Chapter 23

 

                                                   PARKS AND RECREATION[1]

 

                                       Art. I.          In General, §§ 23-l—23-15

                                                   Art. II.          Parks and Recreation Board, §§ 23-16—23-34 (Repealed)

                                                 Art. III.          Park Rules, §§ 23-35—23-89

                                                                         Div. 1. Generally, §§ 23-35—23-55

                                                                         Div. 2. Park and Building Use Permit, §§ 23-56—23-70

                                                                         Div. 3. Boating, §§ 23-71—23-80

                                                                         Div. 4. Administration and Enforcement, §§ 23-81—23-89

                                                 Art. IV.          Urban Camping, §§ 23-90—23-99

                                                   Art. V.          Preserves, §§ 23-100—23-113

                                                                         Div. 1. Generally, §§ 23-100—23-109

                                                                         Div. 2. Preserve Rules and Regulations, §§ 23-110—23-113

 

                                                     ARTICLE I.  IN GENERAL

 

Secs. 23-1—23-15.  Reserved.

 

                               ARTICLE II.  PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD[2]

 

Sec. 23-16.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-4; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Sec. 23-17.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, §§ 22-5—22-7; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Sec. 23-18.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-8; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Sec. 23-19.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-9; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Sec. 23-20.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-10; Ord. No. 97.57, 12-11-97; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2002.22, 8-1-02; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Sec. 23-21.  Repealed.

(Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2008.01, 01-24-08)

 

Secs. 23-22—23-34.  Reserved.

                                                   ARTICLE III.  PARK RULES

 

                                                      DIVISION I.  GENERALLY

 

Sec. 23-35.  Exemptions; interference with special events prohibited.

 

         (a)     Sections 23-36, 23-37, 23-37.1, 23-45, 23-46, 23-56 and 23-57 of this division shall not apply during, or within the areas designated for, special events as permitted by issuance of a permit pursuant to § 5-2 of this code.

 

         (b)     When any special event as defined in § 5-2 of this code is conducted at any city park, all persons not participating therein shall keep clear of participants in the event.

(Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

Sec. 23-36.  Hours of operation.

 

         No person shall trespass upon or be upon the grounds, other than public sidewalks or streets located therein, of any city park, playground or golf course without the express written permission of the official designated by the parks and recreation manager, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless otherwise posted; provided, however, with respect to any city park, playground or golf course that is equipped with either general area or athletic lighting which is functioning, the closing time may be extended to 12:00 midnight.

(Code 1967, § 22-1; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07; Ord. No. 2007.62, 9-6-07)

 

Sec. 23-37.  Operation of motor vehicles, horses.

 

         No person shall drive or ride at any time any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized play vehicle or motorized skateboard as defined in §§ 19-1(b)(6) and (7) of this code, horse or other motor vehicle or animal upon the grounds of any city park, playground or golf course, except in public streets running through such premises or within designated parking areas located upon the premises, without the express written permission of the official designated by the parks and recreation manager.

 

         (1)     A maximum speed of five (5) m.p.h. shall be in effect at all times, unless otherwise posted;

 

         (2)     Unlicensed motor vehicles or unlicensed operators shall not be allowed on any park property. With the exception of city vehicles or authorized maintenance vehicles, all motor vehicles shall remain on surfaced roadways at all times; and

 

         (3)     Horses shall be allowed only on designated bridle paths.

(Code 1967, § 22-2; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2007.21, 05-17-07)

 


Sec. 23-37.1.  Parking of motor vehicles.

 

         No person shall park any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized play vehicle or motorized skateboard as defined in §§ 19-1(b)(6) and (7) of this code, or other motor vehicle upon the grounds of any city park, playground or golf course, except within specifically designated parking areas during park hours.

(Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01)

 

Sec. 23-38.  Abusing facilities.

 

         No person shall damage or wastefully or improperly use the toilet, water and sewer facilities in any city park, playground or golf course or cause the lighting facilities or electrical appliances to be turned on or used without written permission of the official designated by the parks and recreation manager.

(Code 1967, § 22-3; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06)

 

Sec. 23-39.  Use of water facilities.

 

         No person shall use any portion of any city park or city lake, lagoon or other water facilities located in any city park or areas without the express written permission of the official designated by the parks and recreation manager or, for Rio Salado Park, the Rio Salado project manager.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.1; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06)

 

Sec. 23-40.  Prohibited activities.

 

         (a)     The following activities are prohibited in all city parks, unless otherwise posted:

 

                  (1)     No persons shall commit any act in a public park or recreation facility so as to endanger the health and safety of themselves or other park and recreation facility users;

 

                  (2)     No person shall use any portion of any city park or city-owned property for golfing purposes, or make use of any golf club or golf ball in any city park or on city-owned property, except at places designated for golfing;

 

                  (3)     No person shall use any portion of any city park or city-owned property for archery, firearm or other projectile-producing devices;

 

                  (4)     No person shall use any portion of any city park or city-owned property for ice-blocking or sledding with any device;

 

                  (5)     No person shall use any water source at any city park or city-owned property for swimming or bathing, animal swimming or bathing, washing clothes, cleaning fish or other unsanitary activities, except at places designated for such activities;

 


                  (6)     No person shall operate skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, bicycles or any rolling (nonmotorized) vehicles in city parks where such activity is specifically prohibited by appropriate posting or in an unsafe manner so as to infringe upon the safety of themselves or other park users;

 

                  (7)     No person shall possess any glass beverage container, unless specifically authorized by a permit issued pursuant to § 23-56 of this chapter;

 

                  (8)     No person shall knowingly, intentionally or recklessly litter, break, throw, toss or otherwise propel any glass object or container; and

 

                  (9)     No person shall fly a kite, remote control plane or similar aerial device within Tempe Beach Park or Rio Salado Park.

 

         (b)     The parks and recreation manager and, for Rio Salado Park, the Rio Salado project manager, is hereby delegated the authority to establish additional prohibited activities at specified parks.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.2; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2004.09, 4-1-04; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

Sec. 23-41.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.3; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99)

 

Sec. 23-42.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.4; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99)

 

Sec. 23-43.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.5; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 97.10, 2-13-97)

 

Sec. 23-44.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.6; Ord. No. 637.6, § I, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 97.10, 2-13-97)

 

Sec. 23-45.  Spirituous liquor in parks prohibited.

 

         (a)     The possession or consumption of spirituous liquors in city parks is prohibited, except that malt beverages are allowed for personal consumption with a permit issued by the parks and recreation department, or by the designee of such department, pursuant to § 23‑56 of this code.  The permit will be available to city residents only and be good for one day. The prohibition of spirituous liquors in any city park shall be conspicuously posted near all entrances to the park.

 

         (b)     This section does not apply to the possession or consumption of spirituous liquors in connection with any concessions authorized by the city at Rio Salado Park.  Permits will not be issued for personal consumption of malt beverages on Rio Salado Town Lake.

 

         (c)     Any person or persons guilty of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable as set forth in § 1-7 of this code.

(Code 1967, § 22-3.7; Ord. No. 637.7, 2-28-85; Ord. No. 97.10, 2-13-97; Ord. No. 99.01, 2‑4‑99; Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

            State law reference—A.R.S. § 4-244.

Sec. 23-46.  Sound amplification equipment.

 

         It shall be unlawful for any person to use any sound amplification equipment without first obtaining a permit for said use issued by the parks and recreation department or the designee of such department.  The application fee shall be established by the city council (see Appendix A).  Permits shall be issued subject to the following restrictions:

 

         (1)     Permits will only be issued to Tempe residents and be valid only for the day specified on the permit;

 

         (2)     The permits shall be issued only for Rio Salado Park, Kiwanis Park and Tempe Beach Park and shall designate in which areas of those parks the sound amplification equipment may be used;

 

         (3)     The amplification shall remain at an acceptable sound level that does not disturb the reasonable use of the park facilities by other users;

 

         (4)     The acceptable sound level shall be determined by a representative of the parks and recreation department or the police department and any permittee refusing to abide by their decision will have their permit revoked immediately; and

 

         (5)     Permits will only be issued for functions where music is an ancillary part of the function and no admission shall be charged for any musical exhibition.

(Ord. No. 86.29, § 1, 4-24-86; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

Sec. 23-47.  Repealed.

(Ord. No. 86.34, § 1, 5-15-86; Ord. No. 97.10, 2-13-97)

 

Sec. 23-48.  Repealed.

(Ord. No. 87.20, 7-9-87; Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01; Ord. No. 2004.09, 4-1-04)

 

Secs. 23-49—23-55.  Reserved.

 

                                 DIVISION 2. PARK AND BUILDING USE PERMIT

 

Sec. 23-56.  When required; consideration of applications.

 

         (a)     A permit shall be obtained from locations as designated by the parks and recreation manager whenever any person or group desires to consume malt beverages in any city park or whenever any person or group desires to reserve any portion of the public parks and recreation facilities for any activity.  The parks and recreation manager shall interpret this division and may act in any case not specifically covered by this division.  Any request for a use not contemplated or prohibited in this division may be forwarded to the city manager who will take the matter before the city council for its consideration.

 


         (b)     A permit for consumption of malt beverages will be issued only for consumption of malt beverages in city parks of three (3) acres or more.  The permit will be valid until sundown of the requested permit date.  An application for a permit to consume malt beverages after sundown may only be issued if the individual or group of persons also reserves a portion of the parks and recreation facilities pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.  Malt beverages shall not be consumed within the parks and recreation department's buildings or in any other portion of a public park or recreational area at such times as recreational activities organized by the parks and recreation department are being conducted.

 

(c)     Department-organized recreation activities shall be given first preference for use of the public community services or parks and recreation facilities.  Organizations using the facility must be nonprofit and involve city residents.  An application for permission to reserve a community services or parks and recreation facility or portion thereof by persons or groups not officially a part of the community services or parks and recreation department shall be initiated at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested date, and have written approval from the community services or parks and recreation department; provided however, that in extraordinary cases, an official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager may waive or shorten the two-week time period as set forth above.

 

         (d)    Any permit or written approval issued pursuant to this section must be in the possession of at least one person using the park or facilities and must be shown upon request.

(Code 1967, § 22-11; Ord. No. 637.6, § II, 2-13-84; Ord. No. 97.10, 2-13-97; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06)

 

Sec. 23-57.  Rules of conduct upon approval; grounds for revocation.

 

         (a)     All activities must be under competent, adult supervision, with the organization using the facility assuming full responsibility for any damage to the facility or the equipment.  A responsible party must be a city resident and be in attendance at the event.  The community services or parks and recreation department employee on duty shall exercise authority over the organization or its activities.  If the adult supervision is inadequate, it shall be the responsibility of the community services or parks and recreation employees on duty to report same to the community services or parks and recreation department.  Cleanup of the contracted area will be the responsibility of the user.  The user shall be charged on an hourly basis to pay for cleanup if it is necessary for the city to provide additional cleanup services.  The user fees or charges shall be established by the city council and administered by the community services or parks and recreation department; provided, however, the city council may, in appropriate cases, waive the user fee or charge.   A cleanup deposit may be required if deemed necessary.  All fees and charges are due one business day prior to use.

 

         (b)     All permits shall be revocable for cause by an official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager upon the finding of a violation of any rule, this code or other city ordinance or state statute.  If notice of cancellation of a request is not received at the community services or parks and recreation administration office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the event, the permit holder may be held responsible for all charges at the discretion of an official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager.

 


         (c)     No apparatus (scenery, etc.) or furniture and equipment shall be moved into a recreation facility unless special permission is granted in advance and so stated in the permit.  Such apparatus, furniture or equipment (provided by the holder of the permit) shall be removed promptly after use.  Failure to comply shall prohibit such groups from using facilities at a later date.

 

         (d)    The organization using facilities shall indemnify the city for any and all damage to the facility by any person or persons attending the affair, and all liability and damages to any person or persons attending the affair, and all liability and damages to any person for injuries, including death.  Adequate insurance as determined by the risk management office shall be provided by each organization using community services or parks and recreation facilities to cover such liability listing the city as an additional insured.  Responsibility for loss, breakage or need for repair of any piece of the facility or area shall be upon the individual signing the permit.

 

         (e)     Building facilities and areas must be vacated by 10:00 p.m. unless permission is otherwise granted specifically in the permit and a fee may be assessed as per city fee schedule.  It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure that the policy is administered.  Programs shall be concluded in time to provide for cleanup and clearance of the facility as stated in the permit.

 

         (f)     The following specific rules shall be observed while using any facility and the permittee shall be held responsible for any loss or damage growing out of such violation.

 

                  (1)     The use of tobacco in any facility in any form shall be carefully controlled.  No smoking shall be allowed unless proper and adequate containers are provided;

 

                  (2)     Nonprofit organizations using the facility for charitable fundraising events must provide the community services or parks and recreation department a financial report or projection of monies expended and the disposition of receipts.  No permit for charitable fundraising events shall be issued without the written approval of the community services or parks and recreation manager; and

 

                  (3)     Functions shall be confined to the specific part of the facility assigned to the permittee.

 

         (g)     The following activities shall be prohibited unless approved by the city council:

 

                  (1)     Continuous use of building facilities for religious services or political purposes;

 

                  (2)     Activities not sponsored or conducted by a city resident; or

 

                  (3)     Profit-making functions.

 

         (h)     The total number of people admitted for any usage shall not exceed the capacity of the facility involved, as determined by an official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager and/or the city fire marshal.

 


         (i)      A minimum of one community services or parks and recreation department employee shall be on duty at all times when community services or parks and recreation department building facilities are scheduled.  He shall be responsible and paid by the community services or parks and recreation department, and no organization using a community services or parks and recreation building facility shall make any payment to such employee.

 

         (j)      The use of special equipment shall be permitted only when operated by community services or parks and recreation department employees or other persons specifically authorized in the permit.  When used by other than community services or parks and recreation employees, and so stated in the permit, the special equipment must be returned in the condition in which it was found (with the exception of normal wear) or the user shall be responsible for repair or replacement charges.

 

         (k)     No material of any kind shall be attached to any part of the facility or area without written permission of the official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager.

 

         (l)      Some uses may require additional control personnel by the city as deemed necessary by the official designated by the community services or parks and recreation manager.  Additional personnel must be paid for by the permittee.

 

(m)    Concession rights shall be reserved unless specifically stated otherwise in the permit.  As to concession rights, no helium balloons are permitted to be placed or sold within Tempe Beach Park or Rio Salado Park.  No popcorn is permitted to be sold in Rio Salado Park.

 

         (n)     No community services or parks and recreation department kitchen facility shall be used except as specifically outlined by the official designated by the community services or parks and recreation department.  Facilities must be cleaned after use and approval inspection given.

 

         (o)     Continuous use of facilities by clubs or enterprises shall be permitted through signed agreements which shall be reissued as necessary.  No permit shall exceed a period of time of one year. Permits may be reissued each year with approval.

 

         (p)     When an application for use of the facilities has been approved, notification shall contain the date, hours of use, age of group, type of activity and the number of participants.

 

         (q)     The city noise ordinance must be adhered to at all times.

(Code 1967, § 22-12; Ord. No. 637.6, § II, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 2001.17, 7-26-01; Ord. No. 2006.25, 4‑6‑06; Ord. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

Sec. 23-58.  Repealed.

(Code 1967, § 22-13; Ord. No. 637.6, § II, 12-13-84; Ord. No. 2001.21, 10-18-01)

 

Sec. 23-59.  Repealed.

(Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99; Ord. No. 2007.21, 5-17-07)

 

Secs. 23-60—23-70.  Reserved.

 


                                                         DIVISION 3.  BOATING

 

Sec. 23-71.  Exemptions.

 

         The provisions of this division shall not apply to:

 

         (1)     Any boat owned or operated by the city, or any agent thereof, when such boat is being used to enforce the provisions of this division or when such boat is being used to effect the rescue of any person or property upon or in the waters of any city park or area;

 

         (2)     Any boat owned or operated by other law enforcement agencies, when such boat is being used to enforce applicable state law provisions;

 

         (3)     Any boat used by the city, or any agent thereof, for the operation and maintenance of Town Lake or Kiwanis Lake;

 

         (4)     Any boat used for concessions as a part of an agreement with the city; or

 

         (5)     Any boat used as part of an authorized special event or with a special permit, except that the exemption only applies to §§ 23-75 and 23-76.

(Code 1967, § 22-22; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99)

 

Sec. 23-72.  Applicable regulations.

 

         All applicable city ordinances and statutes of the state and all boating regulations of the state game and fish department shall be observed while boating upon the waters of any city park or area. In the event of a conflict between a city ordinance and a state statute or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall prevail and be obeyed.

(Code 1967, § 22-21)

 

            State law reference—Boating and water sports, A.R.S. § 5-301 et seq.

 

Sec. 23-73.  Permitted on certain waters.

 

         Notwithstanding the provisions of § 23-39, boating shall be permitted upon the waters of Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake and upon such other waters as the council may hereinafter designate by resolution, subject to the provisions of this division.

(Code 1967, § 22-14; Ord. No. 99.01, 2-4-99)

 

Sec. 23-74.  Permit required; fees.

 

         (a)     In addition to such other registration as is required by applicable law, no boat may be placed in the waters of any lake, lagoon or other water facility located in any city park or area unless there is affixed to the stern of such boat a city boating permit, to be issued by the parks and recreation manager.  For Rio Salado Park, the Rio Salado project manager or designee shall issue all city boating permits.

 


         (b)     Applications for boating permits shall include the following:

 

                  (1)     The owner's name and address;

 

                  (2)     A description of the boat covered by the permit;

 

                  (3)     The state boat registration number of such boat; and

 

                  (4)     Such other information as the manager of the parks and recreation department or the designee of such department determines to be necessary to fully accomplish the purposes of this division.

 

         (c)     Each application for a boating permit shall be accompanied by a permit fee established annually by the city.

 

         (d)    Each boating permit issued by the parks and recreation manager shall be valid only during the calendar year of its issuance and may be renewed annually upon reapplication accompanied by the permit fee, as set forth in subsection (c) of this section.

 

         (e)     In addition to permit fees, the city shall have the authority to establish a nominal daily use fee for persons using Rio Salado Town Lake for boating or special event purposes.

 

         (f)     Notwithstanding any boating permit, the city may close any lake to public boating at any time, if such closure is necessary for the operation and maintenance of the lake, or if there is a potential threat to public