PARK HOURS ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to establish uniform operating hours for parks and recreational facilities owned or maintained by the Town of Paleto Bay in order to promote public safety, protect Town property, preserve the enjoyment of public spaces, and allow for routine maintenance and emergency access.

The Town seeks to provide residents and visitors with safe, accessible, and well-maintained parks while minimizing vandalism, nuisance activity, and disturbances during overnight hours.

Section 2. Definitions 

Park means any public park, playground, trailhead, recreation area, green space, athletic field, waterfront area, or other property owned or maintained by the Town for recreational purposes.

Visitor means any person entering or using a Town park or recreational facility.

Special Event means any activity authorized by permit or approved by the Town that requires extended operating hours.

Section 3. Standard Park Hours 

Unless otherwise posted or authorized, all Town parks shall be open to the public during the following hours:

• Daily: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM

No person shall enter or remain within a Town park outside these hours unless specifically authorized by this ordinance or by the Town.

Individual parks or facilities may establish different operating hours through posted signage approved by the Town Council or Parks and Recreation Department.

Section 4. Closure During Emergencies 

The Mayor, Parks and Recreation Director, Police Department, Fire Department, or other authorized official may temporarily close any park or portion thereof due to:

• Severe weather;

• Natural disasters;

• Fire hazards;

• Public safety concerns;

• Maintenance operations;

• Law enforcement investigations;

• Environmental hazards; or

• Any condition posing an unreasonable risk to the public.

Entry into a closed park is prohibited unless authorized by emergency personnel.

Section 5. Authorized After-Hours Use 

The following persons or activities are exempt from standard park hours:

• Town employees performing official duties;

• Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders;

• Maintenance personnel and contractors authorized by the Town;

• Participants in Town-approved events operating under permit;

• Individuals with written authorization from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Section 6. Special Event Permits 

The Town may authorize extended park hours for:

• Community festivals;

• Concerts;

• Sporting events;

• Holiday celebrations;

• Fundraisers;

• Educational programs;

• Other civic activities.

Permits may specify operating hours, security requirements, cleanup responsibilities, and occupancy limits.