Chapter 12.18
PARK AND TRAIL REGULATIONS
Sections:
12.18.020 Rules and regulations.
12.18.010 Definitions.
“Electric-assisted bicycle” means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor. The electric-assisted bicycle’s electric motor must have a power output of no more than seven hundred fifty (750) watts. The electric-assisted bicycle must meet the requirements of one of the following three classifications:
1. “Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle” means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty (20) miles per hour;
2. “Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle” means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty (20) miles per hour; or
3. “Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle” means an electric-assisted bicycle in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.
“Motorized foot scooter” means a device with two or three wheels that has handlebars, a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that has a maximum speed of no greater than twenty (20) miles per hour on level ground. A motor-driven cycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter. (Ord. 741 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
12.18.020 Rules and regulations.
The following rules and regulations shall be in force and shall govern the conduct of the users and the use of town parks, park facilities, and trails generally; the town may also establish and post additional specific rules for each park, facility or trail:
A. Hours. All town parks, park facilities, and trails shall be available and open for the use of the public during daylight hours. The town council may, by resolution, provide for extended hours. The Susie Stephens Trail and other designated multiuse trails shall remain open at all hours. The Winthrop Rink and Winthrop Auditorium Association may set their own hours of operation.
B. Noise. It is unlawful to disturb the peace of others using the parks and park facilities.
C. Amplified Music/Sound. Loudspeakers, amplified music and public address systems may be permitted only by a special event permit obtained through application and approval by the town council. The permit shall be in possession of the individuals when conducting the sound generating activity. “Amplified music” shall not include normal radio play for personal use.
D. Alcoholic Beverages. The opening and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a town park area shall be prohibited, except beer and/or wine may be allowed to be served as part of an organized event pursuant to a special event permit approved by the town council.
E. Animals. The following provisions apply to all pets and domestic animals:
1. All dogs and other animals must be on a leash.
2. Cleanup after pet is required, with a proper means of disposal for the feces of the dog or other animal. “Disposal” is defined, for purposes of this section, as the removal of feces by means of a bag, scoop or other device and an eventual disposal at a garbage receptacle. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to blind persons who may use seeing eye dogs as guides.
3. Disturbance by animals is prohibited. No person shall allow his dog or other pet or domestic animal to bite or in any way molest other park visitors. No person shall permit his/her dog or other pet or domestic animal to bark repeatedly or otherwise disturb the peace and tranquility of the park.
4. No horses shall be permitted in any town park or upon any town trail except where designated by resolution of the town council or approved for a specific event through a special event permit. It is unlawful to tease, annoy, disturb, molest, catch, injure, kill, throw or strike with any object, any animal or bird.
F. Groups and Events. The town permits groups and events at park facilities as follows:
1. Groups hosting private events of thirty (30) or fewer people may reserve the use of the town parks and facilities through a park reservation approved by the clerk/treasurer.
2. Groups hosting private events of more than thirty (30) people, or events that are open to the public and/or include commercial activity, shall obtain a special event permit through an application to the clerk/treasurer that is approved by the town council. Such events may be required to provide an insurance policy naming the town as additional insured.
3. All groups and event organizers are required to leave the park facility in the condition in which it was found prior to the use of the group.
G. Vandalism. It is unlawful to damage, deface, mar, destroy, displace or remove any park equipment, signs, property or facility.
H. Littering and Waste. It is unlawful to litter on park grounds or in the river.
I. Grass, Plants, Foliage. It is unlawful to cut, damage or destroy any park trees, shrubs or plants, including grass, unless done so by authorized park personnel.
J. Motorized Vehicles in Parks. Parking shall be in designated areas only. No person shall park, leave standing or abandon a vehicle in any town park area except for special events approved by the town council. It is unlawful to drive or park any vehicle on the grass in any park. This provision shall not apply to emergency vehicles or park maintenance vehicles. Any vehicle found parked in violation of this section may be towed away at the owner’s or operator’s expense. No person shall operate a vehicle within any town park area at a speed greater than five miles per hour.
K. Motorized Vehicles on Trails. Travel by motorized vehicles on trails is prohibited except for the following uses:
1. Emergency access, maintenance of trails, or other town-authorized use shall be allowed.
2. Electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters shall be allowed on multiuse trails that are posted with a speed limit.
3. Power wheelchairs are not considered vehicles and are allowed on all ADA-compliant trails.
L. Trail Speed Limits. The town will establish and post speed limits for trails.
M. Outdoor Fires. It is unlawful to start or maintain an open fire on park grounds, unless authorized through an approved special event permit.
N. Signs. It is unlawful for any person to attach any notice, bill, poster, sign, wire, rod or cord to any post, railing, structure, tree or shrub within any park without a special event permit.
O. Overnight Camping. It is unlawful to park or use any vehicle, including trailers, motor homes, campers or tents, overnight in any portion of any park, except that overnight camping may be permitted in Mack Lloyd Park pursuant to a special event permit approved by town council. Overnight camping allowed pursuant to an approved special event permit shall be subject to the following restrictions:
1. The number of camp spots and location of camping will be established through the special event application. Vehicles parked overnight associated with the event must display a camping permit. The camping permits shall be free and be distributed by the event organizer.
2. Tents, tarps, or ground cloths, if allowed on grassy areas of the park, shall be set up in a designated area only and must be taken down by ten a.m. the following morning.
3. Water and power hookups are not available and are prohibited.
4. No alcohol or fires are allowed in the camp area.
5. The special event organizer shall be responsible for clean up.
P. Commercial Activities. It is unlawful to solicit, promote or engage in any private commercial enterprise on park grounds without prior approval of the town council.
Q. Meadowlark Natural Area. The following rules shall be posted for the Meadowlark Natural Area:
1. Dogs must be on leash and owners must collect, remove, and properly dispose of all pet waste.
2. Meadowlark Natural Area shall remain closed from nine p.m. until five a.m.
3. No overnight parking or camping.
4. No hunting.
5. No equestrian, bicycle or motorized use of the trails.
6. Access by designated trails and access points only. This is applicable during all seasons, except during park closure in March.
7. Meadowlark Natural Area trails shall be closed to the public during the month of March to provide protection for mule deer during green-up.
8. Motorized vehicles are prohibited outside of driveway access and parking area, except for emergencies or necessary municipal purposes.
9. Fires are prohibited.
R. Winthrop Rink and the Winthrop Auditorium are operated under agreement with nonprofit organizations. Those organizations may establish rules for the facilities they operate as allowed by the active operating agreement. (Ord. 741 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
12.18.030 Violation—Penalty.
Any person, or persons, found to be in violation of the rules and regulations set forth in Section 12.18.020 shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) or more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (Ord. 741 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)