This article shall be commonly known and cited as the parks and recreation code.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
For the purposes of this article, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future and words in the plural number include the singular, and words in the singular include the plural. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
Minor child.
Individuals age 10 and under.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
The city council has adopted a parks, recreation, and open space master plan, hereinafter called the "approved plan," which is on file in the office of the city secretary.
(b) 
The approved plan shall be filed for record in the official city records and the approved plan shall be available to the public and to all landowners and used as an officially approved parks, recreation, and open space master plan by the city administration, city parks and recreation advisory board, tree board, and city council.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Editor's note–Former section 18.06.004 pertaining to the parks and recreation advisory board, tree board, and recreational development corporation and deriving from Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08 and Ordinance 2015-11-25 adopted 11/16/15, was superseded by Ordinance 2018-12-53 adopted 12/10/18. Similar provisions can now be found in article 5.02.
(a) 
Enforcement officers.
The parks and recreation director or designee, and any member of the police department, shall, in conjunction with their duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of this article.
(b) 
Ejectment from park.
The parks and recreation director or designee, and any member of the police department, shall have the authority to demand that any person acting in violation of this article leave the park or city recreational facility leased or owned. "Demand," as that term is used in this section, shall mean the giving of an order to the person in violation of this article, instructing that such person leave and depart from the premises of the park or city recreational facility leased or owned. It shall be unlawful for any person to remain within the park premises after receiving such an order. Such failure shall constitute criminal trespass.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
All fees for rentals and memberships are approved by city council and outlined in the master fee schedule.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Within the limits of any park, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons, by omission or commission, to do any of the acts hereinafter specified, except as may be otherwise provided:
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian or person in custody of such minor child to allow, suffer or permit such child to go into any park or recreational facility owned or operated by the city unless such child is accompanied by a person not less than fourteen (14) years of age who is capable of supervising and caring for such child, and who has agreed with such parent, guardian or person in custody of such child to be responsible for the safety of such child.
(2) 
To hitch, fasten, lead, drive, or let loose any animal, reptile, fish, or fowl of any kind, provided that this shall not apply to horses, dogs or cats when led by a chain, cord, or leash.
(3) 
The director of parks and recreation shall be authorized to establish hours of operation for all parks and recreation facilities based upon usage, funding, and need.
(4) 
No group or individual will be allowed to charge an admission fee for activities held at parks and recreation facilities or the surrounding grounds without prior approval of the director of parks and recreation.
(5) 
Any alterations to the appearance of parks and recreation facilities, to include, but not limited to, the hanging of plants, additional lighting, attached video screens, etc., must have prior approval by the director of parks and recreation as to the manner in which said alterations are to be accomplished. These must be removed without damage to the facility by the reserving group during the rental period. Any damage which may result from the installation or removal of any fixtures or materials will result in the assessment of a damage/security deposit.
(6) 
Groups having reservations at parks and recreation facilities shall be permitted to use only the area(s) which were designated for them at the time the reservation was confirmed.
(7) 
The director of parks and recreation reserves the right to refuse any group the privilege of using parks and recreation facilities if past usage resulted in violation of facility policies. Any group charged with a second occurrence will be barred from making any future reservations. In addition, any first occurrence deemed flagrant by the director of parks and recreation may cause a group to be precluded from any future usage.
(8) 
No gambling or loitering shall be permitted on all parks and recreation facility premises. All patrons must vacate the premises upon the conclusion of their rental period.
(9) 
To ride or drive any horse or other animal, except in areas specifically designated for such purpose.
(10) 
To carry or discharge any firearm, firecrackers, torpedoes, or any other fireworks, air guns, BB guns, bows and arrows, or slingshots. This prohibition shall not apply to individuals licensed to carry concealed handguns.
(11) 
To operate any motorized model airplane, boat or rocket, except in such areas as may be specifically designated for such purposes by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(12) 
To damage, cut, break, injure, deface, or disturb any tree, shrub, plant, rock, building, cage, pen, monument, sign, fence, bench, or other structure, apparatus, or property, or to mark or write upon, paint, or deface any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, or other structure.
(13) 
To swim, bathe, wade in or pollute the water of any fountain, pond, lake, stream or any other body of water.
(14) 
To make or kindle a fire, except in picnic stoves or fire pits in areas designated for that purpose.
(15) 
To wash dishes or to empty salt water or other waste liquids in areas other than those specifically designated for such purposes.
(16) 
No person shall use any portion of any park facility for toilet purposes except the public restrooms or temporary portable units provided.
(17) 
No person over the age of six (6) years to use the restrooms and washrooms designated for the opposite sex.
(18) 
No person shall conduct or participate in any tournament, camp, or organized sporting activity which has not been specifically authorized by the department, or which conflicts with a scheduled activity or event authorized by the department.
(19) 
No person shall interfere with, disobey or ignore any lawful order of an employee while in the performance of his/her duties in any park area or facility.
(20) 
To leave garbage, cans, bottles, papers, or other refuse elsewhere than in refuse containers provided for such purpose.
(21) 
To participate or engage in any activity on any public park area when such activity will create a danger to the public or may be considered a public nuisance. The parks and recreation director or designee may designate particular locations within park areas for specific activities.
(22) 
Overnight camping on any park property, except by special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(23) 
To disrupt or disturb in any manner any picnic, meeting, service, concert, exercise, or exhibition.
(24) 
No cremation remains shall be disposed of on park land.
(25) 
To distribute, post, place, or erect any advertising handbill, circular, bill, notice, paper, or other advertising device without special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(26) 
To sell or offer for sale any food, drinks, confections, merchandise, or services without special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(27) 
To practice, carry on, conduct, or solicit for any trade, occupation, business, or profession.
(28) 
To go into or remain in any city park at a time when the park is officially closed to the public without a special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee. All city parks shall be closed to the public during the times indicated, and signs indicating such shall be posted at conspicuous places to give notice thereof.
(29) 
Glass containers are prohibited in all parks and recreation facilities.
(30) 
Registered sex offenders and individuals that have been convicted of possession and/or distribution of controlled substances are prohibited from use, access or participation in any and all activities, facilities or participation in municipal parks and recreation facilities owned, leased, contracted or sponsored by the city.
(31) 
Smoking and the use of all tobacco products shall be prohibited within the confines of any city park, athletic facility or any enclosed park facility.
(32) 
No pets shall be permitted within any playground area or where any organized activity is being conducted. This prohibition shall not apply to service animals used for persons with disabilities or law enforcement.
(33) 
The use of metal detectors in city parks and recreational facilities is prohibited.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Each park facility may develop rules and regulations that address problems specific to that facility, which shall be in writing and approved by the director. Patrons shall comply with all rules and regulations posted at individual facilities or for special events.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Within the limits of any park, it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to do any of the acts hereinafter specified, except as may be otherwise provided:
(1) 
To drive a vehicle at a rate of speed faster than fifteen (15) miles per hour upon any drive or street in any park of the city unless otherwise posted on standard traffic signs.
(2) 
To exhibit any unnecessary acceleration of a vehicle such as to cause gravel to be thrown, tires to squeal, or the vehicle to spin in an unsafe or hazardous manner.
(3) 
To drive a vehicle over or across the curbs, sidewalks, grass, or lawn within any park area unless authorized by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(4) 
For any vehicle used for the purpose of transporting freight and merchandise, or brick, stone, or gravel, and all those commonly known as express or delivery vans, to enter upon or drive through any public park, except by special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(5) 
To park in areas other than those set aside for this purpose. In areas having no parking areas marked, all parking will take place outside of the boundary or curbline, where existing.
(6) 
Where parking stalls have been designated, all vehicles shall be parked within and between the lines designating a single vehicle parking space and not otherwise.
(7) 
Where parking lots or areas within parks have been designated for head-in parking to front on a visible parking line without delineated single vehicle spaces, the front of the vehicle shall be placed on the parking line.
(8) 
No vehicle shall be parked or left behind any other vehicle in the parking line or back of such parking line in any manner so as to obstruct, block, or hinder ingress or egress from the line. Where a vehicle is parked or left in violation of this section in such a manner as to obstruct or block traffic and the owner or operator of the vehicle cannot be found or refuses to remove such vehicle, police officers or other authorized representatives of the city may move the vehicle so that traffic will not be impeded. No variation to the requirements of this subsection shall be allowed, except by special permit issued by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
If any person damages or defaces any real or personal property under the control or responsibility of the parks and recreation department, such violators shall be held responsible for the actual costs to repair or replace such damaged item or items.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
Requests for reservations for any of the facilities in any of the parks must be made through the parks and recreation department. Such reservations must be requested in person no later than two (2) weeks (14 days) prior to the date for which the reservation is requested.
(b) 
Parties and activities involving minors ages 11 to 17 require the following:
(1) 
Reservations will not exceed 50 minors per event.
(2) 
One city police officer in uniform for every 25 minors.
(3) 
Guest list must be provided. No individuals will be permitted to enter the reservation unless named on the list.
(4) 
Participants are not allowed to leave the reservation once checked in.
(5) 
One chaperone (age 25 or older) for every 25 minors.
(6) 
City-sponsored events shall be exempt.
(c) 
The parks and recreation director is authorized to refuse or deny any request for reservations for reasonable cause. The parks and recreation director further has the right and obligation to cancel or suspend any such reservation previously issued if, in the opinion of the parks and recreation director, such cancellation or suspension is in the best interests of the citizens of the city and/or is necessary for the maintenance and control of facilities under the responsibility of the parks and recreation department.
(d) 
At the conclusion of the reservation of any facility, the facility must be left in a clean and orderly condition. All applicants agree, by signing of the reservation contract, to pay the cost of repairing any damage to park property incurred by the group using the facility as determined by the parks and recreation department.
(e) 
All facilities that are not reserved are available for use by the general public on a first come, first served basis. A listing of reserved facilities, including the time of reservation and the party holding such reservation, will be maintained by the parks and recreation department and will be available for inspection during regular working hours.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08; Ordinance 2024-01-01 adopted 1/22/2024)
(a) 
All park picnic pavilions can be reserved. Reservations must be made in person by the individual responsible for the reservation. Reservations will be granted for a pavilion between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(b) 
All facilities that are not reserved are available for use by the general public on a first come, first served basis. A listing of reserved facilities, including the time of reservation and the party holding such reservation, will be maintained by the parks and recreation department and will be available for inspection during regular working hours.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Reservations for a playing facility will be granted for a reasonable period of time between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset for unlighted facilities and between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. for lighted facilities, as available.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
In addition to any other provision of this article that requires the obtaining of a permit prior to engaging in a given activity, it shall be unlawful for any person in a park to conduct, operate, present, manage or take part in any of the following activities unless a permit is obtained from the parks and recreation director prior to the start of such activity:
(1) 
Any organized team or league sports activity.
(2) 
Giving any theatrical entertainment, moving picture show, parade, procession or public gathering, festival, concert, recreational program, event, or other outdoor presentation, whether or not an admission fee is charged.
(b) 
Special permits for activities not identified or required by this article must be applied for in person no later than 14 days prior to the date for which the permit is requested.
(c) 
The person or persons utilizing such permit must have the permit in their possession or, if possible, posted in a conspicuous location, and available for inspection by the parks and recreation director or designee or any member of the police department.
(d) 
The parks and recreation director has the right to refuse or deny any request for a special permit for reasonable cause. The parks and recreation director further has the right and obligation to cancel or suspend any such special permit previously issued if, in the opinion of the parks and recreation director, such cancellation or suspension is in the best interests of the citizens of the city and/or is necessary for the maintenance and control of facilities under the responsibility of the parks and recreation department.
(e) 
Any person making a request for a reservation may appeal the refusal of such request to the city manager.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
Except when approved by the parks and recreation director or designee, no person shall operate any device so that the sound could be heard to the annoyance or inconvenience of persons in a public place or in neighboring premises.
(b) 
No permit shall be issued for the use of amplified sound beyond 10 p.m. unless approved by the parks and recreation director.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
Roller skates, skateboards and bicycles are permitted on designated trails within city parks. Roller skating, skateboarding and bicycle riding are prohibited on playgrounds, sidewalks, and tennis courts, in picnic pavilions or monument-type structures or in any other park area except as designated by the parks and recreation director or designee.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to hold any meeting or gathering within the parks and recreation department facilities which will attract more than 50 persons without first obtaining a special permit and/or reservation contract from the parks and recreation director or designee for such purpose.
(b) 
The parks and recreation director may require adequate public safety personnel and portable sanitary facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or hit a golf ball in, into, upon or over any public park owned, leased, operated or maintained by the city, except in those areas designated and posted for such activities.
(b) 
No golfing will be permitted on any and all athletic fields.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
Advertising by the use of billboards, signs, markers, audio devices, or any other means whatsoever, including handbills, circulars, flyers, and posters, is prohibited without written permission of the parks and recreation director, a copy of which written permission shall be available on-site at all times.
(b) 
Any and all distribution of such materials shall follow all rules and regulations of article 8.08 of the city code.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
No person shall operate or use a motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, motorbike, minibike, ATV, or bicycle, on a trail or path not designated for use with such vehicles.
(b) 
On the hike and bike trails, bicyclists shall yield to walkers and joggers.
(c) 
Trail users on the hike and bike trails should not be more than two abreast when this action will impede other traffic on the trail. Trail users should leave ample room on the trail for other users to pass safely.
(d) 
Bicyclists should maintain bicycles in good condition and should operate them in a safe manner. All bicycles shall be equipped with properly functioning brakes.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
(a) 
No person shall sell, store, possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in any city park. The term "alcoholic beverage," as that term is used in this article, shall be defined as used in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
(b) 
At a special civic event sponsored by the city, the city manager may grant a special event permit, for a period not to exceed two consecutive days, for consumption, possession and/or sale of beer and wine by a person who has obtained a permit under state law. In issuing such permit, the city manager may designate all or part of such park or facilities located thereon for such permit, and may establish such hours of operation as deemed appropriate.
(c) 
Requests to serve alcoholic beverages during reservations using the Grand Hall in the Lancaster Recreation Center, Lancaster Senior Center and Community House must be made through the parks and recreation department.
(1) 
Such reservations must be requested in writing at the time of the initial reservation.
(2) 
Such written request must state the purpose of the reservation, the specific areas of the facility for which the reservation is requested, the time or times and date or dates for which the reservation is requested, and the person or persons who intend to utilize such facilities.
(3) 
Such reservations are required to have a licensed city police department officer in uniform on duty at all times during the reservation.
(4) 
A deposit in the amount established by city council will be collected when making the reservation.
(5) 
Alcoholic beverages may only be served at events such as wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and city-sponsored events.
(6) 
Alcoholic beverages may only be served at closed events not open to the general public.
(7) 
Beer, wine, and champagne are the only alcoholic beverages that are permitted. No liquor will be permitted.
(8) 
It is the renter's responsibility to ensure that no minors or visibly intoxicated are served alcoholic beverages.
(Ordinance 2008-02-07 adopted 2/11/08)
The city council shall, after public hearing, annually review and adopt by resolution youth programs standards of care to be employed for city owned and operated and operated [sic] facilities and programming. The standards adopted shall include staff ratios, training, health and safety, monitoring, enforcement, conducting background checks for program employees and volunteers, and such other requirements as the city council deems appropriate. A copy of such standards shall be provided to the parents or guardian of any youth program enrollee.
(Ordinance 2010-04-08 adopted 4/26/10)