[Adopted 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-17[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Art. I,
General Rules and Regulations, adopted by Ord. No. 85-6 (Secs. 19-1 and 19-2 of the
1975 Code), as amended.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to provide rules and regulations
for use of, and conduct in, the parks and recreation areas of the
Township of Lower. These rules and regulations are specifically created
to promote the public health, safety and general welfare throughout
Lower Township parks and recreation areas.
B.
Applicability and designation of approving agency.
(1)
This article shall apply to all parks and recreation areas under
the jurisdiction of the Township, unless expressly exempted. For the
issuance of "Use of Facility" forms, authorizations, granting of approval
and other actions, the approving agency shall be the Department of
Parks and Recreation.
(2)
Anyone requesting to use parks or other recreation areas for a group,
organization, leagues or team must complete a "Use of Facilities"
form. Applicants shall submit a completed "Use of Facilities" form
to the Department of Parks and Recreation within 12 working days of
the desired date(s). An applicant may not use park/facilities until
written permission is received from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
(3)
The Department of Parks and Recreation may postpone, cancel or discontinue
use of any field or facility. The Department reserves the right to
suspend or expel any organization, group or team from use of athletic
facilities in recreation areas and/or parks for noncompliance with
the rules and regulations for parks and recreation areas.
C.
Hours of operation. Canal Park shall be closed from 10:30 p.m. to
5:30 a.m. All other parks and recreation areas shall be closed from
9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Adult/parental supervision of minor children
utilizing parks and recreation areas is recommended.
D.
Structures, plants, trees, earth and rubbish. It shall be unlawful
for any person in a public park or recreation area to:
(1)
Mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with or displace or remove
any buildings, tables, benches, playground equipment, railings, fences,
nets, goals, paving, water lines or other public utilities or parts
or appurtenances whatsoever, whether real or personal property of
the Township or located on the real or personal property of the Township.
(2)
Fail to operate and maintain concession stands and restrooms in a
neat and sanitary condition.
(3)
Dig or remove any soil, tree, shrub or plant; or to damage any soil,
tree, shrub or plant; or dig in grass areas.
(4)
Transport or place any rubbish, refuse, garbage or other material
that pollutes or interferes with use and enjoyment in any park or
recreation area. Such items shall be deposited in receptacles so provided.
Where receptacles are not provided, all such waste will be carried
away from the park by the person responsible for its presence and
such waste shall be properly disposed of elsewhere.
(5)
Bring any glass container into a park or recreation area.
(6)
Cause or permit any animal to run loose.
(7)
Have animals other than service animals in any park or recreation
area.
(8)
Use and/or operate equipment, including playground equipment, within
parks and recreation areas during inclement weather events, and/or
when wet or frozen conditions exist.
(9)
Wear a bicycle helmet while using or operating equipment, including
playground equipment, within parks and recreation areas.
(10)
Individuals utilizing parks and recreation areas shall refrain
from chaining and/or securing bicycles and other personal items to
equipment, including playground equipment.
E.
Vehicles. It shall be unlawful for any person in a public park or
recreation area to:
(1)
Drive any vehicle on any area other than one designated for parking
or driving.
(2)
Park a vehicle anywhere except on a designated parking area.
(3)
Leave a bicycle on the ground or pavement or in any place or position
where another person may trip over or be injured by it. Bicycles must
be placed in a bicycle rack.
F.
Firearms and weapons.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person other than law enforcement officers,
and/or retired law enforcement officers who maintain a retired law
enforcement officer permit to carry a handgun, to carry or otherwise
possess or control a destructive device or weapon in any park or recreation
area.
(2)
Destructive weapons include but are not limited to all firearms,
knives and other items used for the purpose of harm to another person
or property.
H.
Advertising, assemblages, entertainment and sale of merchandise.
(1)
No person shall post, paint, affix, distribute, place, cast or leave
any bill, billboard, placard, ticket, handbill, circular or advertisement
without prior approval by the Township.
(2)
No one shall operate for advertising purposes any musical instrument
or soundtrack.
(3)
No one shall hold or conduct political assemblages or campaigning
activities in any park or recreation area.
(4)
No person shall expose or offer for sale any article in any park
or recreation area without a license and written permission from Lower
Township.
I.
Alcoholic beverages, alms and gambling. While in a public park or
recreation area, no person shall:
J.
Picnics. It shall be unlawful for any person or group of persons
to hold a picnic in any park, except in areas set aside or specifically
designated as picnic areas.
K.
Fires and lighted materials. No person shall kindle, build, maintain
or use a fire except in places provided for such purpose. Any fire
shall be continuously under the care and direction of a competent
person from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished.
L.
Additional prohibited acts. It shall be unlawful for any person in
a park or recreation area to:
(1)
Play golf or hit golf balls in any public park or recreation area.
(2)
Camp or stay overnight.
(3)
Enter an area posted as "closed to the public."
(4)
Skateboard or roller-skate.
(5)
Use areas other than for their intended use.
(6)
Disturb or unreasonably interfere with any person or group occupying
any area or participating in any activity.
M.
Authorized use and issuing violations for prohibited and unlawful
uses. All authorizations, approvals, denials, violations and determinations
of unlawful use shall be issued in consideration of the following
factors:
(1)
Effect on the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2)
Compatibility with the surrounding park and recreational areas.
(3)
Compatibility with other people using the park and recreational areas.
(4)
Alternative forums for the use.
(5)
Length of the use.
(6)
Likelihood of depriving others of use of the park or recreational
area for a substantial period of time.
(7)
Frequency of use.
(8)
History of prior unlawful use.
Any person violating the provisions of this article shall be
removed from the park and/or recreation area and may be, upon conviction,
subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for a term
of not more than six months, or both.
