Hours of Operation for Community Recreation Areas

AN ORDINANCE REGARDING COMMUNITY RECREATION HOURS

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, WHEREAS, the Town of Stonington (‘the Town’) has established public parks and recreational areas for the use and enjoyment of the public; and

WHEREAS, Section 7-148(c)(7)(H)(xii) of the Connecticut General Statutes provides the authority for the Town to regulate the use of public places and grounds for public and private purposes.

NOW THEREFORE:  BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGAL VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF STONINGTON IN LAWFUL SPECIAL TOWN MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED THAT THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BE ESTABLISHED BY THE TOWN OF STONINGTON:

1.  Title - An ordinance to establish the hours that recreational areas owned by the Town of Stonington shall be open to the public.

2.  Definition - As used in this Ordinance, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated.

Recreational Property – means property owned by the Town and which is under the supervision and control of the Recreational Department or Board of Selectmen and used in connection with recreational programs, including athletic facilities, parks, playgrounds, trails and other areas where people may assemble for recreational purposes.

3.  The hours that recreational areas, owned by the Town of Stonington, shall be open to the public will be from sunrise to sunset daily. No person shall enter closed recreational areas owned by the Town of Stonington. Exceptions may be granted to extend the hours that public parks and recreational areas are open, so long as they have been approved following the Town of Stonington’s existing policies and procedures.

.  Penalty - Any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance shall be subjected to a warning, and/or a forty-nine dollar fine ($49.00) for each separate offense or violation. Any and all remedies, which the Town has in enforcing this Ordinance, at law or in equity, shall be cumulative and two or more or all of such remedies may be exercised at the same time.
 

5. Effective Date - This Ordinance shall become effective following approval by Town Meeting and fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper having a substantial circulation within the Town of Stonington.

Adopted: June 27, 2022
Effective: July 19, 2022