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Code Corner: Park Rules
Code Corner: Park Rules
Code:
South Fayette Township General Legislation, Chapter 183: Parks and Recreation Areas (updated by ordinance June 14, 2023)
Purpose:
Establishes regulations, policies and procedures for the safety of residents and visitors to parks and recreational facilities
Applies to:
Parks, trails and other recreation areas owned and/or controlled by South Fayette Township, such as Boys Home Park, Fairview Park, Morgan Park, Preservation Park, Sturgeon Park, Treveskyn Park (undeveloped), Boys Home Farm Preserve (undeveloped), the Panhandle Trail in South Fayette and any future public parks
Enforcement:
South Fayette Township Police Department, the Parks and Recreation Director, or the Planning Director
Code Violation:
Minimum of $250 for first offense and $600 for second offense, plus fees and court costs. The township may prohibit someone from using parks in the event of repeated or serious violations.
View Code:
Rules updated for busy township parks
Regulations added for dog park, splash pad, large events and more
By Andrea Iglar
Increased park use and new facilities were the driving forces behind updating the park rules this year in South Fayette Township.
In June, the Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance adding rules for new amenities in Fairview Park—the wooded, fenced Bark Park that opened for off-leash dogs in May, and the splash pad that is under construction on the Mayview site.
The splash pad is a water feature expected to open next summer, along with the new Mayview Pavilion, which will accommodate 200 people.
Language also was added to govern large events, manage rentals and regulate drones.
Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis said the rules help protect people and property as park use grows.
“The parks have gotten so much more crowded and busy, and people are using them in so many different ways,” she said. “The rules set expectations to ensure the parks are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Dogs
The updated regulations eliminate the previous off-leash zone on the hill in Fairview Park and establish rules for the 5-acre Bark Park—the only spot where dogs are allowed off leash in any township park.
Bark Park is available free of charge, and no permit is required. The dog park features trails and woods, and it is subtly fenced for safety. Hours generally are dawn to dusk. Highlights of Bark Park rules include:
• The area is for dogs and their owners/handlers only.
• No children under 16 are allowed without adult supervision. Small children must be within arm’s reach.
• Dogs must be properly licensed, tagged and inoculated.
• No dog that is vicious or aggressive, or has previously bitten any person, is allowed.
• Dogs in heat and puppies under six months are prohibited.
• Owners must closely supervise and control their dogs.
• Three dogs per handler is the maximum allowed.
• Owners are 100% responsible for any injuries suffered or inflicted by their pet. The township is not liable for any injuries to dogs or people.
• Handlers must clean up after pets and properly dispose of waste.
• The township may close Bark Park at any time.
When entering or exiting Bark Park, unleash or leash dogs inside the double-gated holding area, not inside the Bark Park. Leashes must remain visible and handy inside the dog park.
Outside of Bark Park, dogs must be leashed at all times in every area of every park. In addition:
• Maximum permitted leash length is 12 feet.
• Dogs are not allowed on any athletic field, sports court, playground or splash pad.
• Owners must clean up and dispose of animal waste.
Splash Pad
A splash pad—a recreational feature for water play, with no standing water—is under construction in Fairview Park and expected to open in summer 2024.
The facility will not have a lifeguard. Once open, hours generally will be 10 AM to 9 PM daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The splash pad will be available to the general public at no charge.
These regulations, among others, will apply:
• Kids under 12 must be supervised by adult
• Children not toilet trained must wear swim diaper
• No bathing, cleaning, bubbles or soap
Drones
New regulations address drones, or unpiloted aircraft.
Flying drones for commercial purposes is prohibited in parks.
Recreational flying, purely for personal enjoyment, requires permission from the Parks and Recreation Director. Operators must show the drone is registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, follow applicable FAA rules and provide proof of passing the Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Test. Find details at faa.gov/uas.
Large Gatherings and Public Events
For large gatherings and public events that are not organized by the township, a Large Event Application and proof of liability insurance are required, in addition to a pavilion or field rental.
A large event may be a festival, tournament, 5K or other event open to the general public, whether free or with an entrance fee.
The reserving party must pay a rental fee for all park spaces and facilities used. Also, if renting the Rotary Pavilion or Mayview Pavilion in Fairview Park, and anticipated attendance is beyond 200 people, a $100 Park Impact Fee is required.
Other guidelines are related to the correct disposal of trash and noise limits.
The township may require a parking plan, additional sanitary facilities, police officers and public works employees at the expense of the renter.
No group of five or more adults may gather in a park pavilion without a permit.
Field Use
Athletic fields are eligible for rental, but scheduling priority belongs to the township and to teams that belong to the South Fayette Athletic Association.
Small, casual pick-up games are allowed when a field is not scheduled for use. However, organized sports and activities need township permission to use fields. Rental rates apply.
General Park Rules
Park hours generally are dawn to dusk; no one is permitted in parks overnight. Other guidelines aim to protect parks and facilities and ensure visitor safety. Some highlights include:
• Kids under 12 must be supervised by an adult on playgrounds
• No sale of goods or services, including food trucks and concessions, without township permission
• No organized activities or lessons, whether free or paid, without a rental permit or township permission (clearances required if children are involved)
• No parking or driving on grass, turf or landscaping; no unauthorized off-road motor vehicles
• No picking flowers/plants or taking wildlife (hunting permits are available for Boys Home Farm Preserve)
• No hitting golf balls
• No smoking, gambling, drunkenness or profanity
• No personal fireworks or fires
• No political signs
• No glass containers or outside rubbish
"If we all respect the park rules, everyone can benefit from these great public spaces," Willis said.
