Chapter 12.25
PUBLIC PARKS
Sections:
Article I. General Provisions
12.25.020 Park hours – Entrances and exits.
12.25.030 Owner responsible for personal property.
12.25.040 Reserving park facilities – Permit required.
12.25.050 Enforcement of regulations.
Article II. Prohibited Conduct
12.25.070 User maintenance of property – Littering.
12.25.080 Driving regulations – Speed limits and prohibited vehicles.
12.25.090 Disturbances and disorderly conduct.
12.25.100 Assemblies – Erecting booths and stands.
12.25.110 Consumption or selling of alcohol.
12.25.120 Firearms, etc. – Game preserves.
12.25.130 Sleeping or camping – Permission.
Article III. Recreation Regulations
12.25.140 General recreation regulations.
12.25.150 Use of Angola trail.
12.25.155 Softball facility fees.
Cross-reference: Cash reward for information leading to apprehension of person causing damage to park property, see AMC 2.15.040. Department of Parks and Recreation, see AMC 2.15.040.
Article I. General Provisions
12.25.010 Purpose.
The rules and regulations as set out in this chapter are established for the management and protection of the parks and public grounds of the city and for the protection of the persons lawfully entitled to use same. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.01; Code 1981 § 12.20.010.]
12.25.020 Park hours – Entrances and exits.
(A) The parks shall be open to the public from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., and the playgrounds shall be open from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. No person, other than employees of the Parks Department or law enforcement officers, shall be permitted to remain in the public parks except when open as specified in this section.
(B) No person at any time shall enter or leave any park except by the established entrances, exits, walks or drives. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.02; Code 1981 § 12.20.030.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
12.25.030 Owner responsible for personal property.
Personal property or equipment brought into the parks shall be at the owner’s risk. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.03; Code 1981 § 12.20.100.]
12.25.040 Reserving park facilities – Permit required.
(A) Permits are issued for park pavilions at the office of the Park Superintendent.
(B) Reservations may be made for pavilions October 1st of each year, or any time thereafter so long as pavilion requested to be reserved is available.
(C) Reservations are not required for the use of outdoor grills and other picnic facilities.
(D) The person or organization to whom a permit or reservation is issued is responsible for any damage to the buildings, equipment, fixtures or grounds. [Ord. 1514-2015; Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.04; Code 1981 § 12.20.020.]
12.25.050 Enforcement of regulations.
All law enforcement officers and employees of the city Parks Department shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.05; Code 1981 § 12.20.340.]
12.25.060 Fees.
(A) Except for government entities and not-for-profit organizations, fees for the use of park pavilions are established as follows:
|
Park |
City Resident |
Nonresident |
Security Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Selman Timber Frame |
$300.00 |
$360.00 |
|
|
Commons Hall – Full day |
$300.00 |
$360.00 |
$200.00 |
|
Commons Hall – Four hours |
$150.00 |
$180.00 |
|
|
Firemen’s Park |
$75.00 |
$90.00 |
|
|
Lions Pavilion |
$65.00 |
$78.00 |
|
|
Locust Pavilion |
$25.00 |
$30.00 |
|
|
Friendship Pavilion |
$40.00 |
$48.00 |
|
(B) For a government entity or a not-for-profit organization who has 501(c)(3) status, fees for the use of park pavilions are established as follows:
|
Park |
Government Entity or Not-for-Profit Organization |
|---|---|
|
Selman Timber Frame |
$180.00 |
|
Commons Hall – Four hours |
$180.00 |
|
Firemen’s Park |
$45.00 |
|
Lions Pavilion |
$39.00 |
(C) Additional Service Fees.
(1) For unlocking of tables at the Selman Timber Frame, an additional service fee of $50.00 applies.
(2) For removal of tables at the Selman Timber Frame, an additional service fee of $50.00 applies.
(3) For the addition of tables at any pavilion:
|
Up to 10 tables |
$50.00 |
(D) Said fees are due and payable before the city approves the park pavilion reservation.
(E) All fees shall be receipted to the park nonreverting capital fund. [Ord. 1722-2023 § 1; Ord. 1610-2019 § 1; Ord. 1539-2016 § 1; Ord. 1511-2015; Ord. 1482-2014; Ord. 1459-2013; Ord. 1335-2009; Ord. 1275-2007; Ord. 1248-2007; Ord. 1027-2000. Code 2000 § 95.06.]
Article II. Prohibited Conduct
12.25.070 User maintenance of property – Littering.
(A) No person shall throw stones, rubbish or other articles into any lake, or waters or into any park areas.
(B) No person shall cut, break or pluck flowers or in any way injure or deface the trees, shrubs, plants or turf or any of the buildings, fences, benches, structures, fixtures or statuary within any public park or boulevard strip.
(C) If it is necessary to slightly disturb the surface of the ground when erecting stands, care must be taken to fill all holes after the stands are removed. Ice or ice water containing salt must not be emptied on the park grounds. The park grounds must be cleaned up after using and put in as good condition as before using. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.20; Code 1981 §§ 12.20.260 and 12.20.280.]
12.25.080 Driving regulations – Speed limits and prohibited vehicles.
(A) General Regulations. No person shall operate any motorized vehicle on any path designated for foot or bicycle traffic, except park employees and law enforcement officers. Vehicle parking is permitted only in the designated areas, and not on the grass. Vehicles are not permitted on playgrounds or picnic areas. Parking of vehicles, other than law enforcement officers or park employees, in any park area between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. shall be prohibited, except upon permission of the Park Superintendent. Ice cream carts and vendors are not permitted in the parks or playgrounds; they must stay in the streets. Bicycles may be walked in a playground area, provided such travel can be done without endangering or interfering with activities in progress in the public parks. Horseback riders are prohibited from riding in the parks.
(B) Speed Limits. A speed limit of 15 miles per hour is established on all streets, roads and drives of the city park system; provided, however, that at or near hazardous or congested locations, speed limits of less than that specified in this section may be established, and/or speed devices installed, when deemed necessary at the discretion of the Park Superintendent.
(C) Vehicles Prohibited. The Park Superintendent is granted authority to designate, by order recorded in its minutes, the kind of conveyances and vehicles and loads thereon that may not be used or hauled in all or any of the public parks; and it shall be unlawful for any person to use any vehicle or conveyance contrary to the provisions of any such order of the Park Superintendent.
(D) Snowmobiles. No person shall operate a self-propelled vehicle which is designed to travel on snow covered surfaces, and commonly known as a snowmobile, within any park or park grounds, except in areas which may be designated by the Park Superintendent for such usage.
(E) Operation of Nonregistered Motor Vehicles. No person shall operate a go-cart, swamp buggy, race car or any other type of motor vehicle which is not registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state in any park or park grounds, except in areas which may be designated by the Park Superintendent for such usage.
(F) No person shall park or leave a vehicle in a parking area designated for use by persons using city parks or other properties operated or controlled by the Angola Department of Parks and Recreation who is not using the city park or other property operated or controlled by the Angola Department of Parks and Recreation during the time said vehicle is parked. [Ord. 1716-2022 § 1; Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.21; Code 1981 §§ 12.20.290 – 12.20.330.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
Statutory reference: Speed limits in parks, see IC 9-21-5-6(e).
12.25.090 Disturbances and disorderly conduct.
(A) Disturbing Picnics. No person shall disturb any picnic in any park or intrude upon a gathering without the consent of those composing the picnic/gathering.
(B) Dogs on Leashes. Dogs are not allowed in public parks except on a leash with exception inside the proper exercise area. The owner must pick up after their dog. No dog of the age that requires immunization shall be brought into the park unless the immunizations required of the dog by law have been received by the dog and so indicated by tags attached to the collar of the dog.
(C) Open Fires.
(1) Open fires, except in fireplaces or charcoal pits and ovens, shall not be permitted in any park.
(2) Fire permits may be issued by the Park Superintendent for certain designated areas.
(3) Portable charcoal grills and ovens shall not be permitted to be used inside pavilions or under roofs thereof.
(D) Moving Benches, Picnic Tables or Fixtures. No benches, picnic tables or fixtures shall at any time be removed or changed from their place in the parks without permission to do so having been obtained from the person in charge of the parks.
(E) Swimming and Bathing Restrictions. No person shall bathe or wash in any waters contained in the public parks. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.22; Code 1981 §§ 12.20.070 – 12.20.090, 12.20.120 and 12.20.240.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
12.25.100 Assemblies – Erecting booths and stands.
(A) Permission Required to Assemble. No gathering or meeting of any kind assembled through advertising shall be permitted in any park without previous permission having been obtained from the Park Superintendent. No concerts will be permitted in any park without having obtained previous permission from the Park Superintendent.
(B) Permission Required to Erect Booths, Stands and Tables. No person shall set up any booth, table or stand within a public park for the sale of any article whatsoever without the consent of the Park Superintendent. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.23; Code 1981 §§ 12.20.040 and 12.20.060.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
12.25.110 Consumption or selling of alcohol.
Alcohol is prohibited in public parks except as stated herein and subject to the conditions set forth:
(A) At park sponsored events (such as concerts) in Commons Park, beer and/or wine may be made available and consumed subject to the following:
(1) The Parks and Recreation Board specifically authorizes beer and/or wine availability and use.
(2) Beer and/or wine is provided and distributed by an entity that possesses an insurance policy with liquor liability coverage and a copy of the certificate of insurance is provided to the Park Superintendent.
(3) Beer and/or wine are not served in glass containers unless specifically authorized by the Park Superintendent.
(4) Beer and/or wine are available for only a specified period.
(B) At the Selman Timber Frame or Commons Hall, when it is rented for a private event such as a wedding reception, reunion, or other special event gathering, beer and/or wine may be made available subject to the following:
(1) The renters have paid the applicable rental fee.
(2) A uniformed officer is scheduled by the Park Superintendent and paid by the renters at the event.
(3) Beer and/or wine are not served in glass containers unless specifically authorized by the Park Superintendent.
(4) Beer and/or wine are available for only a specified period.
(5) Beer and/or wine must be possessed and consumed within 100 feet. [Ord. 1610-2019 § 2; Ord. 1482-2014; Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.24; Code 1981 § 12.20.230.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
12.25.120 Firearms, etc. – Game preserves.
(A) It is unlawful for any person to shoot or discharge a gun or firearm of any description for any reason, or to shoot, throw stones at, harm, set traps for, or harness or catch any wildlife, animal, bird, or fish within the limit of any park; or to allow any bullet or missile to land on park property.
(B) All park lands shall be wild game preserves. [Ord. 1386-2011; Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.25; Code 1981 § 12.20.270.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
Cross-reference: Discharge of firearms prohibited, see AMC 9.05.040. Throwing missiles, stones, see AMC 9.05.030.
12.25.130 Sleeping or camping – Permission.
It shall be unlawful for any person to be found sleeping or camping in, along or upon any public park, except upon having first received permission of persons lawfully in charge of such park. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.26; Code 1981 § 12.20.050.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
Article III. Recreation Regulations
12.25.140 General recreation regulations.
(A) Dance Time Limits. All dances held in any public park in this city shall discontinue and close at 10:30 p.m.
(B) Ice Skating. The use of lagoons, rivers, creeks or other ice areas for skating, or any other purpose shall be prohibited at all such areas which are not supervised and/or not designated for such activity by the Park Superintendent.
(C) Archery. No one is permitted to practice archery except in those areas so designated by the Park Superintendent. No arrow may be nocked on the string except when on designated areas for archery.
(D) Model Airplanes and Boats.
(1) Model airplanes with motors are required to be flown only at designated areas at the discretion of the Park Superintendent.
(2) Model boats with motors or engines are to be sailed only at designated areas at the discretion of the Park Superintendent. Except for small model boats, boats with inboard or outboard motors are prohibited on any water contained in the parks.
(E) Ball Playing or Active Games. No ball playing or other active games are permitted on park strips or esplanades, except the areas so designated for this purpose.
(F) Golf. Practicing of golf is not allowed in parks and playgrounds except at the established practice area, and no one is allowed on the practice areas when closed for the season.
(G) Fastening Swings to Trees. No person shall attach any swing to any tree without the consent of the Park Superintendent.
(H) Hours Lights are Turned Out – Exceptions. Ball diamond and sport court lights must be turned out at 11:00 p.m. except by special exception permission granted by the Park Superintendent.
(I) Games of Chance. No person shall be allowed to bet, to tell fortunes or to play at any game of chance, except games of chance as are permitted in park pavilions under the following conditions:
(1) When only adults (21 years of age and over) are present, in all instances;
(2) For entertainment only, not for profit;
(3) Not scheduled regularly;
(4) Play money is used (no U.S. or foreign currency or coins are permitted);
(5) By nonprofit organizations (that is, churches and lodges);
(6) Prizes in bingo, and the like, are permissible, but no coins or currency that is legal tender.
(J) Playground Regulations.
(1) Children are not permitted to stand in the swings. Only one child is permitted on each swing at one time.
(2) Children only are permitted to use the slides; they are required to slide feet forward in a sitting position only.
(3) Batting of balls is not permitted except in areas designated for such activity.
(4) No one is permitted on the playgrounds after 9:00 p.m.
(5) Preschool children on playgrounds must be accompanied by an older person responsible for the child.
(6) Minors are not permitted to smoke on the playgrounds or in recreational centers.
(K) Tennis Court Regulations.
(1) Release or change of courts to other players should be made on the hour (example: 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and the like) regardless of the previous playing time. The Park Superintendent will regulate the type of shoes that may be used on the courts. In all cases of disagreements as to the use of the courts, the Park Superintendent shall make the final decision.
(2) No courts shall be used when wet grounds or closed signs are in place. [Ord. 981-99, 1999; Ord. 514A, 1977. Code 2000 § 95.40; Code 1981 §§ 12.20.110, 12.20.130 – 12.20.220.]
Penalty: See AMC 12.25.160.
12.25.150 Use of Angola trail.
(A) Motorized Vehicles Prohibited. No person shall operate or use a motorized vehicle on the trail including, but not limited to, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and mowers. This section shall not prohibit the use of motorized wheelchairs or other medically necessary devices.
(B) Animals Prohibited. No person shall permit an animal, except dogs on a leash, to travel on or along the trail.
(C) Yield Right-of-Way. That any person operating a bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, roller blades, battery-operated child’s play vehicle, or other nonmotorized vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on the trail.
(D) Exclusions. Public safety personnel and city employees shall be excluded from the restrictions set forth in this section during the performance of their normal maintenance and duties. [Ord. 1330-2009. Code 2000 § 95.41.]
Penalty: See Chapter 1.15 AMC.
12.25.155 Softball facility fees.
(A) Softball facilities must be rented to conduct any organized league or tournament play. Play must be conducted during regular park hours unless otherwise approved by the Park Superintendent.
(B) The fees for tournament play are $100.00 per field, per day. An additional $10.00 per hour, per field for the use of lights.
(C) The fees for organized league play are $10.00 per game. An additional $10.00 per hour, per field for the use of lights.
(D) The fees for organized league practices or other use are $5.00 per hour with no use of lights or chalk liner.
(E) The rental representative must provide a hard copy schedule of days, times and which field they are renting. They must also provide their team names and contact information for rental representative.
(F) All rental fees shall be receipted to the park nonreverting capital fund.
(G) There will be a $25.00 deposit for a key to access softball amenities including restrooms, utility shed and lights. If the key is not returned by October 31st, year of issue, the deposit fee shall be forfeited to the parks and recreation operating fund. [Ord. 1574-2018 § 1; Ord. 1515-2015 §§ 1 – 4.]
12.25.160 Penalty.
Any violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction of the party so offending, subject the offender to a fine of not less than $5.00 nor more than $500.00. [Ord. 981-99, 1999. Code 2000 § 95.99.]