[Adopted 8-6-1986 by Ord. No. 1986-17 (Ch. 90 of the 1975
Code)]
The purpose of this chapter is to establish
rules and regulations governing the use of public parks and recreation
areas in the Township of Maple Shade. Rules of acceptable conduct
are established herein for all persons using public park facilities,
as well as prohibited activities and procedures for obtaining use
permits.
The following words shall have the following
meanings when used in this chapter:
MUNICIPAL PROPERTY
The Howard Tex Gwynne Sports Complex, consisting of Father
Nolan Field, the Little League Field, the girls' softball field, the
lower field, the hockey court, the basketball court, the tennis court
and playgrounds, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Field, playground and
basketball courts (also known as "Aces Field"), the Fellowship Road
Field, playground and basketball court (also known as the "Little
League Field"), Steinhauer Park, Buttonwood Avenue Park, South Clinton
Playground and Heart Skate Park and all buildings and fixtures located
on said lands, said lands also being designated and further described
on the Official Tax Map.
[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11; 11-1-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-17]
ORGANIZED GROUPS
Groups of individuals who are associated for a common purpose
and are governed by a charter, bylaws or rules and regulations and
approved and recognized as "organized groups" by the Maple Shade Department
of Recreation.
SPONSOR ORGANIZATION
Any organized group which has expended funds for the construction,
maintenance or repair of any building located on municipal property,
and shall include, but not be limited to, Little League, Inc., which
has constructed, maintained and repaired building(s) and the grounds
on Fellowship Field and the field at the Howard Tex Gwynne Sports
Complex, the CYO, which has constructed, maintained and repaired buildings
on the Father Nolan Field, and the Girls' Softball League, which has
constructed, maintained and repaired buildings at the girls' softball
field located at the Howard Tex Gwynne Sports Complex.
[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:61-1 et seq., the Township
Council hereby designates the municipal property as public parks and
playgrounds to be used subject to the hereinafter stated rules and
regulations.
While in an area designated as municipal property,
all persons shall conduct themselves in a proper and orderly manner,
and, in particular, all persons shall obey the following regulations:
A. All municipal property shall be available on a first-come-first-served
basis unless the township has authorized the use of such municipal
property for specific designated times by written permission as provided
for herein. Township officials shall have the authority to regulate
activities and the use of facilities in such areas to prevent congestion
and to secure maximum use for the comfort and enjoyment of all. Visitors
shall comply with any directives given for this purpose. The use of
any municipal property shall be reasonable and in lengths of time
in relation to the number of persons desiring to use such facilities.
No person shall arbitrarily or unreasonably exclude or prevent other
persons from using such facilities.
B. No person shall utilize any municipal property for
other than the designated use of said facility or area. Participating
in or abetting the playing of any games involving thrown or otherwise
propelled objects, such as balls, stones, arrows, horseshoes, quoits
or model airplanes, shall be in those areas set apart for such forms
of recreation. The playing of rough or potentially injurious games,
such as football, baseball, lacrosse and hockey, shall be allowed
only on the fields, courts or areas specifically provided for these
uses. Roller skating and skateboarding, if allowed, shall be confined
to those areas specifically designed for such activities.
C. General regulations. All persons shall:
(1) 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.
(2) Maintain all rest rooms and washrooms in a neat and
sanitary condition.
(3) 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]
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
[Amended 9-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-11]
A. 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.
B. 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]
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:
A. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) The name and address of the applicant.
(2) 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.
(3) The date and time for which the permit is desired.
(4) The park or portion thereof for which such permit
is desired.
(5) The activity to be undertaken or reason for the application.
(6) 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.
B. Standards for issuance of a use permit by the Recreation
Board. Standards may include the following findings:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) That the proposed activity or uses that are unreasonably
anticipated will not induce or tend to induce violence, crime or disorderly
conduct.
(4) That the proposed activity will not entail extraordinary
or burdensome expense or police operation by the township.
(5) 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.
(6) That the facilities desired have not been reserved
for another use at the date and time requested in the application.
C. Conditions of issuance. All permits issued shall be
on the condition that:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) No permit shall be valid except for the facilities,
area and time expressly set forth therein.
(6) 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.
D. Priority. Priority for issuance of permits and reservations
and use of recreation areas shall be given to residents of the Township
of Maple Shade.
E. 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.
F. 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.
G. 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.
[Added 11-1-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-17 ]
In order to be supported by the Township of
Maple Shade, organizations must adhere to the following:
A. A copy of the organization's rule book must be submitted
to the Recreation Director.
B. A copy of the organization's bylaws must be submitted
to the Recreation Director.
C. Applications for the use of fields must be submitted to the Advisory Board of Recreation in accordance with §
138-7 of this chapter.
D. 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.
E. 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.
F. All citizens of the Township of Maple Shade wishing
to participate in the organization shall be permitted.
G. Any tournament teams shall be comprised of players
from the organization's regular season teams.
[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]
A. 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.
B. 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.
[Adopted 8-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-13]
Synthetic field locations are as follows:
A. Solomon Field, Woodlawn "Tex Gywnne" Sports Complex.
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.
A. 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.
B. Category II permit use: Maple Shade Recreation Department and Maple
Shade Board of Education Athletic Department.
C. 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.
D. Category IV permit use: Not-for-profit/501(c)3 organizations. Category
IV permit users are subject to fee schedule listed below.
E. Category V permit use: All other organizations. Category V permit
users are subject to fee schedule listed below.
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.
A. 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.
B. Categories II and III: The fee is waived for groups in this category.
C. Category IV: Nonprofit organization.
(1) Artificial surface field: $100 per hour.
D. Category V: All other organizations.
(1) Artificial surface field: $200 per hour.
A Maple Shade Township organization, whose primary function
is to provide recreational activities within the community, may seek
to obtain a permit for use of the synthetic surface athletic field
by satisfying the following requirements:
A. Establish a demonstrated need for providing the activity.
B. The program does not duplicate a similar activity offered successfully
within the community.
C. The activity is provided strictly on a nonprofit basis by a nonprofit
group.
D. All participants, including instructors, coaches, officials and players
are covered under a liability and accident insurance plan approved
by Maple Shade Township. Annually, a certificate of insurance evidencing
the amount and type of coverage must be provided. The certificate
of insurance will name Maple Shade Township as additional insured
and require 30 days' notice of cancellation to the Township.
The amount of insurance is established annually by the Township.
E. All coaches' training, screening and certification programs,
which are required by such organization's affiliation (for example,
Little League), are properly enforced by the respective youth association;
proof of same will be provided to the Recreation Director, as requested.
F. If the recognized youth sports association offers both recreational
(in-town) and/or competitive (tryout) play, residency requirements
must be 75%.
G. The organization agrees to pay all costs as directed by the Township.
H. All requests must be received in writing by the Recreation Department
at least 90 days in advance to allow sufficient time for review and
scheduling.
I. An organization not currently recognized by the Township may seek
recognized status by completing the required form, establishing its
compliance with the above criteria, providing a copy of its certificate
of incorporation, bylaws and minutes (or comparable documents governing
unincorporated associations or other type entities), and providing
proof of Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status to the Township
of Maple Shade.
This category of use will include instructional activities that
extend beyond one day and for which a separate fee or tuition is charged
and made payable to the camp directly. The athletic camps are subject
to the following conditions:
A. All camps, no matter on which facility, must be scheduled through
Maple Shade Township and comply with Township permit requirements.
B. Facilities are limited to camps which have a 51% residency requirement
and are open to all youth regardless of skill level.
C. Every camp scheduled must be sponsored by a recognized youth sports
organization. A letter of support, including all pertinent camp information
including dates, times, age level, tuition fees, must be supplied
for preapproval to the Township Recreation Director prior to the scheduling
of the use.
D. Each youth sports organization recognized by the Township is limited to one organization for sponsorship of their athletic camps. If a need arises for an additional sponsorship, a letter of request including all information required under Subsection
C above must be supplied.