An Ordinance Concerning the Management of Parks, Athletic Fields and Playgrounds
and other Public Property in the Town of Killingworth

Section 1.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this ordinance, the word “Commission” shall mean the Parks and Recreation Commission of the Town of Killingworth; “public property” shall include any property owned or controlled by the Town of Killingworth or any other town agency other than those properties specifically designated as a “park,” “athletic field,” or “playground” herein or subsequently.  The following areas are hereby designated as a “park” “athletic field” or “playground”:  Irene Sheldon Park, Rocco M. Reale Field, and Bethke Field.  The Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to designate any additional property or areas now or hereafter acquired as a park, athletic field or playground and, upon such designation, such additional property or area shall be included within said definition.

Section 2.  Commission Authority.  In addition to the powers otherwise set forth in this ordinance, the Commission is hereby designated as the permitting authority for all activities on any park, athletic field, or playground, and shall be the sole arbiter of any dispute as to scheduling or other conflicts concerning the use of any of the said parks, athletic fields, or playgrounds.
 
Section 3.  Dogs.  In no event shall any dog be allowed, either leashed or unleashed, on any designated park, athletic field or playground, except in such areas designated by the Commission.  Dogs shall be allowed on other public property only if such dog is properly on a leash of no more than ten (10) feet in length held by the owner or keeper of such dog.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a dog which accompanies a handicapped person as an assistant or guide dog, and is properly leashed or on proper restraint, shall be allowed on any public property pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 46a-64.

Section 4.  Horses and Other Livestock or Pet Animals.  In no event shall any horse or other livestock or pet animal be ridden or walked on any park, athletic field or playground.  Horses and other livestock or pet animals may be allowed on other public property, but only in areas specifically designated by the Commission for such purpose. 

Section 5.  Alcoholic Beverages.  The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on any park, athletic field or playground is strictly prohibited.

Section 6.  Concerts and Special Events.  Concerts and Special Events that are sponsored by a Killingworth organization may be allowed on a park, playground or athletic field, but only upon a permit issued by the Commission.  Application for such a permit shall be made to the Commission, in writing, at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of such event, although the Commission may waive such time requirement for good cause shown.  The Commission may require the sponsoring organization to post a bond to insure against any damage to the location of the concert.  The Commission may impose reasonable regulations as to any such use, including but not limited to the regulation of the hours of such Concert or Special Event, requiring the use of police for traffic control, and requiring reimbursement for any costs incurred by the Town as a result of said Concert or Special Event.
Section 7.  Other Activities.  The following activities are strictly prohibited on any park, athletic field, or playground: No fires, except in designated areas; no firearms; no target shooting, whether by firearm or bow and arrow; no golfing; no glass containers; no disorderly conduct, excessive noise, intoxication or obscene or indecent behavior; no disposal of litter except in designated containers; no motor vehicles, ATVs, motor bikes, or snow mobiles.

Section 8.  Penalties.  A violation of this Ordinance shall result in a notice of violation and a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25) for the first offense, fifty dollars ($50) for the second offense, and seventy-five dollars ($75) for the third and each subsequent offense.  Any person who receives a notice of violation may appeal said notice to the Board of Selectmen, in writing, within ten (10) days of the date of said notice, and request a hearing on said violation(s).  All such appeals shall be considered, and all hearings shall be conducted, in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-152c, which is hereby adopted for the establishment of an appeal and citation hearing process for considering all appeals under this Ordinance.