[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Burlington by Ord. No. 8-1997 (Ch. 12.08 of the 1996 Municipal Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 2-2-2021 by Ord. No. 08-2021]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PARK
Any park, playground, dog park, or playing facility within the City limits which is open to the public.
The purpose of this chapter shall be to establish rules and regulations for the protection, care and control of the public land, parks and playgrounds in the City and to regulate the conduct of persons on such public land, parks or playgrounds and using the facilities thereof.
A. 
No alcoholic beverages or other controlled drugs shall be allowed in the park at any time.
B. 
No person shall injure, deface, remove, disturb, tamper with, damage or destroy any trees, shrubs, or other plant life or any structure, equipment, walkway or utility equipment or any monument, post or other appurtenance erected or marked for a lawful purpose; or injure or in any way interfere with the operation of any machinery or equipment used under the direction of the City or any of its departments or agents; or deface, destroy, alter, damage or tamper with any drive, path, walkway, bridge, parking area or shelter, or remove or carry away any asphalt, concrete, stone, wood, gravel, clay or earth or make any excavation of any kind.
C. 
No person shall hurt, molest, kill, trap, chase, shoot or throw missiles at any wildlife nor shall he/she remove or molest the eggs or the young of any wildlife.
D. 
No person shall handle, build, or maintain a fire within any park, except in the grills that have been provided for that purpose.
E. 
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 street abutting or contiguous thereto.
F. 
No person shall dispose of trash in any park in any manner other than by depositing such material in the receptacles located for that purpose.
G. 
No person shall bring into any park or use in any park any fireworks or firearm or similar weapon or instrument nor shall any person take part in the practice of archery or golf, except in areas which may be designated for that purpose.
H. 
No person shall cast, lay, drop or discharge into or leave in any water in any park any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid.
I. 
No person shall drive, operate, use or bring into any park any horse or motorized vehicles, except those vehicles which are otherwise authorized and then only in areas designated for parking or operation. No person shall drive or park on grassed areas.
J. 
No person shall act in a disorderly manner nor enter any park in an intoxicated condition.
K. 
No person shall engage in boating or bathing in any park. Ice skating shall be permitted only when the green flag is raised where applicable.
L. 
No person shall repair any motor vehicle within any park, playground or recreational area.
M. 
No person shall use any sound amplification equipment or play any radio, television or musical instrument at a volume which would tend to annoy other persons who may use the area, except for such entertainment specifically authorized.
N. 
No person shall allow their dog to run at large in any park, playground or recreational area.
Groups of 15 or more persons desiring to use a pavilion shall apply to the Recreation Department for a permit. The Recreation Department shall issue a permit subject to availability and upon a determination that the intended use is consistent with park purposes. Permits shall be issued from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permit fees shall be as set forth in Chapter 146, Fee Schedule, of the Code of the City of Burlington.
The posting of any poster or advertising material in any park shall be governed by Chapter 285, Article I, General Sign Regulations. This shall not apply to signs erected, maintained or sponsored by the City or any of its departments or agencies.
[Amended 10-22-2013 by Ord. No. 06-2013]
A. 
Playgrounds and other recreational areas shall be open every day from dawn until dusk. The Common Council may exclude certain activities or close any park to the public at any time and for any interval of time. Council is further authorized to extend these hours in specific cases, when necessary.
B. 
No person, other than City personnel or law enforcement performing their official duties, shall enter or remain on any park or recreational facility between dusk and sunrise the next day. If an organized activity is being supervised by an athletic association, then said facility may remain open until the game is completed or until 10:00 p.m., whichever comes first.
C. 
All members of the public visiting the City's parks, recreation areas, and playgrounds must comply with the age limits clearly posted for each piece of City-owned equipment, including but not limited to swing sets, jungle gyms, and other play areas specifically constructed for children.
D. 
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to the fines and penalties outlined in Chapter 255, Peace and Good Order.
No person shall interfere with or fail to obey any police officer or park and playground personnel in the proper performance of their duties.
A. 
The fee for use of a playing field shall be as set forth in Chapter 146, Fee Schedule. The Municipal Clerk and Recreation Director shall have the authority to waive any tournament fees.
B. 
All fire companies within the City shall be exempt from the payment of any fee for the use of any City playing fields.
[Added 2-2-2021 by Ord. No. 08-2021]
A. 
General rules.
(1) 
Use of the park is at the user's own risk. Use of a dog park is restricted to the hours between dawn and dusk or such other hours as may be designated by the City.
(2) 
Owners and handlers are legally responsible for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.
(3) 
All dogs entering the area must have a current dog license, have up-to-date vaccinations and be otherwise healthy.
(4) 
All dogs must wear a collar, I.D. and permit tags at all times and must be on a leash when entering and exiting the park.
(5) 
All dog handlers must be 18 years of age or older. Each handler is permitted to bring no more than two dogs to the park at any given time.
(6) 
Dog waste must be cleaned up by the dog's owner or handler immediately and must be properly disposed of in the receptacles provided.
(7) 
Owners and handlers are required to prevent their dogs from digging, scratching or causing damage of any kind to the grounds, fencing or signs. In the event that a dog digs a hole, the owner or handler is required to immediately fill any holes created.
(8) 
There is a limit of 20 dogs and 25 handlers inside each fenced area at any one time.
(9) 
The weight limit for the small dog section is 35 pounds.
B. 
Prohibited items and activities. The following items and activities are not permitted at the park:
(1) 
Food for human consumption is not permitted. Dog food and/or dog treats are not permitted within the park.
(2) 
Aggressive dogs, dogs that are in heat, or sick dogs are not permitted to enter the park. Puppies younger than four months are not permitted.
(3) 
The park is limited to use only by dogs and their handlers. No animals other than dogs are permitted on site.
(4) 
Spike, pinch or prong collars are not permitted to be worn in the dog park.
(5) 
Glass containers are prohibited.
(6) 
Children under eight years of age are not permitted to enter the dog park at any time. Children over eight years of age are not permitted without adult supervision.