Chapter 12.24
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Sections:
12.24.010 Public parks and playgrounds.
12.24.010 Public parks and playgrounds.
A. Public parks and playgrounds are those areas open to the general public that are owned or controlled by the city of Sequim and are for the purpose of outdoor recreation and activities.
B. No person, firm, or corporation can place or erect any placard, notice, sign, or device of any kind in any public park or playground unless permitted to do so pursuant to Chapter 18.58 SMC (Sign Code) or Chapter 8.38 SMC (Special Events) or in a spontaneous exercise of constitutional freedoms.
C. No person will permanently install, or alter, mark, deface, disfigure, or displace any building, bridge, table, bench, grill, railing, equipment, sign, drinking fountain, or any other park property without advance written authorization from the city’s public works department or parks department, as applicable.
D. Unless authorized in writing by the appropriate city representative, no person may cut, injure, deface, remove, or disturb any tree, shrub, or plant. See Chapter 12.25 SMC.
E. No person can enter upon any portion of lawn or ground within a public park or playground when notified by a sign or verbally by authorized personnel not to enter upon such lawn or ground.
F. All litter, garbage, and other solid waste (as defined in SMC 8.08.010 and 8.12.016) accumulated during the use of any public park or playground must be deposited in designated receptacles. Depositing private household accumulations of solid waste in a public park or playground’s receptacles is prohibited.
G. Campfires, bonfires, and other sources of open flame are prohibited in city-owned or city-controlled public parks or playgrounds except in facilities designated for the purpose and at such times when a burn ban is in effect. This includes all fireworks and sky lanterns as defined in Chapter 8.20 SMC.
H. No unauthorized persons are allowed in a public park or playground after the posted closing time.
I. All domesticated animals are prohibited from running at large in any public park or playground or from entering any lake, pond, fountain, or stream therein. Violations of this subsection are enforced pursuant to SMC 6.04.030. This subsection does not apply to dogs using the designated off-leash park as authorized under park rules and city code.
J. The owner or person in control of any animal is responsible for removing and disposing of the animal’s droppings.
K. Discharge or use of any firearm, air gun, BB gun, slingshot, or any bow and arrow in a public park or playground is prohibited unless authorized as part of an organized recreation program of the city or allowed pursuant to a special event permit (Chapter 8.38 SMC). Firearms carried in a lawful manner are not prohibited in a public park.
L. No person or pet animal is allowed to molest, catch, injure, or kill any animal or bird in a public park or playground.
M. Sale or solicitation of any goods, services, or merchandise in a public park or playground without specific prior written permission of the city is prohibited, including requests for gifts or donations by any group or individual.
N. Loudspeakers or mechanical means of amplifying sound are prohibited in any public park or playground within city limits unless a special event permit has been issued pursuant to Chapter 8.38 SMC or the event is a spontaneous exercise of constitutional freedoms. Time of day, duration, and decibel level may be regulated based on state law.
O. Circuses, carnivals, or similar exhibitions in any public park or playground are prohibited except pursuant to a special event permit obtained from the city (Chapter 8.38 SMC).
P. Bicycles, carts, motor vehicles, or other wheeled vehicles or machines, except a baby carriage, mobility scooter, or wheelchair, are restricted to those public ways within a public park or playground that are designed and maintained for their use, and must not travel at speeds in excess of the posted limit.
Q. Activities including but not limited to golf, soccer, baseball, or other games that could interfere with or endanger others in any public park or playground must be played at places designated for such purposes.
R. Placement of stones, plaques, statues, pavers, or other monuments are allowed in public parks and playgrounds only with city permission, and may not be placed in a manner that puts people or property at risk.
S. No person, firm, or corporation is allowed to prevent, delay, or interfere with the employees of the city in the planting, pruning, spraying, or removal of trees, plants, or shrubs in a public park or playground.
T. No swimming or use of flotation devices is allowed in any body of water within Carrie Blake Community Park. (Ord. 2022-003 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-015 § 2; Ord. 490 § 2, 1986; Ord. 357 § 14, 1977)
12.24.020 Trail use.
A. Every person traveling on a trail within city limits will obey the instructions of any official travel control device or sign placed in accordance with applicable laws.
B. No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails within the city limits except when authorized by the city or other designated entity for maintenance and repair. This prohibition covers automobiles, golf carts, mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles but does not apply to wheelchairs powered by electric motors or class 1 and 2 electric-assisted bicycles.
C. Every person who uses or travels on a trail within city limits will adhere to the following standards of conduct:
1. Every person using a trail should stay as near to the right side of the trail, excepting those movements necessary to prepare to make or make turning movements, or while overtaking or passing another user moving in the same direction.
2. Every user will exercise care and caution to avoid colliding with any other trail user. All users should travel in consistent and predictable manner.
3. No group of trail users, including their animal(s), will impede the normal and reasonable movement of trail users.
4. Every user should give an audible warning signal before passing another trail user. The signal must be produced in such a manner as to allow adequate time for response. The signal may be given by voice, bell, or horn.
5. Trail users entering and crossing a trail at uncontrolled points should yield to traffic on the trail.
6. All animals on the trail must be on leash and the owner or person in control is responsible for cleaning up any droppings.
7. Trail users should respect private lands adjacent to all trails and will stay on trails to avoid trespassing on or interfering with adjacent private property. (Ord. 2022-003 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.24.030 Enforcement.
Violations of this chapter are enforced pursuant to Chapter 1.13 SMC (Code Enforcement). (Ord. 2022-003 § 1 (Exh. A))
12.24.040 Appeals.
Appeals of any city decision or action taken pursuant to this chapter can be directed to the hearing examiner in accordance with Chapter 2.10 SMC. (Ord. 2022-003 § 1 (Exh. A))