General Policies

Alcohol in Parks

Individuals wishing to consume or serve alcohol in a City Park must complete an Alcohol Permit Form and obtain approval prior to consumption or service.

General Information

No person shall:

• Bring or drink alcoholic beverages, with the exception of beer and wine at any time in a City park;
• Bring or drink alcoholic beverages in City-owned buildings except by a permit issued in accordance with Albany Municipal Code;
• Possess an alcoholic beverage in Albany Skatepark, Bowman Park, Bryant Park, Burkhart Park, Eads Park, Hackleman Park, Kinder Park, Monteith Riverpark, Swanson Park, Waverly Park, the Dave Clark Riverfront Path, and the Oak Creek Greenbelt without a special permit.

The City Manager or Parks and Recreation Director shall have the right to issue a special permit for the use and possession of alcoholic beverages in a park. Any person or organization may request a permit subject to the following conditions:

• Payment of a fee in accordance with approved Council policy;
• The name and address of the applicant shall be furnished, together with an estimate of the number of persons who will be participating;
• The granting of a permit shall be discretionary with the City Manager or Parks and Recreation Director and, if issued, conditions may be attached in order to ensure the best interests of peace, health and safety to all citizens.

Amplified Sound in Parks

In order to use a sound amplifying system in a City Park, a permit is required. When a permit has been obtained, operation of sound amplifying systems may occur between the hours of 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. so long as the volume of sound does not exceed 65 decibels at any property line.

It is unlawful to operate any sound amplifying system which is plainly audible between the hours of 9p.m. and 8 a.m.

No peddler, nor any person on his/her behalf, shall shout, make any outcry, or use any sound device where sound of sufficient volume is capable of being heard at a distance of more than 200 feet upon the streets, alleys, avenues, parks or other public places.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in public parks and open spaces that are clearly posted by signs permitting dogs and other domestic animals in the area. At no time are dogs permitted to run at large.

• Parks and Recreation staff and City police officers may require the owner to remove the animal, if necessary, to prevent interference by the animal with the safety, comfort , or well-being of park visitors or resource.
• No animal may be hitched to a tree or shrub.
• Dog owners are responsible for clean-up and removal of all waste deposited in the parks by their animals.

Albany Municipal Code, 7.28.120 (1-4) Domestic animals – Responsibility

Recreation Facilities Code of Conduct

Albany Parks and Recreation facilities shall be friendly and inviting places for patrons to socialize, learn, and grow. Behavior which inhibits patrons from using and enjoying public recreational facilities is prohibited. Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of facility privileges. This policy is intended to make patrons, visitors, presenters, staff, and all individuals who visit feel welcome and to provide reasonable rules of behavior, enforced for the benefit of all patrons. This policy includes all interior areas and outdoor spaces as well as sponsored activities.

Recreational Facility Responsibilities

• Foster a pleasant and upbeat environment for all who use and visit public recreational facilities in Albany.
• Maintain public recreational facilities in Albany.
• Offer programs and activities for the community.
• Coordinate and promote programs with community groups.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Patron Responsibilities

Patrons shall be required to comply with the following rules while using Albany public recreational facilities.

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Cooperate with staff and volunteers.
• No inappropriate, disruptive, or harassing behavior.
• No lewd, obscene, hateful, or indecent conduct including language and speech; including harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threats, or offensive language and/or behavior.
• No destruction, damage to, or theft of property or the property of others.
• Personal hygiene must be maintained at an acceptable level for a social environment without assistance from staff. Shirts, pants, and shoes are required.
• Respect the bathrooms by cleaning up after yourself, flushing toilets, and notifying staff of any issues.
• Use of restrooms for bathing, shaving, washing hair, changing clothes in view of others, or other inappropriate activities is prohibited.
• No unauthorized physical contact with another person.
• No lying down or sleeping on the furniture.
• No remaining in the building after closing.
• Large luggage, shopping carts, or other oversize items are prohibited.
• Blocking entrances to the building is prohibited.
• No unattended personal items in the building. Staff cannot guard personal items for patrons. The City assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Unattended items left longer than five minutes or suspicious items may be removed from the previses without notice.
• Service Animals are welcome. Pets are prohibited.
• Do not enter non-public areas unless accompanied by a staff member.
• Children under 12 must be supervised by a responsible adult.
• Any action that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law is prohibited.

Police will be notified in all instances of threatening or violent behavior.

The above rules of conduct will be enforced by Albany Parks and Recreation staff. Patrons may report violations to staff. Violations will result in a warning, temporary suspension of facility privileges, and/or permanent suspension from using public recreational facilities. Albany Police Department will trespass violators at staff request.

Appeals to any decision can be made to the Recreation Manager.

Photography

By enrolling or attending any class or activity offered by Albany Parks & Recreation, you consent to have your photograph taken by staff or a contracted agent and allow usage of these photographs in future publications by Albany Parks & Recreation.

Weather Closure

Cool! Pool

Cool! Pool will conduct swimming lessons as long as it is safe to do so. If there is thunder and/or lightning, class will be canceled.  Please call 541-917-7751 to be sure.  There are no refunds for classes canceled due to inclement weather.

Fitness

Please call our cancellation line, 541-791-0105, to find out if your favorite fitness class is canceled due to weather conditions.  We make every effort to give instructors and participants plenty of notice in case of cancellations. 5:30 a.m. classes will generally be canceled by 5:00 a.m. Please remember, if you feel unsafe to drive, please stay home.

Parks Rentals

Depending on weather and ground conditions, the City reserves the right to prohibit the use of the park, ball fields or the amphitheater if it is determined that the use would damage the turf or other park facilities. In the event the department cancels a facility or park reservation, a full refund will be offered.

City Offices and Facilities

Citizens of Albany can expect the City of Albany to continue offering public and emergency services during periods of inclement weather. Inclement weather includes conditions that limit transportation and mobility such as: snowstorms, ice storms, wind storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, or any other condition deemed by the City Manager. Other events causing curtailment of City operations may include, but are not limited to, loss of electricity to a City facility, or unsafe or unsanitary conditions that in the judgment of the City Manager necessitates the curtailment of operations.

Information on school and public office closures can be found by tuning into local stations.

Wood Removal

Individuals are not allowed to dig, or remove any beach sand, soil, rock, stone, tree, shrub, plant, downed timber, wood or other materials from a City Park without obtaining a wood permit from the Department with approval of the Director and paying a fee in accordance with approved Council policy.

Individuals are not allowed to excavate by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means in a City Park.