[Adopted as part of Ch. 2 of the 1963 City Code (Ch. 2, Art. XIX, of the 1980 Code); amended in its entirety 1-3-2012 by Doc. 119]
There is hereby established the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Mayor for one-year terms from the time of their appointment or until their successors are qualified. Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled for the balance of the term by the Mayor. In making appointments to the Commission, the Mayor shall make every effort to appoint persons whose interests are to promote and carry on recreational and park activities, as well as to promote the management, equipment, care and improvement of the City's park and recreational areas. Members of the Commission shall be removed by the Mayor as provided under the Charter.
The Mayor shall designate a member of said Commission to serve as Chairperson for a one-year period, effective upon said designation and until a new Chairperson is designated.
A. 
The Commission is hereby empowered, subject to the approval of the Mayor, to make rules relative to the performance of the duties of the Commission and the carrying out of its functions, but such rules shall not take effect until they have been examined by the City Solicitor and approved by him with respect to their legality. The Commission shall have all powers and duties as established by MGL c. 45, regarding parks.
B. 
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those powers and duties as established by MGL c. 45:
(1) 
Control of Winnekenni Park, including the right to regulate the use of park grounds and facilities and repair and maintain any buildings thereon, exclusive of residential buildings. Nothing in this article shall supersede the existing responsibilities of the Winnekenni Foundation with reference to the castle.
(2) 
Control and jurisdiction over the Saltonstall Lake (Plug's Pond) swimming area.
(3) 
The right to charge user fees where permitted by law.
(4) 
To establish a revolving fund as provided under MGL c. 44, § 53D, said section hereby being accepted insofar as necessary to comply with the intent of this article.
The care, repair and maintenance of any of the parks, playgrounds, playfields, swimming areas, and any other areas used for recreational activities shall be the responsibility of the Department of Public Works.
The Mayor shall have control and management of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Recreation Director shall regulate and coordinate all functions reasonably related to the duties and responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Permits for sports, games or other activities on all public playgrounds or parks shall be issued by the Recreation Director.