- Unless secured by a locked gate, all outdoor parks and parking areas shall open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
- Without prior written consent and permit for a specific date, the lights in Township parks shall be completely turned off by 11:00 p.m. each night. Sports organizations and those authorized to use sports fields shall conclude their events with enough time to allow for the end-of-game field maintenance, the securing of all equipment and the safe and orderly departure of all participants and guests prior to the 11:00 p.m. termination time.
Use of Facilities:
- In general, unless specific areas are closed for maintenance or inclement weather or require a permit as established herein, the facilities within Lumberton's parks are available on a first-come-first-served basis without charge to the user.
- Applications are not required for the unreserved use of parks, playgrounds and open space areas. However, a party or group that has reserved a particular facility and is in possession of an approved Township-issued permit will receive priority over a group lacking such a permit.
- Any event, activity or gathering proposed which shall include 15 or more participants, including the organizer, shall require a permit issued by the Township Committee.
- Use of indoor recreational areas requires a permit.
- A sports activity permit for a field or facility may be obtained by submitting an application, including all requested materials and the associated fee and/or escrow, for said use not more than eight months prior to the permit date nor less than 30 days prior to the date requested. Sports activity permits shall not permit the use of assigned fields for clinics, training sessions or tournaments. All permits shall be conditionally approved and made formal upon the payment of the permit fee, escrow and the submission of the insurance certificate. Fees, escrow payments and insurance certificates shall be due no later than 30 days prior to the event.
- A permit application for a special event, community event or sports tournament that is expected to draw more than 100 participants shall be made not less than 60 days prior to the requested date to allow for ample review and, if approved, preparation and scheduling of municipal resources.
- Permits to conduct sports clinics or group or individualized training sessions shall be made to and, if reasonable, granted by the Township Committee after review of the impact of such activity on the park. Because of the Township's vast knowledge and experience with designated primary organizations, only those organizations designated as a primary organization shall be entitled to seek, hold or use a permit for clinics and training.
- Unless a permit is required or requested, facilities within Lumberton's parks are available without charge to the user.
- Fees for single and sports camp use of parks and recreation improvements. Applicable fees are detailed in the universal fee chart, reference number 31, of the Code of the Township of Lumberton.
- Security deposit. A minimum returnable security deposit of $200 is required with all applications. This deposit will be used to cover damage to Township property or cleaning required due to the use of the site. If damage is greater than $200, the permit holder and/or organization, joint and severally, shall be responsible for all repair costs. Users will be notified in writing by the Township Administrator if any such charge will be assessed and if the cost is greater than the initial deposit required. The security deposit may be waived by the Township Administrator for any recognized sports organizations.
- Escrow for special events, community events and sports tournaments will be required to pay for additional public work employees and/or police officers at the following rates:
- Public works employees: $45 per hour.
- Police officers: $65 per hour.
The Township shall not permit any person or entity use of municipal parks or facilities or portions thereof, to operate a profit making venture whether the same be a class, sports clinic, lessons, advertising or concession of any kind.
Sports Trainers:
- As a means of producing more competitive athletes and improving the safety of play, recognized Lumberton sports organizations may engage the services of sports trainers, hitting instructors and specialists to work with teams or individual members as long as the payment for such services is made from the participant through the recognized Lumberton sports organization. The trainer may only be paid through the recognized Lumberton sports organization.
- As a condition of use, and as a prerequisite for the issuance of any future permit for the organization, the permitted organization shall produce the affidavit described in § 213-8D(1) demonstrating the income generated from the use of contracting with trainers, the cost of contracting with said trainers and a demonstration of the organization's efforts to reinvest 30% of the funds generated into the field.
- Any individual or entity interested in taking or offering a class or activity in a public park shall contact the Township Administrator in writing to propose that such a class be offered.
- If the Township Administrator, in consultation with the Township Committee, determines that a class, lesson, or instruction will provide a worthy benefit to the residents of the community, he shall seek permission from the Township Committee to either hire an individual on a part-time basis to conduct the class or solicit requests for proposals from the qualified vendors to offer the class pursuant to the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.
- The Township shall only engage in classes, lessons or instructions where it is demonstrated that the class will not become a drain on fiscal resources of the Township or the maintenance and upkeep of the park or park facility or unnecessarily interfere with the peace and enjoyment of the park.
In addition to the general permitting requirements established herein, special event, community events or sports tournaments that are expected to draw 100 or more participants or run over more than one day will require the following additional information and be subject to more detailed review:
- The application shall contain the following information
- The name and address of the applicant.
- Proof that the organization is organized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
- Sports tournament applications shall only be made by recognized Lumberton sports organizations for their organizations.
- The name and address of the person, persons, corporation, association or organization; the name and address of the president and secretary of said organization and relationship of the applicant to said organization.
- The date and time for which the permit is desired.
- The park or portion thereof for which such permit is desired.
- The activity to be undertaken or reason for the application.
- The number of persons anticipated to participate.
- Site sketch of all areas, including any temporary tents, vendor stations, etc.
- Parking measures in place, including location and logistics for ensuring the safety of motorist and pedestrians.
- Security measures in place, including a request for Lumberton police officers.
- Custodial measures in place, including trash removal and restroom maintenance, including a request for Lumberton Public Works Department labor.
- Any other information which the Township shall find reasonably necessary to make a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued.
Posting of an escrow as determined by the Township Administrator. By way of example, escrows shall consider the above factors, the cost to provide additional police or public works manpower and the potential damage to the facility. The below figures are minimums required based on past experiences of municipal events:
- Standard sports tournament: $500 per day.
- Band concert: $2,000.
- Car show: $500
RULES AND REGULATIONS