[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Board of the Charter Township of Blackman 10-17-2016 by Ord. No. 124;[1] amended in its entirety 3-16-2026 by Ord. No. 124.1.2026. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 85, Parks, adopted 6-16-1997 by Ord. No. 83.
This chapter shall be known as the Park Ordinance of the Charter Township of Blackman, adopted to regulate the use and conduct within Township parks, safeguard public health, promote safety, and preserve property.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AUTHORIZED VEHICLE
Any vehicle approved by the township for park entry or use, including emergency response vehicles and Township maintenance vehicles. Excludes recreational or unauthorized motorized vehicles.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Any for-profit business, solicitation, advertising, or promotion conducted on park property. Permitted only upon receipt of prior written authorization from the Township.
DESIGNATED AREA
A location within the park clearly identified by signage, maps, or Township directive for specific usage, such as off-leash zones, smoking areas, parking lots, or event spaces.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Any self-propelled vehicle, except a motorized wheelchair or similar device operated by a physically afflicted or disabled person not exceeding 1,000 pounds in gross weight.
NUISANCE ANIMAL
Any animal that is not leashed, not under control, or creates disruption or safety concerns for park patrons. Includes animals displaying aggression, excessive noise, or being left unattended.
ORGANIZED COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
Any pre-arranged event, gathering, or recreational program approved by the Township and conducted on park property, including leagues, festivals, educational sessions, or public meetings.
OTHER VEHICLES
Any non-motorized or low-speed device capable of movement within park grounds. Includes but is not limited to bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, e-scooters, e-bikes, hoverboards, push carts, wagons, golf carts, and children's ride-on toys.
PARKLAND EVICTION
The removal of an individual or group from park property due to violation of ordinance provisions, criminal conduct, or public safety concerns. Eviction may be temporary or permanent and is enforced by Township personnel.
PARKS
Areas of land owned or controlled by the Charter Township of Blackman used for public recreation, including but not limited to landscaped tracts, athletic fields, picnic grounds, nature preserves, and playgrounds.
RECREATIONAL USE
Any non-commercial activity engaged in for enjoyment, wellness, or community benefit, including walking, cycling, sports, birdwatching, picnicking, and informal gatherings.
REFUSE CONTAINER
A Township-installed bin or receptacle located within park boundaries intended for the proper disposal of litter, garbage, pet waste, or other refuse materials generated from park activity.
RESERVATION
Formal approval for the exclusive use of park facilities granted by the Township in accordance with an adopted reservation policy and fee schedule.
SPECIAL EVENT
An activity involving substantial attendance, temporary structures, commercial vendors, amplified sound, or any features requiring prior Township authorization and compliance with applicable state and local laws.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIAL
Any elected or appointed individual authorized to administer, interpret, or enforce this chapter, including members of the Township Board, Township staff, law enforcement officers, or designated agents.
A. 
Open from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise designated closed or reserved for Township-permitted events.
B. 
Exclusive facility use requires prior Township approval and adherence to park reservation policy.
A. 
Shelters are available for public use in accordance with park reservation policy.
B. 
Pavilions are available for exclusive use and are governed by a policy and fee schedule approved by the Township Board of Trustees.
A. 
Vandalism, littering, and open fires outside designated areas are prohibited.
B. 
Special events require Township approval and compliance with Michigan law.
C. 
Smoking/Vaping is prohibited in all areas except parking lots.
D. 
No fires are allowed except in grills provided by the Township. Approved fires must not be left unattended and must be completely extinguished, including embers, before leaving the area.
(1) 
Exception: Large gatherings may use grills other than those provided by the Township with prior Township approval.
E. 
No one is allowed to fire, discharge, or possess any fireworks or explosive substances. Exceptions can be made for special events or large gatherings with prior Township approval, and these events must comply with state law.
F. 
Unlawful use or possession of weapons is prohibited.
A. 
Pets must be on a leash of six feet or less and kept under control. Owners must clean up waste.
B. 
Dogs must wear a collar with valid dog license with leash at all times outside the dog park.
C. 
Service animals are permitted by ADA compliance.
D. 
Loose or nuisance animals may be removed.
E. 
Dog park regulations:
(1) 
Max. two dogs per visitor; collar with valid dog license and leash required for entry/exit.
(2) 
Dog collars with valid dog license are to remain on, always, within the dog park.
(3) 
Owners must remain with dogs and carry leashes.
(4) 
Cleanup is mandatory. Violations may result in penalties and liability for damages.
(5) 
Children within dog park must be accompanied by an adult.
(6) 
Owners are fully liable and responsible for any injury or damage caused by their dogs or themselves.
Overnight camping is prohibited without written Township approval from the Administrative Committee.
A. 
Vehicle access and limitations.
(1) 
Only vehicles expressly permitted by Michigan Motor Vehicle Code and Township designation shall be allowed to operate solely on designated park roads, parking lots, or paved access areas. Authorized vehicle use includes:
(a) 
Emergency response vehicles.
(b) 
Park maintenance vehicles.
(c) 
Township-authorized service equipment.
(d) 
Mobility aids used by individuals with physical disabilities.
B. 
Prohibited vehicles and devices. Unless otherwise authorized, the following are strictly prohibited within park property:
(1) 
Mini-bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, and gas-powered scooters as an example, but not limited to.
(2) 
Unpermitted electric vehicles exceeding low-speed operation limits (low-speed is defined as 15 MPH or less).
(3) 
Golf carts or utility carts are prohibited.
(4) 
Any vehicle or device that deemed a risk by Public Safety or Township Officials, to pedestrian safety or property integrity.
C. 
Speed and safety compliance.
(1) 
All permitted vehicles shall adhere to posted speed limits, which may not exceed 15 miles per hour in any park area unless otherwise specified.
(2) 
Operators must yield to pedestrians and cyclists at all times and exercise extreme caution near playgrounds, shelters, and nature trails.
(3) 
Parking is allowed only in clearly marked parking lots or designated spaces.
D. 
Temporary traffic adjustments.
(1) 
During special events, festivals, or construction, traffic patterns may be modified at the discretion of Township officials to ensure public safety.
(2) 
Temporary signage, barricades, or directional controls must be obeyed by all park visitors.
A. 
General prohibition. No individual, group, business entity, or organization shall engage in commercial activity within any Township park without prior written authorization from the Township, except for food trucks licensed with Blackman Charter Township. This includes but is not limited to:
(1) 
Selling or offering goods, services, or food/beverages for sale.
(2) 
Distributing promotional materials, flyers, coupons, samples, or merchandise.
(3) 
Soliciting donations or support for any cause, campaign, or business venture.
(4) 
Displaying or erecting signage, banners, or advertisements.
B. 
Permit requirement.
(1) 
Any entity seeking to conduct commercial activity must submit a formal application to the Township Office for review and approval.
(2) 
Approval shall be granted at the Township's discretion, based on factors such as public safety, event type, community benefit, and compliance with local and state laws.
(3) 
Permits shall specify duration, location, allowable setup, insurance requirements, and any applicable fees.
C. 
Event-based exceptions.
(1) 
Approved special events may include vendors or promotional activity as part of their programming, provided these elements are expressly authorized in the event permit.
(2) 
Township-approved events may include designated commercial areas, subject to oversight and compliance with Park, Township and State Laws.
D. 
Enforcement and penalties.
(1) 
A violation of this chapter constitutes a municipal civil infraction. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with any provision of this chapter, or any permit or approval issued, or any person who knowingly or intentionally aids or abets another person in violation of this chapter, shall be in violation of this chapter, and shall be responsible for a civil infraction. The civil fine for a municipal civil infraction shall be not less than $100 for the first offense and not less than $200 for subsequent offenses, in the discretion of the court, in addition to all other costs, damages, expenses, and remedies provided by law. For purposes of this section, "subsequent offense" means a violation of the provisions of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a previous violation of the same provision of this chapter or similar provision of this chapter for which person admitted responsibility or was adjudged to be responsible. Each day during which any violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.
(2) 
Persons violating any of the above provisions may also be evicted from said park or park land.
(3) 
Repeat violations may result in denial of future permit requests or bans from park usage.
E. 
Nonprofit and civic engagement clause.
(1) 
Nonprofit organizations, civic groups, or educational entities may request permission to distribute informational materials or conduct fundraising only in designated public outreach areas, with prior Township approval.
A. 
General prohibition. The possession, consumption, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages within any park owned or operated by the Charter Township of Blackman is strictly prohibited.
B. 
Exception for authorized events. An exception to this prohibition may be granted solely under the following conditions:
(1) 
The event organizer has obtained a valid special event permit that specifically authorizes alcohol use.
(2) 
The approved permit must be issued in writing by the Township and on file with the Township prior to the event date.
(3) 
The event must comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations, including those of the State of Michigan.
C. 
Permit conditions.
(1) 
Permits authorizing alcoholic beverages shall outline:
(a) 
The type and amount of alcohol permitted.
(b) 
The specific event date, time, and location.
(c) 
Required security or monitoring provisions.
(d) 
Restrictions on sale or distribution to minors.
(e) 
Insurance or liability coverage, if applicable.
(2) 
The Township reserves the right to deny or revoke a permit at any time if public safety, legal compliance, or ordinance conditions are violated.
D. 
Enforcement.
(1) 
Alcohol possession or consumption without a valid special event permit is subject to enforcement.
(2) 
Violators may be fined, evicted from park property, or prosecuted under local and state law.
(3) 
Township officials and law enforcement have full authority to inspect permits and verify event compliance.
A. 
Authority to enforce.
(1) 
This chapter shall be enforced by Township-designated officials, including:
(a) 
Parks and Recreation staff.
(b) 
Township Code Enforcement Officers.
(c) 
Law enforcement agencies.
(d) 
Any other Township-authorized personnel.
B. 
Penalties. Fines and imprisonment.
(1) 
A violation of this chapter constitutes a municipal civil infraction. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with any provision of this chapter, or any permit or approval issued, or any person who knowingly or intentionally aids or abets another person in violation of this chapter, shall be in violation of this chapter, and shall be responsible for a civil infraction. The civil fine for a municipal civil infraction shall be not less than $100 for the first offense and not less than $200 for subsequent offenses, in the discretion of the court, in addition to all other costs, damages, expenses, and remedies provided by law. For purposes of this section, "subsequent offense" means a violation of the provisions of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a previous violation of the same provision of this chapter or similar provision of this chapter for which person admitted responsibility or was adjudged to be responsible. Each day during which any violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.
(2) 
Persons violating any of the above provisions may also be evicted from said park or park land.
C. 
Reimbursement for damages.
(1) 
Any individual convicted of vandalism, destruction of Township property, or injury to park assets shall be responsible for:
(a) 
Full restitution to the Township for repair or replacement costs.
(b) 
Payment of all expenses related to enforcement and prosecution.
(c) 
Any additional penalties imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
All conflicting ordinances or resolutions are repealed to the extent of inconsistency.