operation of concessions is prohibited. Authorization for the operation of concessions may be obtained by individuals, groups, or organizations by completing, in writing, the special authorization form that is issued by the City upon request. The City Manager has the authority to deny all requests if, in his opinion, the operation of a concession at the time or place or in the manner or circumstances specified in the permit application will impair the public health, safety or welfare.

Pets.

(1)

Pets are permitted in City parks so long as they are kept on leashes or under similar restraints, except in parks duly designated by the City Council as dog parks in which dogs are permitted to be free of restraints; provided, however, that:

(a)

Pets, other than dogs trained to assist the physically handicapped and dogs in police canine units, are prohibited at Allen Pond Park at the Fourth of July celebration and other celebrations where fireworks are present. Notice of a prohibition shall be given to the public not later than 14 days prior to an event, or as soon as practicable, in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and on Channel 10B, Bowie Cable Public Access Channel; and

(b)

Owners of pets are responsible for the immediate cleanup and removal and disposal in a lawful manner of pet waste; in designated dog parks, no person shall deposit or throw any garbage, sewage, refuse, waste, foodstuffs, paper, bottles or other litter or obnoxious material, or things liquid or solid, except in receptacles provided for such purpose, and the owner or custodian of every dog permitted in the park shall promptly remove and properly dispose, in a receptacle provided for such purpose, of all excrement deposited by such dog in the park.

(2)

The City Manager is authorized to promulgate regulations governing the use of City dog parks by members of the public to ensure that such parks are maintained in a sanitary and nuisance-free condition.

Trespassing in performance and athletic areas while events are in progress is prohibited.

Drivers of all vehicles in or on park property shall drive in a safe and careful manner at all times and shall comply with the signals and directions of City staff and all posted traffic signs.

There shall be no discrimination by segregation or otherwise against any person or persons because of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin, in furnishing or by refusing to furnish to such person or persons the use of any facility of a public nature, including all services, privileges, accommodations and activities provided thereby on property.

The unauthorized erection of signs or billboards and the posting or distribution of pamphlets, handbills and flyers is prohibited without the prior approval of the City Manager or his designee.

Ball fields are available by permit only.

Swimming, camping and horseback riding are prohibited.

No powered model airplane, rocket, watercraft or similar device shall be flown or launched from on any park area.

Use of sound amplification equipment (i.e., P.A. systems or loud car stereos, etc.) is prohibited, except by special permit.

It is unlawful to ride a bicycle on other than a paved vehicular road or path designed for that purpose.

Ice skating shall be prohibited except under conditions prescribed by the City Manager.

No person shall be on park property from sunset to sunrise unless that park property facility is officially open for public use.

No boat or watercraft is allowed on lakes, streams, or ponds on any park property except by permit. Operators and occupants of permitted watercraft shall comply with all local, state and federal regulations governing the use and operation of watercraft.

Fishing is permitted only in designated areas and in compliance with Maryland state angler's license requirements.

Golf practice is prohibited.

AA.

All requests for use of specific park facilities, such as athletic fields, picnic areas, lakes, streams, rivers, amphitheaters, tennis courts, multipurpose courts, tot lots, zoos, gazebos, park shelters, parking lots and open space areas, by individuals, groups or organizations for the purpose of monopolizing all or part of the park facilities must be made in writing to the City Manager.

[Amended 11-18-2024 by Ord. No. O-9-24]

BB.

The unauthorized erection or construction of a canopy or tent on park property is prohibited. Authorization for the erection or construction of a canopy or tent on park property may be obtained by individuals, groups or organizations by completing, in writing, the specific authorization form that is issued by the City upon request. The City Manager has the authority to deny all requests if, in his opinion, the erection or construction of a canopy or tent at the time or place or in the manner specified in the permit application will impair the public health, safety or welfare.

CC.

Camping is prohibited in City parks.

DD.

Skateboards, in-line skates and bicycles.

(1)

The use of skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles, scooters, and other similar equipment is prohibited on park benches, retaining walls, curbs, stairs, and the amphitheater stage, except that skateboards and in-line skates may be used in the City sSkate Park in accordance with Subsection DD(2) and (3) of this section. The application of skateboard wax, grind wax, or any similar substance on City property is prohibited.

(2)

The use of skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles, scooters, and other similar equipment is prohibited in park parking lots and upon park roadways in any manner so as to interfere with vehicular traffic or to cause unsafe conditions for park users and pedestrians.

(3)

Skate Park rules.

(a)

Users of the skate park do so at their own risk; the City will not be responsible for injury to persons or property as a result of the use of or presence in the Skate Park of any person.

(b)

All users of the Skate Park must wear helmets conforming to the standards set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The City strongly encourages the use of elbow pads, kneepads, and wrist guards.

(c)

No person may be in the Skate Park during hours that the park is closed. Specific hours shall be set by the City Manager or his designee and users are expected to inquire at City Hall if they are in doubt as to whether the facility is closed.

(d)

No unauthorized ramps, grind rails, or other structures or objects may be placed in or on City park property, including in or on the Skate Park or its facilities. Unauthorized structures or equipment found in or on City park property shall be deemed abandoned and may be removed and immediately discarded by the City.

(e)

Only nonmotorized equipment shall be permitted in the Skate Park.

EE.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to abrogate any other City laws or regulations, or any federal, state or local laws or regulations applicable to any area in which property is situated.

§ 17-3 Permits; fees.

[Amended by Ord. No. O-2-01, effective 3-7-2001]

Fees for use or activity permits required by § 17-2 of this chapter will be established in the City budget.

All permits for use of facilities must be signed by an official or responsible member of the petitioning group and by the City Manager or his designee prior to issuance.

A permit may be revoked and future permits denied if improper use of park facilities is determined.

A permit for use of facilities may be revoked by the City Manager in the event of inclement weather if, in the opinion of the City Manager, the facilities to be used will be damaged in any way.

§ 17-4 Parking in parks.

[Amended by Ord. No. O-2-01, effective 3-7-2001]

The following are adopted as City of Bowie Parks parking rules and regulations:

Parking or standing motor vehicles in any City park area except in clearly designated parking locations is prohibited.

No person may stop, stand or park a motor vehicle on park property:

(1)

Within an intersection;

(2)

On or obstructing the entrance to any bicycle path, hiker path, or access road;

(3)

Any place an official sign prohibits, or regulates, stopping, standing, parking, or the manner or parking in general;

(4)

Reserved by law for other persons;

(5)

On the traveled portion of a roadway or public driveway;

(6)

So as to obstruct another vehicle or traffic;

(7)

So as to occupy more than one parking space or across painted parking lines;

(8)

During those hours when City parks are not open to the public;

(9)

On any grass area, unless specifically allowed;

(10)

On City property other than designated for vehicular parking;

(11)

In a fire lane;

(12)

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Enforcement.

(1)

If City staff discovers a vehicle parked in violation of this section they shall:

(a)

Deliver a citation to the driver or, if the vehicle is unattended, attach a citation to the vehicle in a conspicuous place; and

(b)

Keep a copy of the citation, bearing a certification under penalty of perjury that the facts stated in the citation are true. The form of citation shall also indicate the section violated; the location, date and time of the violation; the tag number, state of registration, make and color of the vehicle; the amount of the fine; a notice that the fine will double if not paid 10 calendar days after the citation is issued; the place where the payment may be made; a notice of a right to stand trial by giving notice to the City within five calendar days after the citation is issued; a notice that failure to pay the fine or appear in court may result in the vehicle registration not being renewed or transferred by the State Motor Vehicle Administration, and that a service charge of $2 will be added if State Motor Vehicle Administration contact or service is required; and a notice of the right to request that the issuing officer be present at the trial.

(2)

The fine for a violation of this § 17-4 shall be $25. All such fines shall double if not paid within 10 calendar days after the citation is issued.

(3)

The City Manager is directed to notify the State Motor Vehicle Administration of all unpaid citations as to which no timely notice of intention to stand trial was filed; thereupon a $2 service charge shall be added to the fine due. The City Manager is authorized to pay a service charge to the State Motor Vehicle Administration when required by it to do so.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, and in addition to the fines and procedures set forth therein, any vehicle stopped or parked so as to impede or to be likely to impede the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in City parks may be immediately impounded, pursuant to the provisions of § 14-15 of this Code.

§ 17-5 Enforcement; violations and penalties.

[Amended by Ord. No. O-7-05, effective 6-2-2005; Ord. No. O-8-06, effective 11-2-2006; 10-6-2025 by Ord. No. O-10-25]

Violations of any subsection of § 17-2 of this chapter, except Subsections E, G(1) and (2), H, M, W and CC are municipal infractions, subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions of Chapter 1, §§ 1-6 and 1-6A of this Code.

Violations of § 17-2E, G(1) and (2), H, M, W and CC of this chapter are misdemeanors, punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for 30 days or both.

Violations of § 17-4 of this chapter are subject to the penalty and enforcement provisions contained in § 17-4 of this chapter.