Chapter 7.28
PARK REGULATIONS
Sections:
7.28.010 Definitions.
7.28.020 Prohibited acts.
7.28.040 Traffic.
7.28.050 Swimming regulations.
7.28.060 Boating.
7.28.065 Public docks – Prohibitions.
7.28.070 Hunting and firearms.
7.28.080 Picnic areas and use.
7.28.090 Horseback riding.
7.28.100 Intoxicating beverages – General.
7.28.102 Intoxicating beverages – Prohibition – Bryant Park, Bowman Park, Eleanor Park, Monteith Riverpark, Albany Skatepark, Burkhart Park, Swanson Park, the Dave Clark Riverfront Path, Eads Park, Kinder Park, the Oak Creek Greenbelt and Trail, and Waverly Park.
7.28.104 Intoxicating beverages – Special privilege – Issuance authority.
7.28.106 Intoxicating beverages – Special permit – Fees.
7.28.108 Intoxicating beverages – Special privilege – Conditions.
7.28.120 Domestic animals – Responsibility.
7.28.160 Fires.
7.28.170 Closed areas.
7.28.190 Going onto ice.
7.28.210 Exhibit permits.
7.28.230 Merchandising, advertising and signs.
7.28.240 Park operating policy.
7.28.245 Overnight camping.
7.28.250 Reservation of park facilities – Obtaining a permit.
7.28.260 Standards for issuance.
7.28.270 Appeal – Apprising.
7.28.280 Effect of permit – Bounds of permittee.
7.28.290 Liability of permittee.
7.28.300 Revocation of permit.
7.28.310 Enforcement of chapter.
7.28.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this chapter, shall be construed as defined in this section:
(1) “Boat” is any watercraft in or upon or docked or moored at any place in any waterway within the boundaries of the city.
(2) “City” means the City of Albany.
(3) “Director” means the person appointed by the city manager as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Albany or designee.
(4) “Park” means a park, playground, beach, recreation center, trail, and multiuse path or any other area in the City, owned or used by the City, and devoted to active or passive “recreation.”
(5) “Person” means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(6) “Skatepark” means the Albany Skatepark, a facility for the use of skateboards, roller skates, bicycles and in-line roller skates located at 1375 Sixth Avenue SE, Albany, Oregon.
(7) “Vehicle” means any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered, animal-drawn, or self-propelled. The term includes any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description. Exception is made for baby carriages and vehicles in the service of the City parks.
(8) “Waterway” means any water, waterway, lake, river, tributary, canal, lagoon, or connecting waters within the boundaries of the city. (Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 5775 § 1, 2012; Ord. 5724 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5464 § 1, 2000; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 1, 1964).
7.28.020 Prohibited acts.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Buildings and Other Property.
(a) Dig, or remove any beach sand whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stone, tree, shrub, plant, downed timber or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency. Exception is made in obtaining a wood permit from the Department with approval of the Director plus a fee in accordance with approved Council policy.
(b) Construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary, or run or string any public service utility into, on, or across such lands, except by special written permit and approval by the Director.
(c) Play sports or engage in other activities outside recreation areas set aside for that purpose if the activity is harmful to plant life or interferes with other uses of the park, or during a time when such areas are already reserved by the Department for use, without the permission of the Parks and Recreation Department.
(d) No person may wash any clothing or other material in a park area. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 3, 1964).
7.28.040 Traffic.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Speed of Vehicles. Ride or drive a vehicle at a rate of speed exceeding 15 miles per hour except upon such roads as designated by posted signs.
(2) Operation Confined.
(a) Drive any vehicle on any area except paved park roads, parking areas or other such areas as may on occasion be specifically designated as temporary parking areas.
(b) Drive any vehicle, truck, trailer or combination thereof upon any paved road or parking area in a park when the gross weight of the vehicle, truck, trailer, or combination thereof shall exceed 10,000 pounds.
(3) Parking.
(a) Park a vehicle in other than an established or designated parking area. Such use shall be in accordance with posted direction thereat and with the instructions of any attendant who may be present.
(b) Double-park any vehicle on any road or parkway unless directed by a park official or traffic officer.
(4) Bicycles.
(a) Ride a bicycle on other than a paved vehicular road or path designated for that purpose. A bicyclist shall be permitted to push a bicycle by hand over any grassy area, wooden trail or on any paved area reserved for pedestrian use.
(b) Leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving, set against trees or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.
(5) Roller Skates, Inline Skates and SkateBoards Only in the Skatepark.
(a) Ride or stand upon within the boundaries of the Skatepark, any device or conveyance other than roller skates, inline roller skates or a skateboard. (Ord. 5724 § 2, 2009; Ord. 5464 § 2, 2000; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3284 § 1, 1967; Ord. 3169 § 4, 1964).
7.28.050 Swimming regulations.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Designated Areas. Swim, bathe, or wade in any waters or waterway in or adjacent to any park except in such waters and places as are provided therefor and in compliance with such regulations as are herein set forth or may hereafter be adopted. Nor shall any person frequent any waters or places customarily designated for the purpose of swimming or bathing, or congregate there when such activity is prohibited upon a finding that such use of the water would be dangerous or otherwise inadvisable. (Ord. 5026 § 1, 1993; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 5(1), 1964).
7.28.060 Boating.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Designated Areas. Bring into or operate any boat, raft, or other watercraft, whether motor-powered or not upon any waters except those designated for boating. Such activities shall be in accordance with applicable regulations as are now or may hereafter be adopted.
(2) Operation of Boats. Navigate, direct, or handle any boat in such a manner as to unjustifiably or unnecessarily annoy or frighten or endanger the occupants of any other boat.
(3) Prohibition During Closing Hours. Launch, dock, or operate any boat of any kind on any waters between the closing hour of the park at night and the opening hour the following morning. Nor shall any person remain on or in, any boat during the closed hours of a park. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 5(2), 1964).
7.28.065 Public docks – Prohibitions.
(1) Swimming. No person shall use a public dock for the purpose of ingress or egress while swimming in the Willamette River or any tributary of the Willamette River.
(2) Moorage. No boat shall be moored at a public dock or adjacent to a City park or parkway for a continuous moorage in excess of 24 hours.
(3) Violation – Penalty. Any violation of provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the general penalty provisions as provided in Chapter 1.04 AMC and more particularly AMC 1.04.010. (Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4540 §§ 1 – 4, 1982).
7.28.070 Hunting and firearms.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Hunting, Trapping or Pursuit of Wildlife at Any Time. Use, carry or possess firearms, air rifles, spring guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other forms of weapons potentially harmful to wildlife and human safety, or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges or any kind of trapping device. Shooting into park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden. The exceptions are hunters using a park facility as access for boat hunting. In this exception, hunters must insure that their guns are unloaded.
(2) The restriction provided in subsection (1) of this section shall not apply if all of the following criteria are met:
(a) The Director authorizes, in writing, the activity which would otherwise be prohibited; and
(b) The activity in question promotes a legitimate educational, scientific, historical, or recreational activity; and
(c) The Director reasonably concludes that the activity in question will be conducted in a manner consistent with wildlife and human safety; and
(d) The organization or party applying for the exemption provides the Director with a certificate of liability insurance coverage naming the City as an additional insured and providing coverage limits for the activity in question which are not less than the applicable statutory limits of governmental liability provided by state law.
(3) If the Director denies an application for authorization to engage in an activity which would otherwise be prohibited by subsection (1) of this section, the Director’s decision may be appealed within 10 days by a written appeal to the City Manager. The City Manager shall thereafter conduct proceedings as he or she deems appropriate; and upon consideration of the criteria set forth in subsection (2) of this section, may reverse, modify, or affirm the decision of the Director. The decision of the City Manager shall be final. (Ord. 5648 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 5(3), 1964).
7.28.080 Picnic areas and use.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Regulations. Picnic or lunch in a place other than those designated for that purpose. Attendants shall have the authority to regulate the activities in such areas where necessary to prevent congestion and to secure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all. Visitors shall comply with any directions given to achieve this end by park attendants.
(2) Availability. Violate the regulation that use of the individual fireplaces together with the tables and benches follows generally the rule of “first come, first served.”
(3) Nonexclusive. Use any portion of the picnic areas, buildings or structures therein for the purpose of holding picnics to the exclusion of other persons, nor shall any person use such area and facility for an unreasonable time if the facilities are crowded. Exception is made by Director-approved reservation as specified and granted by the Department. (See AMC 7.28.250 and 7.28.260.) (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 5(4), 1964).
7.28.090 Horseback riding.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Location. Ride a horse except on designated bridle trails. Where permitted, horses shall be thoroughly broken and properly restrained, ridden with due care and not be allowed to graze or go unattended nor shall any horse be hitched to any rock, tree, or shrub. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 5(5), 1964).
7.28.100 Intoxicating beverages – General.
No person shall:
(1) Parks. Bring or drink alcoholic beverages, with the exception of beer and wine at any time in the park;
(2) Buildings. Bring or drink alcoholic beverages in City-owned buildings except by a permit issued in accordance with AMC 7.28.104 through 7.28.106. (Ord. 4604 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 6(1), 1964).
7.28.102 Intoxicating beverages – Prohibition – Bryant Park, Bowman Park, Eleanor Park, Monteith Riverpark, Albany Skatepark, Burkhart Park, Swanson Park, the Dave Clark Riverfront Path, Eads Park, Kinder Park, the Oak Creek Greenbelt and Trail, and Waverly Park.
It is unlawful for any person to possess an alcoholic beverage in Bryant Park, Bowman Park, Eleanor Park, Monteith Riverpark, Albany Skatepark, Burkhart Park, Swanson Park, the Dave Clark Riverfront Path, Eads Park, Kinder Park, the Oak Creek Greenbelt and Trail, and Waverly Park without a special permit. For the purpose of this section through AMC 7.28.108, an “alcoholic beverage” is any beverage having alcohol content of more than one-half of one percent by volume. (Ord. 5776 § 1, 2012; Ord. 5723 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5680 § 1, 2007; Ord. 5524 § 1, 2002; Ord. 5464 § 3, 2000; Ord. 4925 § 1, 1990; Ord. 4721 § 1, 1986; Ord. 4604 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4512 § 1, 1982; Ord. 3860 § 1, 1975).
7.28.104 Intoxicating beverages – Special privilege – Issuance authority.
Notwithstanding prohibition against the use or possession of alcoholic beverages in City parks set forth in other ordinances of the City, the city manager and the parks and recreation director shall have the right to issue authorization for the use and possession of alcoholic beverages in the parks. (Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 3860 § 2, 1975).
7.28.106 Intoxicating beverages – Special permit – Fees.
Any person or organization may request a permit referred to in AMC 7.28.104, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Payment of fee in accordance with approved Council policy;
(2) The name and address of the applicant shall be furnished, together with an estimate of the number of persons who will be participating. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3860 § 3, 1975).
7.28.108 Intoxicating beverages – Special privilege – Conditions.
The granting of authorization referred to in AMC 7.28.104 shall be discretionary with the city manager and parks and recreation director and, if issued, such conditions may be attached thereto as will be in the best interests of peace, health and safety to all citizens. (Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 3860 § 4, 1975).
7.28.120 Domestic animals – Responsibility.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Be responsible for the entry of a dog or other domestic animal into areas other than automobile parking concourses and walks and in such areas as are clearly marked by signs bearing the words “Dogs and Other Domestic Animals Permitted in This Area.” Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the running of dogs at large.
(2) Parks and Recreation Department employees and police officers may require a person in charge of an animal to undertake any measure including the removal of the animal from the park area, if necessary, to prevent interference by the animal with the safety, comfort, or well-being of park visitors or resources.
(3) No animal may be hitched to a tree or shrub in a manner that endangers the tree or shrub.
(4) Owners of dogs or other animals shall be responsible for clean-up and removal of all waste deposited in the parks by their animals.
(5) No person shall harass, injure or otherwise harm or remove any existing wildlife from any park or park facility. Exceptions are granted in the case of domestic ducks which may be removed by approval from the Director and written permit issued by the Department at no charge.
(6) No person shall deposit, leave or otherwise abandon any animal either domestic or wild within park boundaries.
(7) Hunt, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, chase, tease, shoot, or throw missiles at any animal, reptile, or bird. Nor shall a person remove or have in their possession the young of any wild animal or the eggs, nest, or young of any reptile or bird. Nor shall a person collect, remove, have in their possession, give away, sell, offer to sell or buy or offer to buy or accept as a gift any specimen alive or dead of any of the group of tree snails. Exception to the foregoing is made in the case of snakes which are known to be deadly poisonous which may be killed on sight.
(8) Give, offer, or attempt to give or offer any animal or bird tobacco, alcohol, or other known noxious substances. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 6(3), 1964).
7.28.160 Fires.
(1) Fires in park areas shall be confined to:
(a) Barbecue stands, pits, or fireplaces provided for that purpose; and
(b) Portable stoves in established campsites or picnic areas where fires are permitted.
(2) No fire in a park area may be left unattended. Every fire must be extinguished by the user before leaving the park area. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 6(7), 1964).
7.28.170 Closed areas.
No person in a park shall enter an area posted as “Closed to the Public,” nor shall any person use, or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices. (Ord. 3169 § 6(8), 1964).
7.28.190 Going onto ice.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Location. Go onto any iced-over waters except those designated as skating fields and displaying a safety marker. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 6(10), 1964).
7.28.210 Exhibit permits.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Permit Inspection. Fail to produce and exhibit any permit the park user claims to have following the request of any authorized person who desires to inspect it for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any ordinance or rule. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 6(12), 1964).
7.28.230 Merchandising, advertising and signs.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Vending. Expose or offer for sale any article or thing. Nor shall a vendor station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing. Exception is made for any regularly licensed concessionaire acting by and under the authority and regulation of the parks and recreation director. Vendor permits should be applied for at time of park rental or along with the special event permit, sound permit, and/or road closure permit.
(2) Advertising. Announce, advertise, or call attention in any way to any article or service for sale or hire. (Ord. 6038 § 2, 2024; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 7, 1964).
7.28.240 Park operating policy.
(1) Hours. Unless otherwise posted by order of the Director as provided in subsection (2) of this section, parks shall be closed to the public between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily. During hours when parks are closed, no person shall enter or remain in a park except law enforcement personnel and others duly authorized by the City Manager or designee.
(2) Park Closures. Any park or portion thereof may be declared closed to the public by the Director at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise) and either entirely or merely to certain uses, as the Director finds reasonably necessary.
(3) Lost and Found Articles. The finding of lost articles by park attendants shall be reported to the Department, who shall make every reasonable effort to locate the owners. Articles will be considered abandoned and disposed of by ordinance if no claim has been made for the article within 30 days. (Ord. 5775 § 4, 2012; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(1 – 3), 1964).
7.28.245 Overnight camping.
No person in a park shall:
(1) Authorization. Camp in any park area without the specific written authorization of the Director. Any person who has not received authorization shall be guilty of committing a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed $100.00. (Ord. 5926, 2019; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983).
7.28.250 Reservation of park facilities – Obtaining a permit.
A person shall obtain a rental permit from the parks and recreation department before participating in a park activity requiring reservation of facilities. A person seeking issuance of a permit shall file an application with the department which will include:
(1) The name and address of the applicant;
(2) The name and address of the person(s), corporation or association sponsoring the activity, if any;
(3) The day and hours for which the permit is desired;
(4) The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired;
(5) An estimate of the anticipated attendance;
(6) Any other information which the director shall find reasonable to a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued; and
(7) Payment for permit due at the time of application. (Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(a), 1964).
7.28.260 Standards for issuance.
The director shall issue a permit when it is found:
(1) That the proposed activity or use of the park will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the general enjoyment of the park, the promotion of public health, welfare, safety and recreation;
(2) That the proposed activity or use is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct;
(3) That the proposed activity will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense or police operation by the City;
(4) That the facilities desired have not been previously reserved by another group at the day and hour requested in the application;
(5) That all permit deposits and fees have been paid prior to the date of the requested park and park facility usage. (Ord. 6040 § 1, 2024; Ord. 6039, 2024; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(b), 1964).
7.28.270 Appeal – Apprising.
Within three days after receiving an application for a park reservation, the Director shall either approve or deny the permit. If denied, the Director shall apprise an applicant in writing of the reasons for refusing the permit and allow the aggrieved person the right to appeal in writing within 21 days to the City Council, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth in AMC 7.28.260. Based on these standards, the Council will either sustain or overrule the Director’s decision within 30 days which shall be final. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(c), 1964).
7.28.280 Effect of permit – Bounds of permittee.
A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations as set forth in this chapter and all other applicable ordinances as though they were inserted in the permits. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(d), 1964).
7.28.290 Liability of permittee.
The person(s) to whom a permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage or injury sustained by any person by whatever reason of the negligence of the person or persons to whom the permit has been issued while in or on any park or park facility. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(e), 1964).
7.28.300 Revocation of permit.
The Director shall have the authority to revoke any permit upon the violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown. (Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 8(4)(f), 1964).
7.28.310 Enforcement of chapter.
(1) Officials. The Director and park attendants shall, in connection with their duties imposed by law, diligently enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Ejectment Period. The Director and any park attendant shall have the authority to eject from any park or the Skatepark any person acting in violation of the Albany Municipal Code or State law. The Director or park attendant ordering the ejectment may prohibit return to the park or the Skatepark for any period of time up to six months and any person entering upon or remaining on the park or the Skatepark in violation of such directive shall be guilty of criminal trespass and subject to prosecution therefor.
(3) Seizure of Property. The Director and any park attendant shall have the authority to seize and confiscate any property, thing or device in the park which is used in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 5464 § 4, 2000; Ord. 4585 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3169 § 9, 1964).