Commercial activity.
Includes any person, group, or organization, that makes or attempts to make a profit, vend a service or product, receive money, or obtain goods or services as compensation from participants in activities occurring on public parkland that is owned and operated by the city. This includes, but is not limited to nonprofit training/fundraising activity, outdoor revenue generating program, and educational groups that receive money from participants in activities occurring on department land.
Community event.
An event in the city that is open to the public in general and that enjoys widespread support, not only from the citizens, but also from the surrounding areas. This will also be classified as exclusive park rental and a community/special events packet must be completed and subject to city council approval.
Department.
The city’s park and recreation department.
Director.
The director of the park and recreation department and/or his designated representative.
Nudity.
Nude or state of nudity means the appearance of a human bare buttock, anus, male genitals, female genitals, female breasts or a state of dress which fails to opaquely cover a human buttock, anus, male genitals, female genitals or areola of the female breast.
Plant life.
All plants including, but not limited to berries, cones, dead or downed wood, fern, foliage, fruit, fungus, grass, lichen, moss, sedge, shrubs, trees, turf, vines, wildflowers, or any other member of the plant family.
Public parks.
All parks in the corporate limits of the city that have been dedicated to the public, including all such parks that are subsequently annexed into the city limits or dedicated to the public in the city’s corporate limits. The term also incorporates the greenbelt area that is owned by the city, adjacent to the Missouri/Union Pacific Railroad line and the gazebo constructed therein.
Sports associations, organizations or foundations.
Any outside organized non-profit or for-profit sports program that is not operated and or staffed by the city.
Weapon.
This includes, but is not limited to air soft guns, archery bow and arrows, BB guns, dart guns, firearms, knives, pellet guns, paintball guns, slingshots, spears, switchblades, swords, stun guns, taser guns, and all illegal weapons in accordance with state law.
Wildlife.
This includes, but is not limited to amphibian, animal, bird, fish, reptile, shellfish or other aquatic life or any portion thereof.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/19/13; Ordinance 2018-17 sec. 3, adopted 7/3/18)
(a) 
The public parks shall be open to the general public between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In case of an emergency, or for other good cause, a park, or any part thereof, may be closed to the public by a city official.
(b) 
The city assumes no responsibility for the protection of persons utilizing the trail system because of its inability to supervise the entire trail.
(c) 
Any exceptions to the requirements of this section are authorized only by council approval.
(d) 
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section will be asked to leave the public park and/or shall be charged with a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(Ordinance 2015-09 adopted 8/4/15)
(a) 
The city and its agents disclaim all liability resulting from the exclusive use of a municipal park, its facilities and/or equipment, gazebo and greenbelts for events which are open to the public (community events, special events, or any other activity specified in these policies).
(b) 
Organizers of these public events must provide proof of insurance indemnifying the city against any liability arising from such exclusive use naming the city as an additional insured on the certificate of liability insurance policy. Any event that is opened to the public must provide public liability insurance from an underwriter licensed to do business in the state in the amounts not less than indicated. Comprehensive general (public) liability or its equivalent, with minimum combined single limits of $500,000.00 per person, $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, $1,000,000.00 products/completed operations aggregate and $1,000,000.00 general aggregate per occurrence. This can be in the form of one-day event insurance or by including the event as a rider on an existing insurance policy. Organizer of the event shall furnish the city with certificates of insurance or copies of policies, evidencing the required insurance one week before the event. However, some closed events (birthday parties, family reunion, etc.) will not require the liability insurance. The city council shall have the right to waive the insurance requirement for charitable events. The waiver will be made on a case-by-case basis.
(c) 
Any exceptions to the requirements of this section are authorized only by council approval.
(d) 
The director has the authority to decide whether or not liability insurance is required for a closed event.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/9/13; Ordinance 2017-02, sec. 1, adopted 2/7/17; Ordinance 2017-02, sec. 2, adopted 2/7/17)
(a) 
Hunting, fishing, camping, and parking.
There shall be no hunting, catching or trapping of wildlife within any public park. Any fishing activities must comply with the current applicable federal, state, and local guidelines. Fishing will only be allowed in designated areas. Overnight camping and parking within any publicly owned park or playground within the city limits is prohibited with the exception of a city-sponsored program or community/special event and/or the encampment of youth groups for the purpose of learning or demonstrating camping skills at Historic Stagecoach Park.
(b) 
Alcoholic beverages.
Possession, consumption, or distribution or alcoholic beverages is prohibited within all public parks and recreation facilities without obtaining a city alcohol permit except as follows:
(1) 
Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to beer and wine served or sold on the premises, during community or private special events by individuals or organizations that have obtained all necessary approval and documents required by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission and the city. Permit holders must obtain a permit for on-premises consumption where 51% or greater of their total gross receipts are alcohol. Permit holder will also gain approval from the city on the premises for the permit and be responsible for all signage required for the permit. The permit holder will hold all liability responsibilities.
(2) 
Possession and consumption of beer and wine is allowed during designated city organized events in designated areas.
(c) 
Glass containers.
It shall be a violation for anyone exhibiting, using, carrying or disposing of glass beverage containers in all public parks.
(d) 
Sound amplification.
It shall be a violation for any person to engage in using sound amplification equipment of any kind without a proper permit.
(e) 
Open fires.
It shall be a violation to use any open fires or unauthorized cooking pits inside the boundaries of any public parks without a proper permit.
(f) 
Fireworks, firecrackers, explosives.
It shall be a violation to use fireworks, firecrackers, or explosives of any kind, in any public park unless authorized to do so by obtaining proper permits through the county and the city.
(g) 
Pets.
All pets must be on a leash and licensed as required by law. It shall be a violation if pets are on any recreational/soccer/football sports fields and on any fenced-in baseball/softball sports fields at the Sportsplex. It shall be a violation for any person exercising ownership, care, custody or control of a pet/animal to allow such animal knowingly, intentionally or negligently to deposit feces on any city property, unless said person removes the feces immediately once deposited.
(h) 
Sports association/organization/foundation facility fees.
(1) 
These groups must meet with the director and agree to terms in a written contract agreement. This contract will cover fees, policies and procedures, maintenance, and operation and standards in which the city facilities will be maintained.
(2) 
Individual or entities must provide documentation of transactions for goods and/or services as well as provide a copy of liability insurance policy naming the city as an additional insured party when appropriate.
(i) 
Commercial activity.
Commercial use in public park land is not authorized without approval from the city. Individuals or entities engaged with the provision and sale of goods and/or services on public park land will be required to provide all necessary documentation provided by the department and obtain proper permits. Upon the completion of all required documentation, it is the director’s discretion to approve the application.
(1) 
Nonprofit training/fundraising activity.
A program/training class operated under the auspices of a not for profit organization that does not collect fees directly from class participants but operates for the ultimate purpose of generating revenues.
(2) 
Commercial use permit.
Written authorization from the department to the applicant to conduct organized educational/leisure classes at designated park sites and to charge a fee of participants who desire to attend or participate in the commercial activity whether it’s for profit or fundraising. See attachment to Ordinance 2013-4.
(3) 
Outdoor fee-based activities.
An organized program or activity that takes place at a regular meeting time daily or weekly over a consecutive number of weeks and in which the participants pay an enrollment fee to the organizer or instructor to attend.
(4) 
Outdoor revenue generating program.
Activities/events that are held three or more times a month to generate revenue.
(5) 
Education program.
Program in which attendees pay a fee for any type of training or educational activity.
(j) 
Abandoned property.
Any items misplaced on public park grounds will become property of the city to dispose of properly after one week if not claimed from the department.
(k) 
Nudity.
It shall be a violation for a person to intentionally or knowingly appear nude in a public park.
(l) 
Damage/defacement.
It shall be a violation to damage or deface (including graffiti) public parks and park property including, but not limited to turf, fences, trails, benches, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, basketball goals, pavilions, lights, bulletin boards, signage, apparatus, restrooms, and paved surfaces including the skate park.
(m) 
Protection of plant life and wildlife.
It shall be a violation for a person to break, bruise, burn, carve, chase, cut, destroy, deface, dig up, disturb, excavate, frighten, harass, harm, injure, kill, mutilate, pick, prune, pull, pursue, remove, take, tamper with, tear up, transplant or trap any plant life, wildlife, or geological deposits from or in any public park except by express written permission of the director. It is also a violation to attach any cable, wire, rope or sign to any public park tree, plant or shrub. Exceptions include fishing when visible posted signage allows fishing when accompanied by a state issued fishing license.
(n) 
Littering and trash.
It shall be a violation to leave garbage, cans, paper, or other refuse in a public park anywhere other than in the trash receptacles provided. It is a violation to drop, dump, deposit, place or throw any brush, lawn or garden cuttings, garbage, litter, or trash, on public park property, except that which is generated by park visitors and disposed of in receptacles provided for park use purposes.
(o) 
Activity disruption.
It shall be a violation for any person to prevent, disrupt, interfere with, or obstruct in any manner any authorized, permissible and/or organized activities, programs, or uses in any public park unless approved in writing by the director.
(p) 
Unauthorized trespass.
It shall be a violation to enter any public park or sports field posted as “closed - do not enter up to $500.00 penalty for violation” unless approved in writing by the director.
(q) 
Tobacco products.
It shall be a violation to use tobacco products on or within 25 feet of any outdoor city-owned sports fields at the Sportsplex, skate parks, splash parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, or playground equipment with the exception of community or special events that has been approved by city council and city-organized events.
(r) 
Trail use.
Bicyclists shall yield to joggers, and joggers shall yield to walkers. Trail users 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. All bicycles shall be equipped with properly functioning brakes. Bicyclists shall not travel faster than 10 miles per hour. It shall be a violation for motorized vehicles to be on trails, including but not limited to motorcycles, mini-bikes, and ATV’s with the exception being motorized vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
(s) 
Weapons.
It shall be a violation for a person to carry any weapon in any public park, whether or not the weapon is loaded, concealed or licensed. This provision does not apply to those persons who are duly licensed by the state to carry a weapon in accordance with the provisions of subchapter H, chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, and as amended from time to time, or otherwise authorized by state or federal law except as provided by subsection (1) of this section. This provision also does not apply to local, state, or federal law enforcement officers or agents.
(1) 
It shall be a violation for a person to carry any weapon in any public park when there is an activity being sponsored by a school or educational institution being conducted unless such person is duly licensed by the state to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with the provisions of subchapter H, chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, and as amended from time to time, or otherwise authorized by state or federal law. This provision does not apply to local, state, or federal law enforcement officers or agents.
(t) 
Construction.
It shall be a violation for any person to build, construct, or place any structure or improvement, temporary or permanent, in any public park without prior written consent from the director.
(u) 
Metal detectors.
It shall be a violation to use metal detectors in any public park.
(v) 
Violations.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be charged with a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(w) 
Exceptions.
Any exceptions to the requirements of this section are authorized only by city council approval.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/9/13; Ordinance 2017-02, sec. 1, adopted 2/7/17; Ordinance 2017-02, sec. 2, adopted 2/7/17)
(a) 
The city shall promulgate application and permit forms that are required or authorized by this policy, and the parks and recreation staff shall issue permits consistent with the public parks policy. Permits are required for the following uses:
(1) 
Consumption, distribution and/or sale of alcoholic beverages.
(2) 
Concerts/sound amplification.
(3) 
Use of fireworks, firecrackers, and explosives.
(4) 
Bounce houses, carnivals, dunking booths, petting zoos, rock climbing walls, trackless trains and waterslides.
(5) 
Electricity and/or water use.
(6) 
Commercial activity.
(b) 
Violations.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be charged with a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(c) 
Exceptions.
Any exceptions to the requirements of this section are authorized only by city council approval.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/19/13)
Requests for the rental of public park facilities shall be directed to the department, who shall decide the appropriate procedure for approval. Reservation requests shall be accepted no earlier than six months prior to a specific date, except for special events as defined by section 18.07.031 of this code.
(Ordinance 2018-17, sec. 4, adopted 7/3/18)
(a) 
Pavilions and gazebo.
Available at City Park, Downtown Greenbelt, Garlic Creek Park, Green Meadows Park, Historic Stagecoach Park, Stoneridge Park, and Whispering Hollow Park.
(b) 
Buda Sportsplex.
Available for practices, league games, tournaments, and special events. (4 recreational/soccer/football fields and 4 baseball/softball fields.)
(c) 
Exclusive public park rental for community event/special events.
Individuals or groups wanting to have exclusive use of any public parks and recreation facilities must fill out the special event application. The exclusive rental rate will be applied for every 24-hour period the park is rented.
(d) 
Refunds.
(1) 
Cancellation of reservations.
Must be made no less than 14 days prior to the reserved date in order to receive a refund. Non-use due to inclement weather conditions will be taken into consideration.
(2) 
Deposits.
Will be refunded upon inspection of the parks staff. The standard of cleanup shall be to leave the park as it was when you arrived.
(3) 
Keys.
Keys for the Sportsplex concession stand and other parks shall be returned to the city within 3 calendar days after the event. It shall be a violation for anyone to duplicate, retain or copy any such key. If the key is not returned, the entire deposit will be forfeited.
(e) 
Waiving of fees.
The city may waive all or a portion of the fee with the recommendation of the parks and recreation commission and the approval of the city council when appropriate.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/19/13)
(a) 
It shall be a violation for any person to drive any unauthorized motor vehicle, motorcycle, motor bike, motor scooter, ATV, or other motor-driven device or vehicle on or across public park land being owned, operated, and maintained by the city.
(b) 
Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to prohibit operation of any motor-driven vehicle as defined in the previous subsection upon any improved parking area within the public park.
(c) 
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be charged with a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(Ordinance 2013-4 adopted 2/19/13)
(a) 
All provisions listed herein are effective for all public ponds unless described activity is specifically authorized and permitted by the parks and recreation director and/or any other city regulation.
(b) 
Bradfield Lake, the lake located in the city park adjacent to Bradfield Subdivision, is hereby declared to be a community fishing lake.
(c) 
All anglers seventeen (17) years of age and older are required to have a valid state fishing license and a freshwater fishing stamp endorsement.
(d) 
Children twelve (12) years of age or younger must be continuously supervised by an adult while they are fishing.
(e) 
Fishing is permitted by pole and line only. The use of trot lines, jug lines, seines, spears, crossbows, and throw lines is prohibited in this lake. Anglers may have a maximum of two poles in use at the same time. All poles must be continuously monitored by the angler.
(f) 
Fish obtained from other water bodies may not be introduced into this lake. Doing so may upset the biological balance being maintained in the lake by the state parks and wildlife department.
(g) 
Fish may not be cleaned on the banks of the lake, or anywhere within Bradfield Park.
(h) 
Use of watercraft of any type is not allowed.
(i) 
Swimming or wading is prohibited.
(j) 
Littering is prohibited.
(k) 
A copy of these rules shall be posted on an appropriate sign near the entry to the park or in a conspicuous area near the pond.
(l) 
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(Ordinance 2014-27 adopted 12/16/14)
The following rules will apply to any off-leash dog recreation area and shall be posted:
(1) 
Use of the dog park is at your own risk! The city shall assume no liability or responsibility for damage or injuries in this facility. Dog owners/handlers are responsible for the actions, behavior, damages, and injuries inflicted by their dog(s). Please familiarize yourself with the rules below so that everyone may enjoy the park.
(2) 
Hours: Dawn to dusk, weather and conditions permitting.
(A) 
This facility is for use by dogs, their owners/handlers, and their human guests only. No other animals or uses are permitted.
(B) 
Leashes may be removed inside the fenced off-leash areas of the facility only.
(C) 
All dogs must be under control and in view of the owner/handler at all times. Dogs must be supervised by persons seventeen (17) years of age or older.
(D) 
No children age 12 or younger are allowed in the dog park. Children ages 13 through 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Permitted children must be supervised by the adult and behave appropriately: No running, shouting, chasing dogs, or petting other people’s dogs without the owner’s permission.
(E) 
Limit of two (2) dogs per person in the facility at any time.
(F) 
Dog owners/handlers are liable for any injuries or damage caused by their dogs. Any bites or scratches must be reported to city’s animal control office. Any instance of a bite or scratch to a person must be reported to city’s animal control in accordance with Texas State Law, chapter 826.021, THSC.
(G) 
Dog owners/handlers are responsible for picking up and disposing of their dog’s waste, repairing any damage done by their dogs.
(H) 
All dogs must wear a collar or harness with current rabies vaccination tag and registration tags displayed. Dog owners/handlers must have a current rabies vaccination certificate available and comply with current city animal control ordinances. Owners must remove pinch, prong or spiked collars before entering the off-leash area to prevent injuries.
(I) 
No person shall bring into an off-leash area a dog where a court has made a determination that such dog is a dangerous dog or a dog that is known, or should have been known, by its owner to display aggressive behavior towards other animals or humans. Dogs that are showing any aggressive behavior or high levels of excitement shall be leashed and removed from the facility immediately upon first sign of aggression or over excitement. Dogs with two (2) documented incidents of aggression are banned from the park.
(J) 
Dogs under four (4) months of age are not allowed in the facility.
(K) 
Female dogs using the facility must not be in heat and all dogs must be healthy and free of parasites.
(L) 
The small dog off-leash area is for dogs less than thirty (30) pounds only. The large dog off-leash area is for dogs weighing thirty (30) pounds or more. Small dogs are permitted in the large dog off-leash area but enter at your own risk.
(M) 
Dog owners/handlers must carry leash (one per dog) while in the facility. Dog owners/handlers may not chain or tether a dog with any restraint unless said person is holding the restraint upon city property.
(N) 
No food (dog or human) or training treats or toys allowed in the facility.
(O) 
Glass containers, alcohol and tobacco of any kind are prohibited in the facility.
(P) 
Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and motorized vehicles are prohibited in the facility.
(Q) 
Professional trainers are not allowed to use the facility for training purposes.
(R) 
No fundraisers can be conducted on park property without the prior approval of the park and recreation department.
(S) 
Park is subject to closure upon determination by the city that there is a reason deemed to be in the public’s interest or safety.
(T) 
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be charged with a class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) on a per occurrence and/or per day basis.
(Ordinance 2016-10 adopted 7/5/16)