Township of Maple Shade, NJ Parks and Recreation Areas

Properly maintain all picnic areas by placing all trash, refuse, garbage and debris in designated disposal receptacles where provided. If no trash receptacles are available, or if available but full, then trash shall be carried away from the park area by the picnicker, to be properly disposed of elsewhere.

Maintain all rest rooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition.

Not appear at any park in a state of nudity or make any indecent exposure of his or her person, and no person shall dress or undress in any place, vehicle or structure except those structures provided and designated by posted notice for such purpose.

[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11]

Be responsible for preventing the entry of dogs or other domestic animals into areas clearly marked "Domestic Animals Prohibited in This Area." In areas where they are permitted, all pets and animals shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than six feet in length. Dogs shall not be permitted to run at large. The riding of horses shall be on designated bridle trails where permitted. Horses shall be thoroughly broken and ridden with due care and shall not be allowed to graze or go unattended, nor shall horses be hitched to any rock, tree or shrub. Where domestic animals are permitted, proper cleanup shall be completed by the responsible person.

Ride all bicycles with all reasonable regard to the safety of others. Bicycling shall be confined to areas so designated for such activity. Bicycles shall be parked in bicycle racks or other areas when such facilities are provided.

Operate, drive and park vehicles only on roads and parking areas so designated by the township and only during the times set forth by said township. Vehicles shall be driven in accordance with posted directions or at the direction of any authorized attendant who may be present.

§ 138-5 Prohibited activities.

No person in any areas designated as municipal property shall:

Willfully mark, deface, disfigure, injure, tamper with, displace or remove any buildings, bridges, tables, fences, benches, fireplaces, grills, paving or paving materials, waterlines, public utilities or parts of appurtenances thereof, signs, notices or placards, whether temporary or permanent, monuments, stakes, posts or other boundary markers or other structures, facilities, park property or appurtenances whatever, either real or personal.

Construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary, or run or string any public service utility into, upon, under or across such lands, except by special written permit issued hereunder.

Dig or remove any soil, rock, sand, stones, wood or wood materials or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting or other means, except with written authorization of the township.

Damage, cut, carve, transplant or remove any tree or plant or injure the bark, pick flowers or seeds of any plants or trees, dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way injure the plant life.

Climb any tree or walk, stand or sit on monuments, planters, fountains, railings, fences or upon any other property designated or customarily used for such purposes.

Throw, discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in any body of water, storm sewer or drain flowing into such water any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of said waters.

(7)

Dump, deposit or leave trash, dirt, bottles, broken glass, refuse, garbage, debris or other waste materials.

(8)

Solicit moneys or contributions for any purpose, whether public or private, unless written permission is granted by the township.

(9)

Build, attempt to build or start a fire except in such areas and facilities and under such regulations as may be designated and set forth by the township. No person shall drop, throw or otherwise scatter lighted matches, burning cigarettes, cigars, tobacco paper or any other flammable material within a park or on any highways, roads or streets abutting or contiguous thereto.

(10)

Leave a picnic fire unattended nor leave a picnic area before any fire is completely extinguished.

(11)

Have in his or her possession or set or otherwise cause to explode, discharge or burn any firecrackers, torpedo rockets or other fireworks and explosives, or discharge or throw said explosives into any such areas from lands or highways adjacent thereto. This prohibition includes any substance, compound, mixture or article that, in conjunction with any other substance or compound, would be dangerous in terms of flammability and explosion. Upon proper application, the township may grant permits for conducting properly supervised fireworks displays in designated park areas.

(12)

Carry or possess firearms of any description or air rifles, spring guns, bows and arrows, slings or any other form of weapons dangerous to human safety and wildlife, or any kind of trapping device. Instruments that can be loaded with and can fire blank cartridges may be permitted upon application and approval of a special permit in accordance with the standards and regulations set forth herein. Shooting into park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden.

(13)

Except under a permit issued in accordance with § 142-2E, bring alcoholic beverages or drink the same at any time. No person shall be under the influence of intoxicating liquor in a park or recreational area.

[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11]

(14)

Gamble or participate in or abet any game of chance except when such game of chance is authorized by permit of the township.

(15)

Paste, glue, tack, nail or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement or inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatever on any public lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park.

(16)

Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area or participating in any activity under the authority of a valid permit.

(17)

Expose or offer for sale any article or object, or station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any article or object. Exception is hereby made to this subsection in connection with any regularly licensed concessionaire acting by and under the authority and regulation of the township.

(18)

Sleep or protractedly lounge on the seats, benches or other areas of a park or engage in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to breach the public peace and welfare.

(19)

Leave a bicycle lying on the ground or pavement or set against trees or in any other place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.

(20)

Go onto the ice except in such areas designated as skating ponds, provided that a safety signal is displayed.

(21)

Fail to produce and exhibit any permit from the township that he or she claims to have, upon request of any township official who shall desire to inspect the same for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any ordinance or rule.

(22)

Occupy any seat or bench or enter into or loiter or remain in any pavilion or any other park structure or section thereof which may be reserved or designated by the township for the use of a specific group.

(23)

Picnic or lunch in a place other than those places designated for that purpose. Attendants shall have the authority to regulate this activity in such areas when necessary to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all. Visitors shall comply with any regulations to achieve this end.

(24)

Cause or permit the vehicle he or she is operating to stand outside of designated parking spaces, except for a reasonable time to receive or discharge passengers or equipment. No motor vehicle shall be parked in said park areas from 1/2 hour after sunset until sunrise, except as otherwise permitted.

In addition to the activities prohibited under Subsection A above, no person, when utilizing the Township's skate park, shall engage in the following prohibited activities:

[Added 11-1-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-17]

Enter, or remain in, the skate park after hours or when the facility is closed due to weather, maintenance or unsafe conditions;

Enter the skate park with, or use riding equipment, other than roller skates, roller blades, skateboards or bicycles at any time;

Enter the skate park without, or fail to use, a safety helmet; or

Enter the skate park or use any foreign item or obstacle in order to enhance the height of ramps, degree of difficulty or create features not in the original approved park layout and design.

§ 138-6 Hours of operation; exception.

[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11]

The parks and playgrounds may be used by any individual or organized or nonorganized group, but only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Any use of the parks and playgrounds before or after the permitted hours shall be deemed to be trespassing, except that organized groups may use the buildings and/or grounds located on municipal property, provided that authorization is obtained from the Township Council or its designee, which shall not be granted unless the Township Council or its designee obtains the prior approval of the appropriate sponsor organization. Once the organized group receives the authorization, the organized group shall be entitled to use the building and/or grounds for the time periods authorized. No other organized groups or nonorganized groups or individuals shall be permitted to use the buildings during the time periods authorized for use by the authorized organized group.

Any section or part of any park may be declared closed to the public at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise), and either entirely or merely for certain uses.

[Added 6-13-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-09]

§ 138-7 Permits.

Permits for special events or use of particular areas or facilities of municipal property may be granted by the Maple Shade Recreation Advisory Board after submission and review of an application in accordance with the following standards and regulations:

The application shall contain the following information:

The name and address of the applicant.

The name and address of the person, persons, corporation, association or organization; the name and address of the president and secretary of said organization and the relationship of the applicant to said organization.

The date and time for which the permit is desired.

The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired.

The activity to be undertaken or reason for the application.

The number of persons anticipated to participate.

(7)

Any other information which the Advisory Board shall find reasonably necessary to make a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued.

Standards for issuance of a use permit by the Recreation Board. Standards may include the following findings:

That the proposed activity or use of the municipal property will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the municipal property.

That the proposed activity and use will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion and maintenance of public health, welfare, safety and recreation.

That the proposed activity or uses that are unreasonably anticipated will not induce or tend to induce violence, crime or disorderly conduct.

That the proposed activity will not entail extraordinary or burdensome expense or police operation by the township.

That any fees assessed for participants or requests for contributions will be solely for the purpose of offsetting or equaling, the organization's reasonable expectation of expenses to be incurred.

That the facilities desired have not been reserved for another use at the date and time requested in the application.

Conditions of issuance. All permits issued shall be on the condition that:

The permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in the permit.

The person, persons or organization to whom the permit is issued shall be liable for all loss, damage or injury sustained by any person whatever by reason of negligence of the person, persons or organization to whom such permit shall have been issued. The township shall have the right to require that, prior to the issuance of a permit or commencement of the activity, the applicant shall submit evidence of liability insurance covering injuries to members of the general public arising out of such permitted activities, in such amounts as may be from time to time determined by the township.

The permittee shall maintain the municipal property by removing all trash or debris and restoring the area or facilities to a condition equal to or better than its condition prior to the granting of the permit. In the event that special or extraordinary maintenance is required or additional costs are incurred for a proposed use or activity, such costs shall be borne by the applicant.

No structures shall be erected or placed, no utilities shall be installed, run or extended and no alteration of a natural or man-made feature, facility or object shall be allowed unless so authorized in the permit issued by the Recreation Board and, when so authorized, in accordance with its requirements for such use and alterations.

No permit shall be valid except for the facilities, area and time expressly set forth therein.

The permittee will obey any other reasonable requirement, condition or restriction which the township authorizes.

(7)

Fees may be charged for a permit, and the township may require a cash deposit or bond in reasonable amount to ensure performance of the terms and conditions of the permit, which deposit shall be refundable after deducting the cost of necessary expenses incurred by the township in restoring the leased area to the condition the same was in at the time the permit was issued, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Priority. Priority for issuance of permits and reservations and use of recreation areas shall be given to residents of the Township of Maple Shade.

Submission of applications. Applications for permits shall be submitted to the Maple Shade Recreation Board or its duly authorized representatives. If a permit is denied, the applicant shall be given written notice setting forth the reasons therefor.

Denial of permit. If a permit is denied by the Recreation Board or its authorized representative, the applicant shall have the right to appeal said decision to the Township Council by serving written notice thereof on the Municipal Clerk within five days from receipt of the notice of denial. A copy of said notice shall also be served on the township's authorized representatives which denied the permit, within the same time, and said representative shall immediately forward the application and the reasons for its refusal to the Township Council, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth in this section. The Township Council shall consider such appeal at its next regular meeting or prior thereto at a special meeting, which appeal shall be considered on the record without a public hearing. In any event, the Township Council shall affirm, reverse or modify the decision to deny the permit within 30 days from the filing of the notice of appeal, in default whereof the appeal shall be considered denied. Written notice of the decision of the Township Council upon any appeal shall be given to the applicant within 10 days thereof.

Revocation of permit. The Recreation Board's authorized representative shall have the authority to revoke a permit if the applicant or any person acting in his behalf shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or any rule or regulation of the township or any of the restrictions, terms or conditions under which the permit was issued. In the event of such revocation, the applicant shall have the right to appeal to the Township Council in the same manner and on the same terms set forth above.

§ 138-8 Rules for township-supported organizations.

[Added 11-1-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-17[1] ]

In order to be supported by the Township of Maple Shade, organizations must adhere to the following:

A copy of the organization's rule book must be submitted to the Recreation Director.

A copy of the organization's bylaws must be submitted to the Recreation Director.

Applications for the use of fields must be submitted to the Advisory Board of Recreation in accordance with § 138-7 of this chapter.

A complete copy of the organization's roster, including each member's name, address and phone number, must be submitted to the Recreation Director prior to the beginning of said organization's season.

A complete copy of the organization's out-of-town members and the per-member fee of $15 must be submitted to the Recreation Director prior to the beginning of said organization's season.

All citizens of the Township of Maple Shade wishing to participate in the organization shall be permitted.

Any tournament teams shall be comprised of players from the organization's regular season teams.

[1]

Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former § 138-8, Violations and penalties, as § 138-9.

§ 138-9 Violations and penalties.

[Amended 10-1-1997 by Ord. No. 1997-20; 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11; 11-1-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-17; 4-16-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-07]

Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter, shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalty as provided in Chapter 1, Article II, herein.

Any person in violation § 138-5B(1), (2) and/or (4) shall be subject to confiscation of his or her skates, skateboard, bicycle or such other riding equipment or nonapproved riding equipment or apparatus for 14 calendar days. A second violation shall increase the period of confiscation to 90 days.

Article II Synthetic Athletic Field Use

[Adopted 8-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-13]

§ 138-10 Purpose.

This article embodies the policies and procedures which govern synthetic field use and users in order to ensure optimal maintenance of our synthetic athletic fields, owned by the Township of Maple Shade, and to ensure fair and efficient access to those facilities.

Factors to be considered in determining permission for use, as well as permission for type of use, are: current capital improvements or rehabilitation, regular maintenance, extent of wear and tear to be caused by use, coordination of uses, efficient scheduling, location of facility, and availability of services at a facility.

All parties must comply with federal and state antidiscrimination laws. All facility users shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws; such user shall pay all the costs, expenses, fines, penalties, and damages which may be imposed upon the owner of the property by reason of, or arising out of, the user's failure to fully and promptly comply with all legal requirements and observe all the provisions of this policy.

§ 138-11 Location of synthetic fields.

Synthetic field locations are as follows:

Solomon Field, Woodlawn "Tex Gywnne" Sports Complex.

§ 138-12 Priority of use by category.

The synthetic surface athletic field located at Solomon Field is for use by permit only. Permits for synthetic field use are issued by the category in which the organization or event is placed. A Category 1 user/event has priority over a Category 2 and lower user/event. If there is a dispute within a category, the authorized representative of Maple Shade Township will decide priority.

Category I permit use: Maple Shade Youth Football and Maple Shade Soccer Club. The users in this category are responsible for the maintenance and overall appearance of these fields. These groups also pay for any and all energy consumption associated with the use of these locations.

Category II permit use: Maple Shade Recreation Department and Maple Shade Board of Education Athletic Department.

Category III permit use: Any Maple Shade Township-recognized youth sports association. Criteria for a recognized youth sports association is listed in § 138-17 of this article.

Category IV permit use: Not-for-profit/501(c)3 organizations. Category IV permit users are subject to fee schedule listed below.

Category V permit use: All other organizations. Category V permit users are subject to fee schedule listed below.

§ 138-13 Allocation of fields and facilities.

Maple Shade Township Recreation Director: The Recreation Director or other authorized person designated by the Township Manager will determine time allocation according to this policy. The authorized person of Maple Shade Township will review anticipated use with a member from each of the groups in Category I.

Field review: Any group that is interested in using the turf field should submit their request in writing to the Maple Shade Township Recreation Director, 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade, New Jersey (08052).

Schedule: The Recreation Director or other authorized person will develop a seasonal field schedule for all such users. It shall be prepared on a draft basis at least two months before the effective date. The draft shall be reviewed and become final upon approval of the Township Manager at least one month before the effective date in order to allow scheduling of games and practices.

Field Review Committee: A key purpose of this committee is to review complaints received about the use and/or misuse of the synthetic surface field by the category users of the fields. This committee is authorized to restrict access to groups who abuse the field use privileges. The members of this review committee will be determined by the Recreation Director as needed.

Enforcement: Each group that has been given a permit to use the field will be asked to have the permit on site while they are using the field. Responsible officials within the Township of Maple Shade will receive a copy of the field schedule. A copy will be posted on the Maple Shade Township website (www.mapleshade.com), and a copy shall be available upon request to any resident by contacting the Recreation Director at 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade, New Jersey (08052).

§ 138-14 Facility use rules and regulations.

Use of synthetic surface is authorized by permit only.

Use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances of any kind is prohibited.

Smoking is prohibited at all times.

Use of profane, threatening, insulting, indecent and abusive language is prohibited.

There shall be no gum chewing or sunflower seeds allowed on the playing surface.

All trash must be placed in proper receptacles. Users are expected to leave the facility in the same condition in which it was found, or better.

The synthetic surface athletic field may not be used before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:30 p.m. Practices and games should be scheduled to be concluded before this time limit allowing time for participant and spectators to exit the field safely.

Warm-ups for the next scheduled event must be performed so as not to interfere with existing event and so as not to endanger the welfare of all participants, spectators and facilities.

Use of metal cleats is prohibited.

There shall be no public urination or defecation. Any user group that desires a "port-o-john" at a site must gain approval from the Township. The Township will also be responsible for the site location and screening of the facility if appropriate. The requesting group will be responsible for all rental fees associated with the portable toilet.

No pets are allowed on the synthetic surface athletic field at any time.

All managers, coaches, or persons in charge of a group using the field will be responsible for the conduct of all participants, spectators and others connected with the activity, including visiting teams and opponents.

§ 138-15 Fee schedule.

All fees are due upon application for field use, dependent upon confirmation of availability, and contingent upon Township approval by the authorized person of the Township of Maple Shade.

Category I: The users in this category are responsible for the maintenance and overall appearance of the artificial surface field. These groups shall also pay for any and all energy consumption associated with the use of this field.

Categories II and III: The fee is waived for groups in this category.

Category IV: Nonprofit organization.

Artificial surface field: $100 per hour.

Category V: All other organizations.