City Charter Article
[Article amended November 5, 2024, effective December 18, 2024]
Section 12-101 General Authority.
[May 19, 1950, new sec. 9-605; rev. Nov. 8, 1966; amended November 5, 2024, effective December 18, 2024; amended November 8, 2022, effective January 1, 2025.]
- The City may establish parks, playgrounds, forests, wetlands and human-built or natural facilities of all kinds, either inside or outside the City (“recreational and natural areas”). For that purpose the City may acquire by purchase, condemnation, gift, grant, donation, exchange or otherwise, real and personal property and any interest therein, and may rent or lease property of any kind for public use. The City may exchange any property for other property which it deems more suitable or convenient for the use or protection of recreational and natural areas, and the City may dispose of property not needed for those purposes. The City may construct, reconstruct, remodel, alter, repair, preserve, restore, maintain, improve and equip recreational and natural areas.
- The City may establish, alter or discontinue programs, services and exhibits for the education or enjoyment of the public or for the protection of recreational and natural areas. The Mayor may contract with any public or private person in any matter relating to programs, services or exhibits. The City may do all things the City finds necessary or convenient to promote recreational and natural areas.
Section 12-102 Regulations and Restrictions.
[New sec. Nov. 8, 1966; amended November 5, 2024, effective December 18, 2024; amended November 8, 2022, effective January 1, 2025.]
- The Mayor may make regulations and impose restrictions on public use of parks, recreational areas and facilities as found needed and appropriate, may exclude some or all kinds of vehicles from all or particular areas of any park or facilities, may limit to a particular class or classes of persons those permitted to use any particular area or facility if the limitation is not based on a protected class under local ordinance, or state or federal law, and may restrict the kinds and times of public use.
Section 12-103 Fees and Charges.
[New sec. Nov. 8, 1966.]
- The Council may fix fees it finds reasonable for specialized facilities, special services, conveniences, materials or supplies used in a program and for special programs of all kinds. After their establishment, payment of the fees shall be a condition prerequisite to use or participation. Establishment and collection of fees does not change the public character of any area, facility or program.