Park Ordinance

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

SECTION 3. PARK ACTIVITIES
 

SECTION 4. PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY AND NATURAL FEATURES

SECTION 5. MOLESTING WILDLIFE; FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

SECTION 6. HUNTING AND FISHING

SECTION 7. GENERAL CONDUCT

SECTION 8. ANIMAL CONTROL

SECTION 9. TRAFFIC CONTROL

SECTION 10. GENERAL REGULATIONS

SECTION 11. PARK HOURS

SECTION 12. EXEMPTIONS

SECTION 13. RULES AND REGULATIONS
 

SECTION 32. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
ORDINANCE NO. 1 OF 2025

AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 282 “PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS” IN THE CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES

Cascade Township ordains:

Section 1. Repeal and Replace Chapter 282. Chapter 282 “Parks and Recreation Areas” of the Cascade Charter Township Code of Ordinances is repealed and replaced in its entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I: GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

SECTION 1. Purpose and Intent.

This chapter governs uses, activities, and structures within all parks located within Cascade Charter Township. The Township Board finds that this article and the rules and regulations contained herein are essential for the health, safety, and welfare of persons using the park, as well as the owners and occupants of adjoining residential properties. This chapter is also intended to protect the natural beauty and environmental features of the park.
 

SECTION 2. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings indicated:

CASCADE BURTON PARK
Located at 6805 Burton Street, being approximately 80± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-09-201-008).

CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP PARK
Located at 3810 Thornapple River Dr. SE, being approximately 55± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-21-175-007).

CASCADE CHARTER TOWNSHIP PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE (“COMMITTEE”)
The committee appointed by the Cascade Charter Township Board from time to time and which is given the duties, powers, and responsibilities specified in this article. The Township Board may also delegate to the Committee the authority to issue permits and approvals as mentioned in this chapter.

CASCADE PEACE PARK
Located at 8900 Grand River Drive, being approximately 198± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-11-200-021).

FRIENDSHIP PARK
Located at 2870 Jacksmith Ave, being approximately 3.5± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-16-102-027, 41-19-16-126-039, and 41-19-16-126-038). 

LESLIE E. TASSELL PARK
Located at 2900 Thornapple River Dr, being approximately 3.2± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-16-203-028, 41-19-16-203-023, and 41-19-16-203-025).

MICHAEL MCGRAW PARK
Located at 8400 Grand River Dr. SE, being approximately 68± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No . 41-19-02-126-004).

THE “PARKS”
Cascade Burton Park, Cascade Charter Township Park, Cascade Peace Park, Leslie E. Tassell Park, Virgil Nishimura Westdale Memorial Park, Friendship Park, and Wycliffe Trailhead Park are collectively referred to as the “parks” in this Chapter.

VIRGIL NISHIMURA WESTDALE MEMORIAL PARK
Located at 6895 Cascade Rd. SE, being approximately 0.40± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-16-202-003).

WYCLIFFE TRAILHEAD PARK
Located at 2977 Wycliffe Dr. SE, being approximately 1.86± acres in size (also known as Permanent Parcel No. 41-19-16-230-007).

ARTICLE II: PARK REGULATIONS

SECTION 3. PARK ACTIVITIES.

A. Only passive recreational (e.g., hiking, walking, cross-country skiing) activities are permitted in the parks unless otherwise identified in this section. Other uses and events as approved or specifically permitted by the Committee or the Township Board may be allowed within the parks. No other uses or activities shall occur in the parks.

B. Cascade Charter Township Park. Both active and passive recreational activities are permitted within designated areas. This shall include tennis and pickleball in the tennis courts only, field sports in the ball fields area; playground activities in the playground area; picnics and gatherings in the pavilion areas, hiking and other events as approved or specifically permitted by the Township Park and Recreation Committee.

C. Leslie E. Tassell Park. Both active and passive recreational activities are permitted in the park within designated areas. This shall include picnics and gatherings in the pavilion areas, hiking, fishing and other events as approved or specifically permitted by the Park and Recreation Committee.

1. Only the Wisner Pavilion, together with the Lower Terrace area, may be reserved for use by individuals or organizations by permit from the Township.
     a. The reservation of the pavilion and terrace area shall be limited to the following:
          1. Groups of no more than 50 people.
          2. No more than four hours.
     b. The Township will only allow the pavilion to be rented twice a month.
     c. The reservation shall be subject to fee and other specific rules and regulations adopted by the Township. Only the pavilion and terrace area, when reserved, are closed to the general public.

D. The Committee may designate from time-to-time portions of any park for specific uses. Specific uses may be prohibited by the Committee. Notices of prohibited uses shall be posted.
 

SECTION 4. PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY AND NATURAL FEATURES.

A. No person shall injure, deface, disturb or befoul any part of the parks nor any building, sign, sculpture, equipment or other property within the parks. No tree, shrub, rock or other mineral within the parks shall be removed, injured or destroyed.

B. No person shall deposit, permit or suffer to be deposited any garbage, ashes, sewage, refuse, waste, or other noxious material within the parks, except in receptacles provided by the Township for such purposes. Where trash receptacles are not provided by the Township, all such materials shall be carried out of the parks by the person responsible for its presence.

C. No person shall dump any earth, tree limbs, leaves, grass clippings, or compost materials within the parks without first obtaining a specific written permit from the Township Board.
 

SECTION 5. MOLESTING WILDLIFE; FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES.

A. Except for lawful hunting and fishing as identified in this article, no person within the confines of the parks shall molest, harm, or kill any wild bird or animal found within the confines of the parks, or rob or molest any bird nest or take the eggs of any bird within the parks.

B. Except as provided by law, no person shall possess or discharge any firearms, fireworks, explosive substances or air rifles within the park without a specific permit from the Township.
 

SECTION 6. HUNTING AND FISHING

A. Hunting shall only be permitted in Cascade Peace Park in accordance with the following regulations:
     1. Only archery hunting shall be permitted. Firearm hunting is prohibited.
     2. All state hunting laws and regulations must be followed.
     3. The park will be open to nonhunters during hunting season.
     4. Every hunter must comply with all Administrative Rules for Hunting in Cascade Peace Park, attached as "Exhibit A," as may be amended from time to time by resolution of the Township Board.

B. Fishing shall be permitted in Cascade Charter Township Parks.
 

SECTION 7. GENERAL CONDUCT.

Within the parks:

A. No person shall, either by work or act, indulge in any noisy, boisterous, disorderly or indecent conduct, or in any manner disturb the peace, quiet, or good order within the park or of the residents of any property adjoining the park. No person shall play at games of chance, or engage in any indecent, lascivious, lewd, sexual, or improper act or behavior.

B. No person intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of alcohol, narcotic drugs or opiates shall enter or remain within the park. No person shall bring into the park any alcohol, liquor, narcotic drugs, or opiates.

C. No person shall remain within the parks who does not abide by the rules and regulations adopted by the Township for the parks. No person shall remain within the parks who does not abide by the instructions and directions of a duly authorized police officer or agent of the Township in the lawful performance of their duties. Any person directed by a police officer or agent of the Township to leave the parks shall do so promptly and peaceably. No person shall resist, obstruct, interfere with, be abusive of, or address in a profane or obscene manner, any police officer or agent of the Township.

D. The use of a loud speaker, public address system, or sound-amplifying equipment is prohibited within the park unless permitted by the Township or the Township is hosting an event. Excessively loud radios or similar devices are also prohibited unless permitted by the Township or the Township is hosting an event.

E. No person shall start, fly, or use any fuel- or battery-powered model aircraft, vehicle, or similar device within the parks.

F. No person shall urinate or defecate in the parks, except in restroom facilities as are provided by the Township.

G. Smoking is prohibited in the parks.

H. All bicycles must remain on paved surfaces at all times. No person shall operate a bicycle within Cascade Peace Park.

I. Use of paintball equipment and supplies within the parks is prohibited.

J. No application of graffiti or similar activity shall occur within the parks.

SECTION 8. ANIMAL CONTROL.

A. Within the parks, all dogs shall be controlled and on a chain or leash not exceeding more than six feet in length. Cats shall also be under direct control and leashed. No controlled animal shall be allowed to be destructive to other animals and birds.

B. The riding of horses or other animals is prohibited.
 

SECTION 9. TRAFFIC CONTROL

Within the parks:

A. No person shall drive any motor vehicle or propel or cause to be driven any motor vehicle along or over any road within the park in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb, or property of pedestrians, the drivers or occupants of other vehicles, or any other person, nor shall any motor vehicle be driven in a careless or reckless manner.

B. No vehicle shall be driven or parked in the park except on designated drives and parking lot areas (except for authorized Township vehicles and any vehicle needed for handicapped persons).

C. No person shall park or store any car, motorcycle, bicycle, wagon, trailer, or other vehicle within the parks, except for short-term parking in places expressly designated by the Township for parking, nor shall any person park a car, motorcycle, bicycle, wagon, trailer, or other vehicle in the parks overnight or for periods of longer than 15 hours.

D. No trailer or other loading vehicle shall be brought into the parks unless permitted as part of an activity or event that has received permission from the Township.

SECTION 10. GENERAL REGULATIONS.

A. Camping. No person shall establish or maintain any camp or other temporary lodging place in the parks. No camping shall occur within the park.

B. Fire. Fires are not permitted in the parks, except as identified in this subsection.
     1. Fires are only permitted in the designated Community Fire Ring area as shown on the Leslie E. Tassell Park Plan. All fires shall be put out by the person or persons starting or using the same before leaving the immediate vicinity of the fire.
     2. Fires for cooking purposes are permitted in Cascade Charter Township Park in designated places, unless otherwise provided by the Township Board. All fires shall be put out by the person or persons starting or using the same before leaving the immediate vicinity of the fire.

C. Commercial activities. No person shall sell or offer for sale any article, thing, privilege or service within the park without a permit from the Township, and no person shall do any begging, peddling or soliciting in the park. Further, no person shall expose, distribute, display, post, or place any sign, advertisement, circular, notice, or statement, or display any banner, emblem, or design, within the park, without a specific permit from the Township.

D. Golf. The use of the park for playing golf or the hitting of golf balls is prohibited.

E. Events. No organized event, festival, party, or similar activity shall occur within the park unless a permit has first been issued by the Township for such event or activity.

F. Park Equipment. The movement of park equipment, such as picnic tables and other pieces of equipment, is prohibited unless specifically approved by park personnel.

G. Tennis and Pickleball Courts. The use of the tennis and pickleball courts in Cascade Charter Township Park are on a first-come-first served basis. The Party using the court shall only be permitted one hour’s use if other park patrons are waiting for the courts. No paid private lessons unless permitted by the Township. In-line skates (e.g., rollerblades), roller skates, skateboards, and other similar devices are prohibited from use on the tennis and pickleball courts.

H. Swimming. Swimming at Cascade Charter Township Parks is permitted at one’s own risk. 

I. Ice Skating. Ice skating at Cascade Charter Township Parks is permitted at one’s own risk.

SECTION 11. PARK HOURS.

A. The parks shall open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. All park users must leave at the closing time unless a permit for later hours has been issued by the Township. Upon the park's so closing, it shall be unlawful for anyone to enter upon or occupy the park without a Township permit.

B. Permitted hunters, in Cascade Peace Park, shall be allowed to enter the park one hour early during the allowed hunting season.

C. The park, or any portion thereof, may be closed entirely or closed to certain uses during any specified period of time by the Township where it is determined that the physical condition of the park, or any portion thereof, is such that the intended use of the park, or portion thereof, would cause damage or deterioration to the park, or portion thereof, to a degree greater than ordinary park wear and tear, or that the intended use of the park, or portion thereof, would create a health or safety hazard to the proposed user or other citizens. During such period of time as the park, or portion thereof, is closed, any such closing shall be prominently posted, and it shall be unlawful for anyone to enter upon or occupy the park, or portion thereof, contrary to the posted regulations.

SECTION 12. EXEMPTIONS.

This section and any prohibitions contained herein shall not apply to any Township official or officer, or any Township Fire Department employee or official, or to any police officer, engaged in the performance of his or her official duties as a Township official, employee, or agent, or as a police officer. Furthermore, this article shall not apply to any use, activity, vehicle, or other item specifically approved by the Township or used by the Township, or any of its employees, officers, officials, or agents, or any police agency in the maintenance or upkeep of the park or for emergency rescue, firefighting, or emergency purposes.
 

SECTION 13. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

The Township Board may, by resolution, adopt rules and regulations to regulate uses and activities within the parks. Violation of any such rule or regulation adopted by the Township Board for the park shall be deemed to be a violation of this article.
 

SECTION 32. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.

Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be responsible for a criminal misdemeanor, subject to the penalties in Chapter 40, Article IV, Penalties for Misdemeanors and Municipal Civil Infractions.

Section 2. Validity and Severability. If any portion of this Ordinance is found invalid for any reason, such holding will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 3. Repealer. All other ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect immediately upon publication as provided by law.

YEAS: Lesperance, Slater, Korstange, Shipley, Rissi, Noordyke, Noordhoek
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

_________________________
Susan Slater
Cascade Charter Township Clerk
 

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of an Ordinance adopted at a Regular Meeting of the Cascade Charter Township Board on the 12th day of February, 2025.

_________________________
Susan Slater
Cascade Charter Township Clerk