CHAPTER 9
PARKS COMMISSION1
SECTION:
2-9-1: Creation Of Parks Commission
2-9-7: Ex Officio Member And Staff Liaison
2-9-8: Park Rules And Regulations
2-9-1 CREATION OF PARKS COMMISSION:
There is hereby created a Parks Commission. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-9-2 AUTHORITY:
The Parks Commission is established pursuant to RCW 67.20.010. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05)
2-9-3 FUNCTION:
A. The Parks Commission shall recommend policy to conduct any form of recreation or cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people in a constructive and wholesome manner, including recommending policy to control and supervise all parks belonging to the City.
B. The Parks Commission shall advise the City on the planning, promotion, management, construction, development, maintenance and operation, within the City limits, of parks, play and recreational grounds and/or other municipally owned recreation facilities, including community buildings and improvement and ornament of the same. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5947, 11-18-19)
2-9-4 APPOINTMENT; MEMBERS:
The Parks Commission shall consist of seven (7) members, who shall be residents of the City of Renton who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the confirmation by a majority of the members of the City Council. No commissioner shall receive any compensation for his or her service whatsoever except for reimbursement of actual expenditures duly authorized by the City Council. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5947, 11-18-19)
2-9-5 TERM:
A. The term of each commissioner shall be for a period of four (4) years from the date of appointment. At the expiration of each commissioner’s term, the Mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the City Council, a successor commissioner, if the commissioner, whose term has expired, is not recommended for reappointment.
B. Members of the Parks Commission may be removed at any time by the appointing authority and vacancies for the remainder of unexpired terms shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Three unexcused absences in a one-year period of time shall result in automatic removal of a commissioner. The Parks Commission shall, by a majority vote, elect one of its members to be chairperson thereof and may appoint such other officers as may be deemed necessary by them. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5947, 11-18-19)
2-9-6 COMMISSION AUTHORITY:
The Parks Commission shall have the authority to propose rules and regulations for the operation, management and maintenance of parks and other recreational facilities, including recommendations to the City Council regarding the use of any municipally owned or controlled park or recreational facilities. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5542, 6-28-10; Ord. 5580, 11-22-10; Ord. 5687, 5-13-13; Ord. 5947, 11-18-19)
2-9-7 EX OFFICIO MEMBER AND STAFF LIAISON:
A. The Parks and Recreation Administrator may appoint a designee to serve as an ex officio member of the Parks Commission, but such designee shall have no vote thereon.
B. The designee appointed pursuant to RMC 2-9-7.A shall serve as the staff liaison to the Parks Commission. (Ord. 5155, 9-26-05; Ord. 5947, 11-18-19)
2-9-8 PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS:
A. General Provisions:
1. Definitions:
a. “Administrator” shall mean the Parks and Recreation Administrator or designee.
b. “Authorized personnel” shall include any City of Renton agent, contractor, employee, official, representative, and/or volunteer performing their assigned duties.
c. “Park” shall include the following areas, facilities and buildings owned, operated, maintained or managed by the City of Renton: parks, trails, open space areas (a non-developed physical area, including but not limited to natural areas and wetlands), the Maplewood Golf Course, and recreation buildings.
2. Priority of Use: Programs and activities scheduled by the Parks and Recreation Department will have first priority for use of parks and facilities. Otherwise, use of parks and facilities will be on a “first-come first-served” basis.
3. Designee of Administrator: The authority granted to the Administrator is granted to the Administrator’s designee.
4. Exemptions from Rules and Regulations:
a. Subsection B.3 of this Section, possession of weapons and fireworks, does not apply to law enforcement personnel or to persons performing authorized duties.
b. Subsection B.5 of this Section, Overweight Vehicles in Parks, does not apply to City of Renton maintenance vehicles or to authorized or emergency vehicles.
c. Subsection B.6 of this Section, wildlife harassment, does not apply to Administrator authorized wildlife control efforts.
d. Subsection B.9 of this Section, Domestic Animals in Parks, does not apply to law enforcement K-9 officers in the conduct of their official duties or to animals used by independent contractors if required in performance of the contract.
e. Subsection C.15 of this Section, Parking and Moorage, does not apply to park maintenance, law enforcement watercraft.
f. Subsection C.9 of this Section, SCUBA Diving, does not apply to Fire Department personnel, persons performing rescue operations, or authorized persons.
B. Criminal Violations: Unless otherwise posted, or approved by the Administrator in writing, it shall be a misdemeanor to do any of the following in a park:
1. Posting of Signs: Use, place or erect any advertising in any park; or to attach any notice bill, poster, sign, wire, rod, or cord to any tree, shrub, railing, post or structure within any park; or to place or erect in any park a structure of any kind.
2. Park Closing: Remain in any park after the posted closing time except when engaged in activities, programs and events scheduled by the Parks and Recreation Department.
3. Weapons and Fireworks: Possess any fireworks, firecracker, torpedo, explosive, air gun, sword, knife, bow and arrow, BB gun, paint ball gun, slingshot, or any other weapon, unless otherwise permitted by federal or state law.
4. Swimming Areas: Disobey rules, signs or lifelines designating swimming areas; transmit a false signal or false alarm of drowning; or to disobey any posted rules and/or instruction of any lifeguard, facility manager, or other authorized Parks and Recreation Department employee. Swimming shall be permitted only within the designated swimming areas.
5. Overweight Vehicles in Parks: Operate or drive any vehicle with a gross weight of over thirty-two thousand (32,000) pounds or a maximum width of over one hundred two inches (102") except for places set apart for such purposes by the Administrator and designated by signs.
6. Wildlife Feeding and Harassment: Tease, annoy, disturb, molest, catch, injure or kill, throw any stone or missile of any kind at or strike with any stick or weapon any animal, bird, or fowl in any manner; or to feed any fowl or bird in any park.
7. Concessions, Sales, Commercial Activities, Distribution and Posting Pamphlets: Perform the following activities in a park area:
a. Operating a fixed or mobile concession or event or traveling exhibition.
b. Soliciting, selling, offering for sale, peddling, hawking, or vending any goods or services.
c. Advertising any goods or services other than the direct handing of written advertising to any one person.
d. Filming, recording, or photographing for commercial purposes without authorization from the Administrator.
e. Conducting classes or organized competitions.
f. Distributing any commercial circular notice, leaflet, pamphlet or printed material of any kind in any Parks and Recreation buildings. These facilities are not public forums or limited public forums and are designated solely to the specific purposes for which they are dedicated.
g. Entering upon, using or traversing any portion of a park for commercial purpose, including fund raising and/or fund solicitation.
h. Attaching or securing to any vehicle or structure any commercial circular notice, leaflet, pamphlet or printed material of any kind.
8. Water Craft: Have, keep or operate any boat, float, raft or other water craft in or upon any bay, lake, slough, river or creek, or to land the same at any point upon the shores of a park except at places set apart for such purposes by the Administrator and so designated by signs.
It shall be unlawful to launch a boat or other water craft larger than ten thousand (10,000) pounds or longer than thirty feet (30') at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach boat launch.
9. Domestic Animals in Parks: Allow or permit any domestic animal, including service animals, to run at large, or enter any swimming area, pond or fountain. A dog brought into or kept in a park or trail area shall be on a leash not more than six feet (6') in length and under direct control of owner. Exceptions to leash requirements may be made only for approved scheduled events.
a. No domestic animals, except for service animals, will be allowed in any park that permits swimming. Dogs, except for service animals, are not permitted in Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Kennydale Beach Park, or the beach at Cedar River Park.
b. Any person with a dog or other pet in their possession in any park shall be responsible for both the conduct of the animal and for removal from the park of feces deposited by such animal. The person with the dog or other pet must have in their possession the equipment or supplies required for feces removal.
c. No domestic animals, except for service animals, will be allowed at any special event held at any park or in any area in a park posted with signs prohibiting domestic animals, unless permission is granted by the Administrator.
d. No domestic animals, except for service animals, will be allowed at the Maplewood Golf Course, the Farmer’s Market and Meadow Crest Playground.
10. Authority to Remove Persons in Parks: Stay in a park when directed to leave by an authorized Parks and Recreation Department employee or any police officer. Pursuant to RMC 6-30-2, any person violating these park rules and regulations may be subject to expulsion from all city parks.
11. Vandalism: Remove, destroy, mutilate, deface or tie any material to any structure, monument, statue, vase, fountain, wall, fence, railing, vehicle, bench, shrub, tree, fern, plant, flower, lighting system or sprinkling system, or other park property.
12. Noise Restrictions: Violate any applicable noise restrictions of Chapter 8-7 RMC, and in particular the following provisions:
a. It is unlawful to play car stereos, radios, or “boom boxes” – portable audio equipment, such as tape or compact disc players or musical instruments – so loudly they interfere with normal conversations or cause annoying vibrations at a distance of seventy-five feet (75') or more.
b. It is unlawful to operate or use any loudspeaker or other mechanical means of amplifying sound in any park without a written permit from the Administrator.
13. Conduct: Use abusive, vile, profane, or obscene language or threats, which interfere with the reasonable use of a park by the general public; engage in acts of violence, including but not limited to fights of any kind, or to act in a violent, threatening, intimidating, or hostile manner toward another person whereby such person is put in reasonable fear for his/her safety; jump off of any bridge or structure into a lake, river, creek or other body of water except as permitted in subsection B.5 of this Section in designated swim areas.
14. Lost Property: Fail to turn in any property or objects found on any park premises to the park staff or directly to the office of the Police Department, at City Hall, Renton, Washington. The article shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable city and state laws.
15. Introduction of Foreign Matter: Construct any structure, wall, fence, footing, drive, walk, steps, or path on park property, or to deposit invasive plants onto park property, or to use or maintain park property as an extension of private property.
16. Urinating in Public: Urinate or defecate in a public place or in a place open to public view, consistent with RMC 6-18-11.A.4.
17. Additional Violations: Violate any state or municipal criminal laws. (Ord. 5762, 7-13-15)
C. Civil Infractions: Unless otherwise posted, or approved by the Administrator, it shall be a civil infraction to do any of the following in a park:
1. Activities: Practice or play golf, baseball, cricket, soccer, polo, archery, hockey, volleyball, badminton or other games of like character, or to fly a kite, or to hurl, propel, or fly any airborne or other missile, including model airplanes, radio operated airplanes or other flying devices except in places and times set apart for such purposes by the Administrator; erect any inflatable structure, such as “bounce houses”, with the exception of city-sponsored events; or access Maplewood Golf Course property for the purpose of “hunting” for golf balls, or to remove practice range balls from the Maplewood Golf Course driving range.
2. Trail Signs: Disregard or disobey trail signs. All trail users must obey all posted trail signs. It is not a defense in any proceeding that the trail user did not see the posted sign.
3. Motorized and Non-Motorized Vehicles in Parks: Ride, park or drive any bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle, skateboard, rollerblades, roller-skates, land sailing device, scooter, unicycles or any other wheeled or similar vehicle, horse or pony on, over, or through any park designated by signage; or use the Renton Skate Park at Liberty Park with any device other than a skateboard or in-line skates. This Subsection does not apply to a disabled person using a wheelchair, wheeled prosthetic(s) or other wheeled vehicle.
4. Motorized Vehicles on Trails: Operate any motorized vehicle on City of Renton trails, except those vehicles used by authorized personnel in the performance of their assigned duties or authorized projects.
5. Dismount Zones: Bicycle operators must dismount their bicycle and remain dismounted in a “dismount zone.” Failure to dismount or remain dismounted in a dismount zone is a violation of these rules and regulations. Failure to see a sign is not a defense. For purposes of these rules and regulations the dismount zones on the Cedar River Trail (“Trail”) are:
a. The Trail between the southeast side of the Bronson Way bridge to the northwest side of the Logan Avenue bridge.
b. The Trail between North 6th Street and the mouth of the Cedar River at Lake Washington.
c. The pedestrian bridge under I-405.
d. For purposes of this Subsection C.5, the term “dismount” means:
i. The bicycle operator walks on foot alongside the bicycle.
ii. It is not a dismount if the bicycle operator remains seated on the bicycle seat.
iii. It is not a dismount if the bicycle operator has either foot on a pedal of the bicycle, whether or not the bicycle is being propelled by the rotation of the front sprocket.
6. Speeding on Trails: Travel on a trail at a speed in excess of posted speed limits or greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions or in disregard for actual and potential hazards (such as pedestrians or poor visibility). In every event, speed shall be so controlled as is necessary to avoid colliding with others using the trail. Travel at speeds in excess of fifteen (15) miles per hour on any trail shall constitute in evidence a prima facie presumption that the person violated this Section. Travel on the Cedar River Trail, (i) between 149th Avenue S.E. and I-405 Termination Point, or (ii) between the NW side of Logan Avenue to North 6th Street at speeds in excess of ten (10) miles per hour shall constitute in evidence a prima facie presumption that the person violated this Section.
7. Vehicle and Boat Repair in Parks: Operate, repair or service any motor vehicle, motorcycle or boat on park property, including docks, for the purpose of testing, servicing or repairing.
8. Racing in Parks: Engage in, conduct or hold any trials or competitions for speed, endurance or hill climbing involving any vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, or animal.
9. SCUBA Diving: SCUBA diving from park docks or shorelines, or from areas of boat parking or moorage or at the boat ramp at Gene Coulon Memorial Park.
10. Camping and Overnight Stays in Parks: Erect a tent or other enclosed shelter or to arrange bedding, or both, on City property; or, park a camp trailer, camper or other vehicle at any time; all except in places and times set apart for such purposes by the Administrator. (Ord. 5854, 8-7-17)
11. Fires and Barbecues: Build fires except in areas designed and set aside for such purpose by the Administrator; use any portable barbecue over thirty-six inches (36") in length or less than thirty inches (30") in height over a combustible surface unless said surface is protected by a heat shield or fireproof device placed under the barbecue; or place hot coals onto park grounds or into any trash containers or water bodies.
12. Metal Detecting: Use in any park a device to detect ores or metals, without prior written Administrator approval.
13. Glass Containers in Parks with Swimming Areas: Possess any glass container in any portion of the park or park facility that permits swimming.
14. Group Rally/Special Use Permit: Conduct any group rally in a park area or designated facilities where such activities will conflict in any way with normal park usage, without prior written Administrator approval.
Special Permit Required: Groups that desire to use City of Renton facilities may be granted Special Use Permits by the department, but will be subject to a user fee. Where appropriate, special conditions of use shall be established by the Parks and Recreation Department and so noted on the Special Use Permits.
15. Parking and Moorage:
a. Park in an area designated for a particular recreational activity, unless participating in that activity. Vehicles parked in violation of this Subsection may be impounded at owner’s expense.
b. Utilize the boat launch without a permit. Boat or watercraft users who are launching at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park without an annual permit must pay the posted usage fee.
c. Moor any boat or watercraft beyond posted time limits. Watercraft moored in violation of this Section may be impounded at the owner’s expense.
16. City Events: Disobey any city-sponsored event park signage that relates to special circumstances for that event.
17. Alcohol: Possess an open container or consume alcoholic beverages except in areas designated by the Administrator and/or during certain Administrator authorized events. Designated areas are (a) Maplewood Golf Course, when such beverages are purchased and consumed within the concessionaire’s licensed premises; and (b) designated areas of the Renton Community Center and
Renton Senior Activity Center facilities as part of a facility rental. All activities shall comply with all Washington State Liquor Control Board requirements.
18. Smoking: Smoking tobacco, tobacco byproducts or other smoke-emitting substances within Piazza Park, Gateway Park, the former Big 5 lot, and the north side of the Renton Pavilion Event Center. For purposes of this section, “smoking” is defined as the carrying or smoking of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking equipment. (Ord. 5762, 7-13-15; Ord. 5831, 1-23-17)
D. Littering: Littering is prohibited, pursuant to RCW 70.93.060 (Littering prohibited – Penalties – Litter cleanup restitution payment). Littering includes throwing or depositing any refuse or other material in any park, except in designated receptacles; taking garbage or refuse generated outside a park to a park for disposal; unlawfully dumping yard waste, litter, or debris in any park; and failing to remove or properly dispose of party decorations, including, but not limited to, pinatas, streamers, balloons, or picnic items, such as paper or plastic plates or cups or table coverings. (Ord. 5762, 7-13-15)
E. Penalties:
1. Criminal Violations: Those park rules and regulations identified as criminal violations are codified in this Section and punishable pursuant to RMC 1-3-1 and 6-10-1.F. For enforcement purposes, law enforcement and staff may cite to RMC 2-9-8 or the park rules and regulations pamphlet.
2. Civil Infractions: Those park rules and regulations identified as civil infractions are punishable pursuant to RMC 1-3-1. For enforcement purposes, law enforcement and staff may cite to this Section or the park rules and regulations pamphlet. (Ord. 5762, 7-13-15; Ord. 5831, 1-23-17)
F. Trail Etiquette:
1. All Users:
a. Obey all trail signs and regulations.
b. Show courtesy for other trail users at all times.
c. Keep dogs on leash, maximum length 6 feet (dogs are not allowed in Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Kennydale Beach Park, or the beach at Cedar River Park).
d. When entering or crossing a trail at an uncontrolled point, yield to traffic already on the trail.
e. No group of trail users shall occupy more than half of the trail nor impede the normal movement of trail users.
f. Stay to the right except to pass.
g. Pass others, going your direction, on the left. Pass with ample separation and do not move back to the right until safely past.
h. Use lights at night.
2. Pedestrians: Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users to pass safely. When possible walk to the right.
3. Bicyclists:
a. Cyclists are required to wear safety helmets on all trails in King County.
b. Yield to slower and oncoming users. Always give an early audible (voice, bell, horn) warning before passing another trail user, allowing them adequate time to react.
c. When possible, pass on the left. (Ord. 5687, 5-13-13; Ord. 5694, 10-7-13; Ord. 5762, 7-13-15)
Prior legislation: Ords. 2857, 6-3-74; 3127, 4-25-77; 3706, 1-24-83; 4319, 7-1-91; 4419, 9-13-93; 4452, 6‑3-94 and 4663, 4-21-97.