(a) 
The city manager or his designated representative shall have responsibility for the enforcement of all codes and ordinances regulating the conduct and use of city parks and recreation facilities.
(b) 
Any conduct expressly prohibited under this chapter shall be considered unlawful and a violation of this code.
(c) 
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished in accordance with section 1.01.009 of this code.
(d) 
The placement of a schedule or sign by the city manager or his/her designee shall be prima facie evidence of the hours of operation or approved schedule pursuant to the authority granted herein, and in full force and effect.
(e) 
In addition to any criminal penalties authorized by this code, violations of this chapter may result in expulsion from city parks and recreation facilities, the forfeiture of any security deposits received by the city, and/or the suspension of the right to use city parks and recreation facilities for a definite or indefinite period of time.
(f) 
The city manager or his designee may establish and post a schedule of visiting/occupancy hours and/or restrictions on the public’s use of parkland. The city manager or his designee may close or restrict the use of a park, recreation facility, or portion thereof, when necessitated by reason of public health, public safety, maintenance, resource protection, or other reasons in the public interest. Entering or using parkland in a manner which is contrary to the schedule of visiting hours, closures, or restrictions is prohibited.
(g) 
Any act or conduct by any person which interferes with, impedes or disrupts the use of the park or impairs the safety of any person is prohibited. Individuals who are loud, boisterous, rowdy, disorderly, or otherwise disturb the peace may be required to leave in accordance with state law and this chapter.
(h) 
The operation or use of any sound producing, amplification, or motorized equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, in such a manner as to unreasonably annoy or endanger persons at any time, violate or exceed state or local laws governing noise levels from motorized, or sound amplification equipment is prohibited.
(i) 
Use of any decoration or equipment that requires electricity must comply with applicable city fire and electrical codes.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
All of the regulations provided in this chapter are hereby declared to be governmental and for the preservation and protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the general public in accordance with the city council’s police powers. Any city official or employee charged with the enforcement of this chapter, acting for the city in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself personally liable, and he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that might accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)
(a) 
Each park owned or operated by the city shall be open to the general public between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. each day.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to be in or within the boundaries of a park owned or operated by the city between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.
(c) 
It shall be a defense to a violation of this section if the person is in attendance at an event in a public park pursuant to the authority of a permit or other written consent issued [by] the city.
(d) 
This section shall not be applicable to a certified law enforcement officer of any federal, state, county, or city law enforcement department or agency, a member of any fire department, or an employee of the city when such person is engaged in the performance of the person’s official duties.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)
Picnicking is permitted in areas designated by the city manager.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
Hunting is prohibited in all parkland.
(b) 
Use of weapons is prohibited in all parkland in accordance with this chapter.
(c) 
Trapping is prohibited in all parkland.
(d) 
All applicable federal, state, and local laws will regulate these activities on city-owned or leased property.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)
(a) 
Garbage, trash, rubbish, litter, gray water, or any other waste material or waste liquid generated on parkland and incidental to authorized recreational activities shall be either removed from parkland or deposited in receptacles provided for that purpose. The improper deposit or disposal of such wastes, human and animal waste included, on parkland is prohibited. For all purposes hereunder, the disposal of such waste shall be the responsibility of the person using the park space, or using the facilities, when the waste was created.
(b) 
No person may dispose of or dump onto parkland garbage, trash, rubbish, debris, dead animals or litter of any kind. Parkland trash receptacles shall only be used for approved waste disposal as stated herein and not be used for waste generated by non-parkland uses.
(c) 
The spilling, pumping, discharge or disposal of contaminants, pollutants, gray water, or other wastes, including, but not limited to, human or animal waste, petroleum, industrial and commercial products and by-products, on parkland is prohibited.
(d) 
Picnickers and all other persons using city-owned property shall keep their sites free of trash and litter and shall remove all personal equipment and clean their sites upon departure. Failure to do so shall be a violation of this chapter.
(e) 
The discharge or placing of sewage, waste, garbage, refuse, or pollutants onto parkland from any vehicle is prohibited.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)
(a) 
The city manager is authorized to designate any city park or recreation facility, or a portion of such park or facility, as subject to reservation in accordance with this section.
(b) 
Any city park or recreation facility designated by the city manager as subject to reservation may be reserved for the exclusive use of a person or group for a period of time and on a first-come, first-served basis, in accordance with the terms of use that the city manager shall determine. All other city parks and facilities not designated as subject to reservation shall be open to the public during the normal business hours of the park or facility on a first-come, first-served basis.
(c) 
All requests for reservation shall be submitted on application forms promulgated by the city manager for that purpose. The city manager shall have the sole authority to determine when an application is complete.
(d) 
The city may accept applications for reservations not less than five business days nor more than 90 days prior to the proposed date of reservation.
(e) 
Athletic fields will be available for organized sports league games and practices during months deemed appropriate by the city except when closed by the city manager in accordance with this chapter.
(f) 
The city manager shall consider the impact of all reservation requests on the public’s general right to use and enjoy the city’s parks and recreation facilities. No reservation request shall be approved if the city manager determines that it unduly burdens the public’s access and use of the city’s parks and recreation facilities.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to operate a vehicle within a park except on designated hard-surfaced park roads and parking areas. This section does not apply to a person with a mobility disability operating a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair, or other type of mobility device.
(b) 
Parking may only occur in designated parking locations.
(c) 
No vehicle shall be parked or operated in a public park or recreation facility manner as to:
(1) 
Obstruct or impede normal or emergency traffic movement or the parking of other vehicles;
(2) 
Create a safety hazard; or
(3) 
Endanger any person, property, or environmental feature.
Vehicles operated or parked in violation of this section are subject to removal and impoundment at the owner’s expense.
(d) 
The operation or placement of any vehicle through, around, or beyond a restrictive sign, barricade, fence, or traffic-control device is prohibited.
(e) 
The city manager is authorized to designate additional areas within city parks and recreation facilities where the use of vehicles is permissible, subject to any restrictions he may impose to protect the public safety and maintain the integrity of city property. Areas so designated shall have signs clearly delineating the area of permissible use which shall specify the types of vehicles permitted and the terms of their use. Vehicles operated in areas designated by the city manager under this subsection are exempt from the requirements of subsection (a) of this section to the extent they conform to the restrictions imposed by the city manager.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
It shall be unlawful for any person to do any of the following acts within any public park or recreation facility except as may be otherwise provided in this chapter:
(1) 
To intentionally or knowingly pick, damage, cut, break, injure, deface, or disturb any tree, shrub, plant, rock, building, cage, pen, monument, fence, bench, or other structure, apparatus, or property; or to pluck, pull, cut, take, or remove any shrub, plant, or flower; or to mark or write upon, paint, or deface any building, monument, fence, bench, or other structure;
(2) 
To make, kindle, or maintain a fire, except in picnic stoves/grills, brazier, fire pits or designated areas specifically provided by the city for that purpose. No fire shall be left unattended, and every fire shall be extinguished before its user leaves the park area;
(3) 
The smoking of tobacco or other smoking substances, and the use of matches or other burning material is prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein;
(4) 
To charge fees or solicit donations or contributions for any activity; to sell or offer for sale any food, drinks, confections, merchandise, or commercial services; to conduct any commercial business activities of any kind; and/or post, place, or erect on any public park or recreation facility any advertising, notice, billboard, paper, or other advertising device without the written consent and approval of the city manager or pursuant to a written agreement with the city; provided, however, this subsection shall not apply to city officials, employees or agents performing authorized activities or providing notice of official city meetings or functions;
(5) 
To distribute, post, or erect any advertising handbill, circular, billing notice, paper, or other advertising device without prior written permission of the city manager;
(6) 
To practice, carry on, conduct, or solicit for any trade, occupation, business, or profession or to circulate any petition of whatsoever kind or character without the prior written approval of the city manager;
(7) 
To cut, excavate, or remove any wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand, gravel, or fertilizer from a public park or recreation facility;
(8) 
To use or speak any threatening, abusive, insulting, or indecent language;
(9) 
To commit or perform any obscene, lewd, or indecent act or create any nuisance that would disrupt, interfere with, or obstruct in any manner any authorized, permissible and/or organized activity, program, or use;
(10) 
To use or possess any glass container except where any such glass container is used or possessed inside a motor vehicle;
(11) 
To play golf or hit golf balls;
(12) 
To use any public tennis court for any purposes other than playing tennis;
(13) 
To wear any footwear on the playing surface of a tennis court other than tennis shoes except with the prior written approval of the city manager as indicated by appropriate signage;
(14) 
To use metal detectors without the prior written permission of the city manager;
(15) 
To enter any portion of a public park or recreation facility posted as “closed” unless approved beforehand in writing by the city manager;
(16) 
Set or use a public address system without prior the written permission of the city manager;
(17) 
Operate or use any noise producing device in a manner that disturbs other park visitors;
(18) 
To cause or participate in the construction, placement, or existence of any permanent or temporary structure (including, but not limited to, roads, trails, signs, hunting stands or blinds, or landscape features) of any kind under, upon, in or over public parks and recreation facilities, or waters except in accordance with the terms and conditions of a city-approved permit, lease, license, or other appropriate written documentation. Unauthorized structures are subject to summary removal or impoundment by the city manager;
(19) 
No person shall wash any clothing, or materials or other substances, or clean any fish or other animal in a park area. Park sinks, faucets, and hydrants within the confines of parks or park restrooms shall not to be used for washing clothes of any type;
(20) 
No person shall use park sinks, other than those provided in public restrooms, for personal hygiene. Faucets, drinking fountains, hose outlets, and hydrants shall not be used for this purpose;
(21) 
No person shall clog sinks, toilets, or drains in a park area with food, debris, grease, or any other substances;
(22) 
No person shall camp in a park area except by prior written approval of the city manager;
(23) 
No person shall erect and/or use any state designated amusement ride (e.g., carnival ride, dunk tank, trackless train, climbing wall) or any inflatable recreational attraction commonly referred to as a “bounce house” prior to:
(A) 
Obtaining written approval from the city manager;
(B) 
Submitting to the city proof of insurance and certificates of inspection as required by the Texas Department of Insurance;
(C) 
Naming the city as additional insured on the person’s or entity’s general liability insurance; and
(D) 
Providing the city an original certificate of insurance showing the insurance required by subsection (C), above, has been endorsed as required.
(24) 
No person shall attach to a tree, pavilion, or other structure, any decoration or other item that would tend to deface the structure including, but not limited to: staples, tacks, tape, crepe paper, or any material that will stain.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
The city manager is authorized to designate fields as game fields and shall post thereon a sign stating that game fields are restricted to reserved athletic events only.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful to enter upon a field which has been designated and posted as a game field except for the purpose of observing or participating in an athletic event authorized pursuant to a rental or use agreement with the city.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
The city manager is authorized to restrict the possession and/or use of animals within a city park or recreation facility, or a portion thereof, where he finds such restrictions justified to protect the public health or the integrity of city property. Any restrictions instituted by the city manager shall clearly define the types of animals governed by the restriction, shall clearly state the rules related to their use and/or possession, and shall be applied to a clearly defined area which shall be delineated with appropriate signage.
(b) 
No owner or possessor of any animal shall permit any animal to enter or remain in any area of a public park or recreation facility where a sign is posted prohibiting the presence of animals.
(c) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to bring any animal into any public park or recreation facility that is not under the immediate control of a responsible individual by means of a cage or leash. This subsection shall not apply to guide dogs or other animals used to assist handicapped or disabled persons, or animals that are part of an activity authorized by the city manager.
(d) 
The person in possession and control of an animal within a public park or recreation facility shall immediately remove and place in a waste receptacle any fecal matter deposited by the animal on the surface of a public park or recreation facility.
(e) 
It shall be unlawful to ride or allow horses or any type of livestock in any public park or recreation facility except with written authorization of the city manager.
(f) 
It shall be unlawful to frighten, annoy, injure, hunt, trap, kill, remove, or release any animal or bird in any public park or recreation facility. This subsection shall not apply to city employees or approved representatives of the city performing authorized activities.
(g) 
Wild or exotic pets and animals (including but not limited to cougars, lions, bears, bobcats, wolves, and snakes), or any pets or animals displaying vicious or aggressive behavior or otherwise posing a threat to public safety or deemed a public nuisance, shall not be brought onto or allowed to enter any public park or recreation facility except when otherwise permitted by ordinance. Any animal described in this subsection shall be subject to removal in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons within a public park or recreation facility is prohibited unless:
(1) 
In the possession of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer; or
(2) 
The person is in possession of a firearm consistent with the state’s concealed handgun laws.
(b) 
Possession of explosives, fireworks, or any other explosive devices of any kind within a public park or recreation facility is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the city manager.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
Occupation of any public park or recreational facility shall be in strict conformance the regulations set forth in this chapter, and as may be published by the city manager or set forth in other city ordinances.
(b) 
Use of city-owned or leased lands or waters shall not be for agricultural purposes unless authorized by city ordinance or agreement.
(c) 
It shall be unlawful for a person to enter onto or remain in a public park or recreational facility if the person receives notice to depart and fails to do so. Notice for purpose of this section shall mean oral or written communication by the city manager, law enforcement officer, city employee, or their designee. The continued presence of a person within a public park or recreational facility after notice to depart has been given shall also constitute criminal trespass. Written notice shall be deemed delivered when personal delivery is accomplished; a notice is posted on the vehicle located within the public park or recreational facility, on a public marker located where the person’s presence is not authorized, or on a stake in the ground within the area of the public park or recreation facility where the person’s presence is not authorized.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
(a) 
Personal property of any kind shall not be abandoned, stored, or left unattended upon parkland or waters. Personal property left unattended for a period of 24 hours or at any time after a posted closure hour on a public park or recreational facility shall be presumed to be abandoned.
(b) 
Personal property that is presumed abandoned, or personal property that is left unattended and appears, in the opinion of the city manager, to pose a danger to person or property or a security risk, may be impounded and stored at a storage point designated by the city manager.
(c) 
Abandoned or unclaimed personal property may be disposed of:
(1) 
After 30 days if it has a fair market value of less than $100.00; or
(2) 
After 90 days if the property has a fair market value of $100.00 or more.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14; Ordinance 397, sec. II(B), adopted 9/8/15)
All public park and recreation facilities shall be available to the public without regard to sex, race, color, creed, age, nationality, or place of origin. No lessee, licensee, or concessionaire shall discriminate against any person because of sex, race, color, creed, age, nationality, or place of origin.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)
One or more participatory aquatic play areas (splash pads) may be incorporated into city parks and recreation facilities. Splash pads incorporate water spray features intended for direct human contact on a surface designed for drainage. The following regulations shall govern the use of participatory aquatic participatory play areas:
(1) 
City splash pads are unsupervised; splash pad users assume all liability for uses of the feature.
(2) 
Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a supervisor above the age of sixteen (16) who shall be responsible for the safety and conduct of the child.
(3) 
Appropriate clean swimwear must be worn at all times. Aqua socks, sandals and water shoes are recommended as water pad may be hot.
(4) 
Swim diapers are required for children under age of age four (4).
(5) 
Children who are not toilet trained must wear tightly fitting plastic pants over a swim diaper.
(6) 
For safety reasons, admittance to the splash pad will be limited to the established maximum capacity.
(7) 
The splash pad caters to children of all abilities, aged two (2) to twelve (12) years.
(8) 
Operating season varies.
(9) 
The splash pad cannot be reserved for parties; it is to be used on a first-come, first-serve basis.
(10) 
Users must clear or exit the area when conditions for thunder or lightening are possible.
(11) 
Small beach toys and balls are acceptable if used in a safe manner.
(12) 
No animals are permitted on the splash pad facility.
(Ordinance 358-14-01-14 adopted 1/14/14)