Chapter 12.12

This chapter is declared to be an exercise of the police power of the city for the public peace, health, safety and welfare and its provisions are to be liberally construed. Parks and park facilities are established by law for public recreation purposes. The primary purposes of such parks and facilities are for the accommodation of the public as a whole and secondarily for the activities of community groups or other groups consistent with the use of such facilities by the public as a whole. (Ord. 1059 § 1, 2010; Ord. 475 § 2, 1979).

12.12.030 Definitions.

The terms herein used, unless clearly contrary to or inconsistent with the context in which used, shall be construed as follows:

A. “Director” means the parks and recreation director of the city of Snoqualmie.

B. “Motor vehicle” means any self-propelled device capable of being moved upon a road and in, upon, or by which any persons or property may be transported or drawn, and shall include, but not be limited to, automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters, jeeps, or similar type of four-wheel-drive vehicles and snowmobiles, whether or not they can be legally operated upon the public highways.

C. “Park” means and includes all parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational property of any nature owned or controlled by the city of Snoqualmie. Categories of improved parks include community parks, generally 10 acres or larger; neighborhood parks, generally between two and 10 acres; and mini-parks, generally between one-quarter and one-half acre.

D. “Park board” means the board of park commissioners as established and created by Chapter 2.08 SMC.

E. “Park facilities” means any play equipment, athletic fields, parking lots, picnic shelters, restrooms, concert facilities, community center, buildings, and all other improvements in a park, and includes trail sections located within a park.

F. “Person” means all natural persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, clubs and all associations or combination of persons whenever acting for themselves or by an agent, servant, or employee.

G. “Recreation program” means any program or activity conducted, sponsored or assisted by the parks and recreation department, whether or not it occurs in a park.

H. “Trail” means any path or track designed for use of pedestrians, bicycles, or equestrians, and specifically designated and posted for nonvehicular use. (Ord. 1059 § 2, 2010; Ord. 815 § 1, 1998; Ord. 475 § 3, 1979).

12.12.035 Naming of parks, public open spaces, sensitive areas, and park facilities and features.

A. All public parks shall be named by the city council on recommendation of the parks board. Parks within new subdivisions shall have proposed names set forth in the preliminary plat and park names shall be confirmed and established in final plats. Parks outside of subdivisions shall be named by city council by resolution on recommendation of the parks board.

B. The criteria for naming parks shall be as follows:

1. Parks which have heretofore been officially named shall retain their existing names except for renaming under subsections (B)(3) or (4) of this section.

2. New or existing neighborhoods and mini-parks which have not been officially named shall be named after the public street on which they are located. If two parks are located on the same street, one park shall be named for the street and the second park shall be named in the same manner as a community park.

3. Community parks shall be named by city council on recommendation of the parks board as city council deems most appropriate; provided, city council shall retain authority to name or rename any park as it may determine appropriate for any special circumstance. Community parks ordinarily should be named after local people and families, places, events, native fauna and flora and natural and geological features with cultural and historical significant to the area.

4. Prior to submittal of any proposed name to the parks board for its recommendation for the naming or renaming of any park, the proposed name shall be submitted to the planning, parks, police and fire departments for review and comment. Departmental comments shall be incorporated in any staff report to the parks board or city council.

C. Public open spaces, sensitive areas, and park features and facilities may, but shall not be required to, be named. If named, the name shall be approved by city council on recommendation of the parks board. Names may include local people and families, places, events, native fauna and flora and natural and geological features with cultural and historical significance to the area.

D. In the event a gift is offered to the city on condition that a public park, open space, sensitive area, park feature or facility be named after a specified person or otherwise be given a specific name, city council shall have sole authority to determine whether to accept or reject the gift. The naming of a public park, open space, sensitive area, park feature or facility under this subsection is subject to the other requirements of this section, except with respect to requirements that the park be named after the public street on which it is located. Any gift made on any condition that affects the design, equipment or any physical feature of a public park, open space, sensitive area, park feature or facility shall be subject to park board review and recommendation. (Ord. 1059 § 3, 2010; Ord. 970 § 4, 2005).

12.12.040 Hours.

All city parks and park facilities shall be available and open for the use of the public during daylight hours; provided, that the director shall establish defined hours of operation according to the season during which parks and park facilities shall be open to the public. The director may also establish other hours of operation to provide for extended hours in areas where lighting has been provided, or curtailed hours of operation for areas containing play equipment or for other circumstances as deemed appropriate. Extended hours of operation may be established for specific events in a special event permit approved by city council or a park rental agreement approved by the director if no special event permit is required. Regular hours shall be posted at the entrance to all parks other than mini-parks. No person shall enter or be present at a city park area after closing time. (Ord. 1059 § 4, 2010; Ord. 815 § 2, 1998; Ord. 475 § 4, 1979).

12.12.045 Adopt-A-Park Program.

A. There is hereby authorized and established an Adopt-A-Park Program in the city of Snoqualmie. The purpose of the program shall be to provide the opportunity for organizations to assist in the maintenance, beautification and improvement of the city’s parks, trails and open spaces and to assist in planning and carrying out events through a city-administered volunteer program.

B. The director of parks and recreation is hereby authorized to establish and administer reasonable rules and regulations for the administration of the Adopt-A-Park Program, subject to approval of the parks board, which shall at a minimum include the following:

1. Qualifications for participating organizations;

2. Requirements for individual volunteers, including a background check;

3. Safety rules to be observed by all volunteers;

4. Provisions for the release of liability of the city by participating organizations and individual volunteers;

5. Standards for signage recognizing organizations adopting a park; and

6. Standard forms of agreements, releases and other documents required to implement the program, with the approval of the city attorney. (Ord. 971 § 1, 2005).

12.12.050 Use of parks by community groups, athletic teams or private parties.

A. Subject to subsection B of this section, the director is hereby authorized to promulgate written policies and procedures for use of city parks and park facilities, including by way of example only picnic shelters, athletic facilities, and concert venues for use by community groups, athletic teams and private parties. The director is further authorized to promulgate forms for park use or rental agreements for such purposes, subject to approval by the city attorney. Such policies and procedures and forms shall require indemnity of the city and liability insurance with limits determined by the director to be sufficient to protect the city.

B. The following activities shall not be subject to approval by the director but shall require the approval of city council through a special event permit or other appropriate approval:

1. Any event at which alcoholic beverages will be served;

2. Any event at which an admission charge will be imposed;

3. Any event at which food or beverages will be sold for consumption in the park; provided, that an approved park rental agreement may allow use of established concession stands;

4. Any event at which food products, arts and crafts, souvenirs or merchandise of any kind will be sold;

5. Any event at which fireworks will be discharged;

6. Any event at which sounds of any origin will exceed 50 dB at any park property boundary after 10:00 p.m.;

7. Any event which is proposed to last more than one day, or proposed as a series of events; and

8. Any event where expected attendance will exceed 25 people for a mini-park, 50 people for a neighborhood park or 100 people for a community park.

C. Private for-profit events that infringe on the primary purpose of city parks to provide recreation for the public as a whole should generally not be allowed unless city council finds that such event would promote some other public purpose, such as promoting tourism or cultural values. (Ord. 1059 § 5, 2010; Ord. 475 § 5, 1979).

12.12.060 Groups to leave facilities in a satisfactory condition.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 6, 1979).

12.12.070 Liability of groups using facilities.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 7, 1979).

12.12.080 Liability insurance to be obtained by groups using facilities.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 8, 1979).

12.12.090 Compliance with park signage required.

It shall be unlawful for any person to use any park, park facilities, or trail in a manner or at hours contrary to posted signs. (Ord. 1059 § 6, 2010; Ord. 475 § 9, 1979).

12.12.100 Storage of equipment – Liability of city.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 10, 1979).

12.12.110 Posting signs, posters and notices.

A. It is unlawful for any person to attach any notice, bill, poster, sign, wire, rod or cord to any tree, shrub, railing, post or structure within any park; provided, that the erection of temporary directional signs, or decorations on occasions of public celebration and picnic may be done, provided the same are removed at the close of the occasion and provided that these same may be attached without causing injury to any property.

B. It is unlawful for any person to use, place or erect any signboard, sign, billboard, bulletin board, post, pole or device of any kind for advertising in any park. (Ord. 475 § 11, 1979).

12.12.120 Injury to park property unlawful.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 12, 1979).

12.12.130 Animals at large prohibited except in designated off-leash areas.

A. It is unlawful for any person to permit any dog or pet owned by him or under his charge to run at large in any park, except in a designated off-leash area. All dogs or other pets shall be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet.

B. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or person having charge of any dog or other pet to maintain it under control at all times so as not to pose a danger to other people or animals. No person shall allow his dog or other pet to bite or in any way molest or annoy other park visitors. No person shall permit his dog or other pet to bark continuously or otherwise disturb the peace and tranquility of the park.

C. All persons bringing dogs or other pets into a park or trail shall carry appropriate equipment for removing feces, and shall collect and dispose of any feces deposited by such dog or other pet in an appropriate receptacle. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to so collect and dispose of any feces deposited by a dog or other pet owned by him or under his charge. (Ord. 1059 § 7, 2010; Ord. 475 § 13, 1979).

12.12.140 Dogs, pets or domestic animals prohibited on beaches and in buildings.

Dogs, pets or domestic animals are not permitted on any designated swimming beach in any city park area nor in any public building, unless so posted; provided, that this section shall not apply to seeing-eye dogs. (Ord. 475 § 14, 1979).

12.12.150 Disturbance by animals prohibited.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 15, 1979).

12.12.160 Horseback riding in designated areas only – Not to endanger others.

A. No horses shall be permitted in any park; provided, horses shall be permitted on designated pedestrian-equestrian trails and in parks that serve as trail heads, where so designated, or as approved in a special event permit by the city council.

B. In areas designated as pedestrian-equestrian trails or trail heads, no person shall ride any horse in such a manner that might endanger any other person or animal. No person shall allow his horse to stand in such area unattended or insecurely tied. (Ord. 1059 § 8, 2010; Ord. 475 § 16, 1979).

12.12.170 Motor vehicles – Parking in designated areas only.

No operator of any motor vehicle as defined in SMC 12.12.030 or any boat trailer or camper shall park such vehicle in any park, except in a designated parking area, or for the purpose of delivery or pickup of equipment or supplies in connection with an approved event, or as may be otherwise specifically authorized in a special event permit or park use or rental agreement. No person shall park, leave standing, or abandon a vehicle in any park after the posted closing time, except when attending an event authorized by a special event permit or park use or rental agreement authorizing use after the posted closing time. Any vehicle found parked in violation of this section may be towed away at the owner’s or operator’s expense. (Ord. 1059 § 9, 2010; Ord. 475 § 17, 1979).

12.12.180 Motor vehicles – Operation in designated areas only.

No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a trail in any city park area unless such trail has been specifically designated and posted for such use. Subject to the provisions of this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle within the boundaries of a city park area except on roads, streets, highways, parking lots, or parking areas; provided, that traveling upon such roads, streets, highways, parking lots, or parking areas has not been prohibited by proper posting. (Ord. 475 § 18, 1979).

12.12.190 Motor vehicles – Speed limits.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle within any city parking area at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the traffic on, and the surface and width of the road, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons, property, or wildlife; provided, however, that in no event shall a vehicle be driven at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour in camp, picnic, utility, or headquarters areas, or in areas of general public assemblage; and provided further, that in no event shall a vehicle be driven at a speed greater than 25 miles per hour in any other area. The city council, however, upon finding that the safety of persons and the condition of the road and the traffic thereon so warrants, may establish lower speed limits and shall post the same in the area where so established. (Ord. 475 § 19, 1979).

12.12.200 Commercial trucks or other vehicles prohibited – Exceptions.

No person shall cause a truck or other vehicle while being used for commercial purposes to enter upon, use, or traverse any portion of any city park area or any park road therein except in the service of the parks, at the request of employees of this city or in the use of a special activity not inconsistent with the city park use. (Ord. 475 § 20, 1979).

12.12.210 Swimming permitted in designated areas only.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 21, 1979).

12.12.220 Swimming or sunbathing prohibited in designated boat launching areas.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 23, 1979).

12.12.230 Swimmers to obey posted beach rules.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 22, 1979).

12.12.240 False alarm of drowning prohibited.

Repealed by Ord. 1059. (Ord. 475 § 24, 1979).

12.12.250 Fishing.

All laws, rules and regulations of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife relating to season, limits and methods of fishing are applicable to fishing in parks. No person may fish for or possess any fish taken from any area which is posted with a sign prohibiting fishing. (Ord. 1059 § 10, 2010; Ord. 475 § 25, 1979).

12.12.260 Permission to hunt within city-owned open spaces, sensitive areas and park lands denied – Exceptions – Penalties.

A. For purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings set forth:

1. “Firearm” shall mean a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder.

2. “Hunt” (and its derivatives) shall mean any effort to kill, injure, trap or harass a wild animal or bird, by any means whatsoever.

3. “Trap” (and its derivatives) shall mean a method of hunting using a device to capture wild animals or birds.

4. “Wild animal” shall mean any of those species of the class Mammalia whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. The term “wild animal” shall not include feral domestic animals, moles, mice or rats.

B. The city as landowner hereby denies permission for any person to willfully hunt, trap, capture or disturb any wild animal or wild bird, or to take the eggs or nest of any such bird or wild animal within any city-owned open space, sensitive area or park land in the city.

C. The city acknowledges that responsibility for management of the wildlife resources of the state is vested in the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and this section shall not apply to personnel of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, or their authorized agents, while engaged in the performance of their official duties for management of the state’s wildlife resources.

D. Penalties for violation of this section shall be as follows:

1. Each person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon first conviction, and upon second or subsequent conviction be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

2. Each individual animal unlawfully hunted, taken or possessed on publicly owned open space, sensitive areas or park lands in violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 1011 § 1, 2007; Ord. 475 § 26, 1979).

12.12.270 Disrobing prohibited.

No person shall disrobe in public in any city park area. Clothing sufficient to conform to community standards shall be worn at all times. (Ord. 475 § 27, 1979).

12.12.280 Camping prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to camp in any public park, trail, or open space, except as may be allowed pursuant to a special event permit approved by city council. (Ord. 1113 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1059 § 11, 2010).

12.12.285 Fires.

It is unlawful for any person to set or maintain any fire in a park, except in designated facilities of self-contained stoves or barbecues. (Ord. 1059 § 12, 2010).

12.12.290 Practicing and playing certain games permitted in designated areas only.

It is unlawful for any person or groups of persons to practice or play golf, baseball, cricket, lacrosse, polo, archery, hockey, tennis, badminton, or other games of like character, except at places designated by resolution by the city council and developed for such purposes and so designated by posting; and provided further, such activity is conducted without endangering or interfering with others using the park. (Ord. 475 § 29, 1979).

12.12.300 Refuse and litter to be deposited in designated receptacles.

It is unlawful for any person to throw any refuse, litter, broken glass, crockery, nails, shrubbery, trimmings, junk or advertising matter in any park or to deposit any waste or abandoned material therein except in designated receptacles. (Ord. 475 § 30, 1979).

12.12.310 Testing vehicles prohibited.

It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle or motorcycle for the purpose of testing it, or ascertaining its fitness for service, along or upon any park drive, parkway or park boulevard. (Ord. 475 § 31, 1979).

12.12.320 Solicitation, sale or peddling prohibited – Distribution or posting of handbills or circulars prohibited.

A. No person shall solicit, sell or peddle any goods, wares, merchandise, liquids or edibles for human consumption in any park; provided, that nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the use of concession stands in parks or prohibit the city council by resolution from establishing a procedure and rules and regulations permitting sale of goods, wares or merchandise upon finding sale of such goods to be consistent with the general intent and use of the parks and park facilities and requiring a permit from the city.

B. No person shall distribute or post any handbills or circulars or other advertising material in any park. (Ord. 1059 § 13, 2010; Ord. 498, 1981; Ord. 475 § 32, 1979).

12.12.325 Assemblies.

It is unlawful for any person to hold, sponsor or participate in any organized assembly in a park without first giving the director notice thereof, and obtaining a written permit to do so. Such notice shall be given at least 72 hours prior to the date established for such assembly, except where such notice is not possible, and in such circumstances, as much prior notice as is feasible shall be given. Such permit may be conditioned upon giving security for furnishing waste and sanitary conveniences, providing a plan for traffic and crowd control, and giving security for post-assembly cleanup. (Ord. 1059 § 14, 2010).

12.12.330 Fireworks or explosives prohibited – Exception.

No person shall possess, discharge, set off, or cause to be discharged in any park any firecracker, torpedoes, rockets, fireworks, or explosives; provided, city council may authorize the discharge or fireworks by a licensed pyrotechnician for a city-sponsored event or in an approved special event permit. (Ord. 1059 § 15, 2010; Ord. 475 § 33, 1979).

12.12.340 Alcoholic beverages prohibited except subject to special events permit.

The opening and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a city park area is prohibited, except beer and/or wine may be allowed to be served as part of an organized event pursuant to an approved special events permit pursuant to Chapter 12.20 SMC. Such special events permit must be approved by the director of public safety, and shall include conditions authorizing such alcoholic beverages to be served only by a responsible business or organization within an enclosed area, subject to such additional conditions as may be prescribed by the director of public safety. The special events permit shall further include a condition requiring compliance with all regulations of the Washington State Liquor Control Board. Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor. (Ord. 836 § 1, 1999; Ord. 475 § 34, 1979).

12.12.350 Discharge of firearms and weapons permitted in designated areas only.

No person shall discharge a firearm, bow and arrow, air or gas weapon, or any device capable of injuring or killing any person or animal or damaging or destroying any public or private property, in any park, except in such area and under such circumstances as the city council may by resolution designate and cause to be posted in such area. This prohibition shall not apply to law enforcement or animal control officers responding to emergencies in their official roles. (Ord. 1059 § 16, 2010; Ord. 475 § 35, 1979).

12.12.360 Aiding and abetting violation considered commission of act.

Any person aiding and abetting the commission of any of the acts constituting an offense whether present or absent, and any person who directly or indirectly counsels, encourages, hires, commands, induces, or otherwise procures another to commit such an offense shall be proceeded against and prosecuted as the commission of the act itself. (Ord. 475 § 37, 1979).

12.12.370 Penalties for violation.

Every person who wilfully violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment in jail for not more than six months or both. In addition every person failing to comply with any provision of this chapter shall be subject to immediate ejection from the city park area. (Ord. 475 § 36, 1979).

12.12.380 Administration.

A. This code shall be administered by the director.

B. In addition to any authority conferred on the director by any other section, the director shall have the following additional authority:

1. To issue written policies that clarify or interpret the application of this chapter in particular circumstances;

2. To promulgate written policies and procedures to regulate the use of parks and trails, including restrictions on the use of particular areas, restricted hours or use of particular park facilities, and standards of conduct within parks and trails that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter;

3. To cause signage to be posted indicating allowable and prohibited uses of particular areas, and restrictions on use, and required standards of conduct;

4. To close areas in parks as may be appropriate for grow-in of vegetation or rehabilitation of damaged areas; and

5. To establish, operate and regulate recreation programs. (Ord. 1059 § 17, 2010).

Chapter 12.12PARK CODE

12.12.010 Title.

12.12.020 Purpose.