In order to maintain the orderly and efficient use of the County's parks areas and to preserve resources, advance arrangements are required for the following:
A. 
Exclusive use of the gazebo in Gaskill Park.
B. 
Exclusive use of pavilions in Estell Manor Park.
C. 
Use of lodge at Camp Acagisca.
D. 
Use of County parks areas for solicitation or leafletting.
E. 
Participation in County-sponsored classes.
F. 
Tournament use of the golf course.
G. 
High school golf team use of the golf course.
H. 
Exclusive use of the shelter area in Oscar E. McClinton Jr. Waterfront Park.
[Added 4-24-2001 by Ord. No. 7-2001]
I. 
Exclusive use of the gazebo in Lenape Park (west side).
[Added 4-24-2001 by Ord. No. 7-2001; amended 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
J. 
Bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and other group bicycling or pedestrian activities upon the Atlantic County Bike Path or any other County park property.
[Added 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
K. 
Exclusive use of pavilions and tent at Lenape Park (east side).
[Added 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
L. 
Exclusive use of Lenape Manor at Lenape Park (east side).
[Added 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
M. 
Exclusive use of the second floor meeting/event room at Green Tree Golf Course.
[Added 2-5-2013 by Ord. No. 2-2013]
In order to maintain the orderly and efficient use of the County's parks areas and to preserve parks resources, permits are required for the following:
A. 
Camping.
B. 
Boat mooring over 48 hours.
C. 
Operation of power craft on Lake Lenape.
D. 
Special events as defined in Article I of this chapter.
E. 
Public assemblies.
F. 
Hunting.
G. 
Sale of merchandise.
H. 
Use of the challenge course.
I. 
Cutting of wood.
J. 
Use of metal detectors.
K. 
Temporary boat mooring. At Gaskill Park, boats that have not registered with the County as set forth in this chapter shall be permitted to tie temporarily to the bulkhead along the Great Egg Harbor River, only to the extent that designated mooring spaces are available, and only between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1/2 hour after sunset, daily. Boats that that have not registered with the County as set forth in this chapter shall not moor to the bulkhead at any other time between 1/2 hour after sunset and 7:30 a.m.
[Added 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
L. 
Weddings.
[Added 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
M. 
Bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and similar organized bicycling or pedestrian events. Prior to applying for a permit from the County for such activities, the organizing entity shall obtain a letter of endorsement from the municipal governing body, confirming that arrangements have been established to provide adequate public safety and traffic control at all public street crossings that are included within the proposed travel route.
[Added 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
A. 
Whenever a County ordinance, rule or regulation requires that permission be sought to use County parks areas, the County official making the determination whether to grant or deny a permit, reservation or other request to use County parks areas shall consider the following factors, as appropriate:
(1) 
Prior commitment of the site on the date requested.
(2) 
Suitability of the site requested based on the size and nature of the proposed activity.
(3) 
Availability of alternate sites.
(4) 
Potential injury or damage to park area resources.
(5) 
The activity's compatibility with the purposes of natural, historic, wilderness or commemorative areas.
(6) 
Whether the activity would unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic or commemorative zones.
(7) 
Whether the activity can be accommodated within a reasonable budgetary allocation of the Department's funds, considering the anticipated size and hours of the activity as well as the anticipated participation of the general public, based on the activity's public appeal.
(8) 
Whether the activity will unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service or other program activities.
(9) 
Whether there are sufficient emergency services to accommodate the size and nature of the activity.
(10) 
The effect of the activity on the public's access to park facilities.
(11) 
Whether the activity will present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety.
(12) 
Whether any application is complete and all fees paid.
(13) 
Whether the applicant has allowed sufficient time for the division to plan for and coordinate the requested activity.
(14) 
The willingness and ability of the applicant to cover expenses related to the activity, including but not limited to first aid, sanitation, traffic, security and utilities.
B. 
Rights guaranteed by the New Jersey and United States Constitutions and Statutes shall not be abridged in the course of granting or denying use of County parks areas.
[Amended 4-24-2001 by Ord. No. 7-2001]
Where indicated, requests for a permit or reservation must be accompanied by a nonrefundable processing fee of $5. This fee is in addition to any other fees charged. This fee shall apply to permits issued for powerboats and low-powerboats pursuant to § 97-72.
[Amended 4-24-2001 by Ord. No. 7-2001; 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
A. 
The fees for use of the following sites are as stated below and are in addition to the processing fee of $5.  Fees for sites covered in specific parts of this chapter (such as camp sites and boat moorings) can be found under those headings.
[Amended 2-5-2013 by Ord. No. 2-2013; 12-9-2014 by Ord. No. 23-2014; 4-14-2015 by Ord. No. 6-2015[1]; 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2-2018]
Site
Fee
Gazebo in Gaskill Park
$30 per event
Pavilions at Estell Manor
$30 per event per day
Lodge at Acagisca
$75 per day; $50 per day with camping
Shelter area in Oscar E. McClinton Jr. Waterfront Park
$30 per event
Gazebo in Lenape Park (west side)
$30 per event
Lenape East Catering Hall
$300 per six-hour block
Exclusive use of other park areas
$100 per day for up to 100 people, and $50 for each additional group of up to 50
Pavilion Areas A and B at Lenape Park (east side)
$60 per event per day
Pavilion C at Lenape Park (east side)
$30 per event per day
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance, establishing fees for the use of Lenape East Catering Hall, also stated that, "The policies and procedures adopted by the Parks Division shall include provisions that the users shall procure a policy of liability insurance naming the County as an additional insured in an amount not less than $1,000,000 for the event and shall require the proposed user to sign an indemnification and hold harmless agreement as prepared by County Counsel."
B. 
Use of all other areas or facilities of Atlantic County parks that are not specifically listed in the preceding subsections and amendments thereto shall be assessed at the rate of $1 per user. It shall be the applicant's responsibility to accurately estimate the number of users. In the event that the number of actual users exceeds the estimated or permitted amount, an additional fee shall be assessed by the County and paid by the permit applicant.
C. 
The two softball fields and soccer field may be utilized by groups free of charge for up to two separate uses in a calendar year. Any usage of these areas beyond that number shall be subject to a fee of $100 for each date/time of use. Groups such as a league shall be subject to a reservation fee of $100.
[Added 12-9-2014 by Ord. No. 23-2014]
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2-2018]
A. 
Applicants seeking use of County facilities shall be required to pay a security deposit as a prerequisite to cover any damages to the facility or cleanup costs. Users of County facilities must leave the facility in as good order as they found it. The security deposit will be returned after the facility has been inspected for damage and debris, provided that the facility has been left in good order. The County reserves the right to deduct the cost of repairs and/or cleaning expenses from the deposit before returning the funds as well as the right to seek reimbursement for such costs above the amount of the deposit.
B. 
Special events that include alcohol require a minimum security deposit of $500.
[Amended 4-24-2001 by Ord. No. 7-2001; 12-9-2014 by Ord. No. 23-2014]
The fees for the following activities are as stated below. Fees for activities covered in specific parts of this chapter (such as shooting and golf) can be found under those headings.
Activity
Fee
Park-instructed craft class
Cost of materials
Miscellaneous classes
Instructor fee plus materials
A. 
The Division may require an applicant for parks area use to provide for services beyond those reasonably provided by County personnel in their normal course of duty. Issuance of a permit or the granting of permission can be conditioned upon an applicant's payment of all expenses in connection with the activity, including but not limited to first aid, sanitation, traffic, security and utilities.
B. 
Extraordinary expenses may also include the cost of any police or other traffic control, flag persons, chase vehicles, first aid, detour plans, signs or other matter or thing that may be, in the judgment of the County, necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of persons, private property or County property.
[Added 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
If an applicant's proposed use of a County parks area requires extra County staff to be on duty beyond the normal scheduled times, as determined by the Division Director, a fee of $15 per hour per employee will be charged.
A. 
Payments to the Division shall be made by credit card; debit card; or check or money order made payable to the Treasurer, County of Atlantic. There is a charge of $20 for returned checks.
[Amended 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2-2018]
B. 
Cash payments are accepted at the golf course/range and at all County parks.
[Amended 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
C. 
County personnel can only accept cash payments in accordance with established internal procedures.
A. 
Two-week notice. Unless otherwise provided, a refund of the site and/or activity fee will be issued if 14 days' advance notice of a cancellation is received, in writing, by the Division. A cancellation fee of $5 will be deducted from the refund amount.
B. 
One-week notice. Unless otherwise provided, if seven days' advance notice of a cancellation is received, in writing, by the Division, fees will not be refunded, but the cancelling party will be given an opportunity to reschedule and apply the fees paid to the new reservations. In those instances where the Division is able to fill the vacated reserved activity, refunds up to the amount recouped will be given.
C. 
Less than one week's notice. If less than seven days' notice, in writing, is received by the Division, all fees will be forfeited, unless the Division is able to fill the vacated reserved activity. Any refund is limited to the amount recouped through the rescheduling.
D. 
Refunds will be issued in the mail by the Atlantic County Treasurer's Office.
A. 
The department head and/or Division Director may consider a request to waive the fees for the use of an Atlantic County parks area. The following factors shall be considered:
(1) 
Whether the request is for off-season or prime-time use.
(2) 
Whether the purpose is nonprofit, charitable or for-profit.
(3) 
The size and complexity of the event.
(4) 
There is an offer to perform a needed service for the Division in exchange for use.
(5) 
Some other valuable exchange is offered for use.
(6) 
The request is from another governmental unit or agency.
(7) 
Whether the request conflicts with another fee-generating request.
B. 
There is no fee for a unit or division of the Atlantic County government using a parks area for a County function.
[Amended 4-1-2003 by Ord. No. 7-2003]
A. 
The Division shall provide application forms for reservations, permits, and other consents or approvals that may be required concerning County park areas in accordance with this chapter. Persons seeking reservations, permits or other consents or approvals concerning the Atlantic County Public Range shall either submit a request in writing or apply in person at the facility's offices, located at 710 Betsy Scull Road, Egg Harbor Township. Concerning the John F. Gaffney Green Tree Course, persons shall either submit a request in writing or apply in person at the facility's offices, located at 1030 Mays Landing - Somers Point Road, Egg Harbor Township. Concerning all other County park facilities, interested persons shall either submit a request in writing or apply in person, at the Division's offices at Lake Lenape Park, 6303 Old Harding Highway, Mays Landing, N.J.
B. 
All written inquiries shall include a self-addressed stamped envelope, with a brief description of the request.
A. 
Requests for park use will be processed in order of receipt and sites allocated once the application process is complete. However, County events are given priority.
B. 
Applications for use of the Public Range Facility will be processed by the range manager. See Article XI, Atlantic County Public Range Facility.
C. 
Applications for use of Greentree Golf Course will be processed by the golf course manager. See Article XII, Golf.
D. 
Applications for use of other County park areas will be accepted in person at the park system reservation office at Lake Lenape daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., holidays excepted, or by mail, care of the Atlantic County Parks, 6303 Old Harding Highway, Mays Landing, NJ 08330.
[Amended 12-8-2009 by Ord. No. 15-2009]
E. 
The Division will tentatively reserve a date over the phone and will hold the requested date for seven days. If the requestor has not completed the application process within those seven days, the date will be released.
F. 
An application will be considered complete when all information has been provided and fees paid.
G. 
Applications for use of parks areas shall be submitted to the Division based on the following time frames:
(1) 
Public assemblies: a minimum of two working days in advance of the activity.
(2) 
Special events: a minimum of 30 days in advance of the activity.
(3) 
Activities requiring advance notice: a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
(4) 
Other activities as stated in specific Articles.
H. 
The application time frames may be waived by the Division if the size and nature of the activity will not reasonably require the commitment of park resources or personnel in excess of that which are normally available or which can reasonably be made available within the necessary time period.
I. 
The Division shall promptly review and grant or deny all applications with due regard for the immediacy of the request.
J. 
If an applicant's request is denied, the Division Director shall inform the applicant, in writing, of the denial and the reason(s) therefor.
A. 
The Division may require, as a prerequisite to use of a County parks area, the provision of liability insurance in which the County of Atlantic is named an additional insured. The type and amount of insurance coverage is based on the Risk Manager's evaluation of liability potential.
B. 
Organized groups will be required to demonstrate that they maintain adequate insurance coverage for liability purposes, depending upon the nature of the activity or event. Minimum coverage of $1,000,000 is required.
C. 
A minimum host liquor liability policy of $2,000,000 is required for all events that include the serving of alcohol. The policy shall name the County of Atlantic and the Township of Hamilton as additional insureds. In conjunction with the insurance policy, the event sponsor/host shall execute an indemnification and hold harmless agreement in a form approved by County Counsel by which it agrees to indemnify and defend both the County of Atlantic and the Township of Hamilton from any and all claims which may rise from the event.
[Added 2-13-2018 by Ord. No. 2-2018[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of Subsections C and D as Subsections D and E, respectively.
D. 
A certificate of insurance, acceptable to the Risk Manager, must be received by the Division at least 10 days prior to the event. Failure to provide this certificate may result in cancellation of the activity.
E. 
Requests for review of the insurance requirements, based on hardship, shall be decided by the department head and Risk Manager.
The Division may impose such conditions on the use of parks areas as are reasonably consistent with the protection and use of a parks area for the purpose for which it is established. Reasonable limitations on use of equipment and the time and area within which an activity is conducted can be set by the Division.
The County may require applicants to execute an agreement to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the County and its employees and agents for loss, injuries and damages as a prerequisite to using a County parks area.