Groton Park Rules

Regulations For Parks And Recreation Facilities

General Rules

Park Regulations

Reservations:

• Sutton Park and Spicer Park may be reserved through the Parks and Recreation Department for private use.  A fee may be required.
• Reservations must be made by completing a Park Facility Request Form which is available from the Parks and Recreation Department.  The forms are due at least two (2) weeks before first use.
• Use permits are issued by the Parks and Recreation Department. Any required payment is due before the permit is issued.
• Tent rentals through outside contractors are permitted provided all building, zoning and fire codes are obeyed. 
• User groups are responsible to contact Call Before You Dig to insure that tent stakes may be driven safely into the ground. 
• Tents may not be erected if information has not been received from Call Before You Dig. 
• Cancellations must be made 48 hours before scheduled use of parks. No refunds will be given for inclement weather.
• Proper insurance coverage may be required, and if so, a copy of the certificate must be on file with the Parks and Recreation Department prior to first use.

General Rules:

• All parks close at sunset unless permitted by the Town Manager; no overnight parking is permitted in any park.  The Sutton Park basketball court and Skateboard Park court are available until the court lights are turned off. Any use of Poquonnock Plains Park approved by the Parks and Recreation Department that requires lighting must obtain approval of the Town Council.
• Groups are responsible for damage to park facilities including litter cleanup. A service charge determined by the Parks and Recreation Department may be incurred for additional work needed to restore the park to its proper condition.
• Groups may be excluded from future use for serious or repeated abuse.
• Amplified music is not permitted in any park without the written permission of the Director of Parks and Recreation.
• Weekday group use of Spicer Park is restricted to 20 vehicles; parking is available across the street from Spicer House.
• The commercial use of, or vending within, town parks is not permitted unless authorized with a special permit issued by the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Banners, political signs, notices and brochures are not permitted on park property without permission from the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Hunting or the removal or destruction of any plant or animal life is prohibited.
• All pets must be kept under control at all times. Pet feces must be removed from the park. Pets are prohibited at community events, special events and at certain parks that support sport activities. 
• Smoking is prohibited in the vicinity of playgrounds and areas where children are present.
• Special use facilities are governed by specific rules posted at the sites.  These facilities include the Skate Park, The Arena, Central Bark and other facilities designed for specialized activities.
• Cooking fires are only permitted in gas grills or fireboxes provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. Campfires are not permitted.
• Planting of trees or other memorials must be approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Tree Warden.
• Removal or pruning of trees or shrubs must be authorized by the Tree Warden.
• Vandalism or maintenance issues should be reported to the Administrative Office of the Parks and Recreation Department.
• The consumption of alcohol is permitted in town parks but is prohibited on playing fields and athletic facilities.
• The sale of alcohol by any group on town property or the charging of admission for an event that includes alcohol consumption requires a special permit issued by the Town Manager's office. Application should be made, in writing, 6 weeks in advance to the Director of Parks and Recreation. This special permit must be accompanied by a park reservation permit available at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office. The applicant must also show evidence of proper state permits, insurance coverage including the town as additionally insured and proper planning for crowd control.
• The applicant may be required to provide additional sanitary facilities, parking controls and police coverage, with related costs to be the responsibility of the applicant.
• As a condition of use, all user groups must agree to indemnify and hold the Town of Groton, its officers and employees harmless from any and all claims arising from the operation of a permit, or from the negligence or carelessness of the Group, its members or agents.
• For organizations, persons or commercial vendors seeking to sell products or goods in Town parks, a vending permit issued by the Town of Groton Police Department is required.
• The Town of Groton Police Department has the authority to enforce town ordinances and State laws impacting the utilization of Town parks.

Sports Field And Court Regulations And Reservations

Purpose:

Field use:              

• Town sponsored games, leagues, tournaments, events
• Board of Education activities
• Resident youth sports organizations
• Resident sport groups
• Outside groups

Reservations:

• Facility reservation requests must be made by completing a Park Facilities Request Form which is available from the Parks and Recreation Department.  The forms are due at least two (2) weeks before first use.
• Fields are not available during scheduled maintenance times.
• The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel reservations due to weather or field conditions.  User groups must provide contact information for a representative who will be the person notified of cancellations.
• Cancellations by the user group must be made 48 hours before scheduled use.
• Copies of League by-laws, team rosters, and rules of behavior may be required.
• Proper insurance coverage is required and a copy of the certificate must be on file with the Parks and Recreation Department prior to first use.
• Event sponsors may be required to provide additional security and sanitary facilities.

Additional regulations:

• Motor vehicles must park in designated areas and may not be driven off established driving surfaces.  The speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on playing fields, in player control areas or in the vicinity of youth sport activities, to include parking and spectator areas.
• Captains/managers are responsible for the behavior of players and spectators.  Spectators are not permitted on playing fields or player control areas.
• Tournaments for charities or non-profit organizations may be approved following a written request to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
• Playing fields hours are sunrise to sunset.  Lighted courts are available until the lights turn off.
• The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel the use of any field due to inclement weather, unsafe conditions, misuse of the facilities, scheduling conflicts or violations of any Town regulations.
• The prohibition of illegal acts as outlined in the Town Charter will be in effect at all recreational sites.
• Smoking is prohibited at youth sporting activities.

Waterfront Areas

• Waterfront areas include beaches, docks, boat launches and coastal access points.
• Swimming at any town waterfront property is done at one's own risk.
• Town owned and approved boat launches are located on Water Street in Mystic and the Peruzzotti Boat Launch on the Poquonnock River.  A boat launch for non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, row boats, etc.) is located on Palmer Cove at Esker Point Waterfront Park.
• Boats may dock for a maximum of 4 hours at the Noank Dock or Water Street Dock. Commercial use of municipal facilities is not permitted. Boats using municipal facilities must maintain insurance and be properly registered.
• Moorings and anchorage are managed by the appropriate harbormasters for Noank, Mystic, Groton and Groton Long Point.
• Use of the dock at Spicer Park is limited to Parks and Recreation Department instructional programs and members of the Groton Community Boating Club, and others who have permission from the Department.
• Use of the Esker Point picnic area is on a space available basis. Fees may be charged for parking and special events.
• Non-motorized boats such as sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and rowing shells may be secured to the security cable at Esker Point Beach or on racks located at Peruzzotti Boat Launch.
• The security cable and racks are intended for non-commercial temporary storage of small non-motorized watercraft.
• Boat owners shall employ a locking device to attach their boat to the cable or rack.
• Boats left unused for long periods of time may be removed.

Concessions

• Contractual opportunities to operate concessions at Shennecossett Golf Course and Esker Point Beach are offered to vendors through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
• Proposals are reviewed and ranked according to financial viability, ability to meet the needs of the facility, menu, past experience, and hours of operation.  Current vendors are offered first right of refusal if all conditions of the contract were satisfactorily met during the previous contract period.
• Insurance requirements must be met and a certificate of insurance must be recorded with the Town before operating a facility.
• All equipment must be inventoried and inspected on an annual basis. Business records must be made available to the Director of Parks and Recreation when requested.
• Vendors must comply with all health and safety regulations as stipulated by the local health and fire districts.
• Poquonnock Plains Concession Facility & Burrows Little League Field
• These spaces are designated to be operated primarily by youth-serving or nonprofit organizations to assist them in fundraising activities.  Whenever possible, permits to operate these concession facilities will be issued to these types of groups.
• Applications are reviewed and ranked according to organizational purpose, financial viability, ability to meet the needs of the facility, menu, past experience, and hours of operation.  Operators must re-submit a permit application each year according to the established procedure.
• Ideally, chosen operators will offer services during all scheduled sport leagues, community events and town-sponsored activities at the site.  Operators may also open the facility at their discretion during regular park hours.
• Insurance requirements must be met and a certificate of insurance must be recorded with the Town before operating a facility.
• All equipment must be inventoried and inspected on an annual basis. Business records must be made available to the Director of Parks and Recreation when requested.
• The Town will obtain the necessary health department permit to operate the facilities. Operators must comply with all health and safety regulations as stipulated by the local health and fire districts.

Open Space

• Open space as defined by the Groton 1990 Conservation Plan is an area designed for environmental, scenic or recreational purposes. Open space in Groton has been acquired through donations, subdivision requirements and purchases.
• Groton open space is available for public enjoyment; some areas may include active sport and recreational activities while others are left in a natural state.
• Hiking, walking, bicycle and horseback riding are permitted in designated areas.
• Trail signs indicate the permitted use of each trail.
• Camping, open fires and motor vehicle use are not permitted on open space properties.
• Parking is restricted to designated areas.
• Use of waterways for boating is not permitted.
• No plant or animal life is to be added to or removed from the property. Hunting is not permitted.
• Pets must be kept under control and pet feces must be removed from all parks.
• The cutting of trees or shrubs is prohibited without authorization from the Tree Warden and the Director of Parks and Recreation. (Connecticut Statute 451, Section 25-58-59)

Cemeteries

• Public cemeteries and burial grounds are maintained by the Parks Division and are regulated by Town Charter provisions 1.4.5; 1.4.47; 7.7.1.
• Maintenance may be contracted to private vendors.

Signs In Park Facilities

• The Town of Groton, in its proprietary capacity, opens its athletic fields to sponsorship signs in accordance with the regulations prescribed below.  In allowing sponsorship signage on athletic fields, the Town's motivation is to raise funds, or to allow various youth sports organizations to raise funds, to support the various recreational programs and facilities. 
• Sponsorship signs may be allowed on athletic fields in Town of Groton park facilities which are subject to a license agreement with the Town as provided in this Chapter, subject to the following regulations:
• Signs will be limited to use by Groton Parks and Recreation ("Parks and Recreation") and those organizations having a recreational facility license agreement with the Town ("Licensees") as provided in this chapter.
• Licensees are to conduct a preliminary review of the prospective sponsor and its proposed sign and are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that selected sponsors comply with the regulations prescribed in this section.
• The proposed sign is subject to final approval of Parks and Recreation. 
• Parks and Recreation may limit the size, specifications, makeup and quantity of sponsor signs. 
• An accepted sign may remain for the time period set by Parks and Recreation and for no further length of time. 
• Only sponsorship signs are permitted.  Product advertising and political signs are strictly prohibited.  Sponsorship signs may contain the company name, slogans and logos.  A brief statement of support for the organization is also permitted.
• Parks and Recreation reserves the right to reject any sign, organization or sponsor which promotes goods, services, themes or subject matter of an adult nature unsuitable for viewing at a Town athletic field given the youth and inexperience of frequent park patrons.   
• In General, placement and removal of signs used by the licensee shall be determined by such licensee.  Parks and Recreation shall determine placement and removal of the signs that it uses and retains the ultimate authority to determine sign placement and removal when a dispute, controversy or question arises as to decisions made by such licensee.  
• Signs shall not be permanently affixed to Town property.
• All signage must be aesthetically appropriate and kept in good repair as determined by Parks and Recreation. 
• The Town may, without notice, remove any sign on an athletic field that (a) remains beyond the time permitted (b) contains suggestive, crass or inappropriate content given the youthful nature of frequent park patrons (c) remains in disrepair or poses a hazard to patrons or (d) is unauthorized. 
• The Town makes no guarantee, implied or otherwise, that signage approval will be automatic or continuous.  It shall be the responsibility of the licensees seeking sponsorships to confirm that signage space is available and will be approved by the Town. 

Shennecossett Golf Course

Regulations

1. Leagues - any group of 24 or more players.  Leagues must register with the Groton Parks and Recreation Department.  Starting times are arranged through the Head Golf Professional based on availability.
2. Shennecossett Men's Club- the men's group recognized and sanctioned by the Town of Groton and the Connecticut State Golf Association (CSGA).
3. Shennecossett Ladies Club- the women’s group recognized and sanctioned by the Town of Groton, and the CSGA.

1. Tournament requests must be made with the Golf Professional.
2. The restaurant has an exclusive agreement with the Town of Groton for Food and Beverage.  Arrangements for any food or beverage on the course during a tournament must be made with the restaurant.
3. Tournaments will pay tournament rates, unless an exception is made by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
4. Tournaments must comply with the Shennecossett Tournament Policy.
5. Tournament Directors must complete and sign a Tournament Application.
6. Coolers are prohibited during tournament play.

1. ADULT REGULAR - may play during all open available starting times.
2. YOUTH– play restricted to weekdays, and weekends and holidays after 3:00 PM.  Must be 21 or under as of date of membership registration of the playing season. Unrestricted play before March 31st and after November 1st.
3. FAMILY - no restrictions on playing times as long as there are available starting times.  Children in the family must be 21 or under as of January 1st of the playing season. All mem¬bers must be in the immedi¬ate family to quali¬¬fy.
4. Associate – Must be between the ages 0f 22-29, no restrictions on playing times.
5. Associate Plus – Must be between the ages of 30 and 35, no restrictions on playing time.
6. ADULT ECONOMY - Play restricted to weekdays, and weekends and holidays after 12 PM.  Unrestricted play before April 1st, and after October 31st.
7. SENIOR CITIZEN - Must be 62 years or older as of January 1st of the golfing sea¬son.  Play restricted to weekdays, and weekends and holidays after 12 PM. Unrestricted play before April 1st, and after October 31st.
8. GUEST- The Guest fee discount applies to Groton residents, active military personnel and dependents. Town of Groton employees, Limited members on weekend before 12PM and guests of Shennecossett members.
9. WEEKEND- Weekends are Friday thru Sunday for daily fee players only.  For all pass holders, the weekend is Saturday and Sunday.

1. Reservations for tee times may be made up to one week prior to the desired   playing date, beginning at 5 PM by calling the Shennecossett Pro-shop at 860-448-1867.  Season Pass holders can make reservations by calling the pro-shop at 4PM, 7 days in advance. Tee times may also be made on the internet one week prior at 5 PM by visiting the Shennecossett Golf Course web site at shennygolf.com.  Tee times may also be made through the pro-shop 6 days in advance.
2. Advanced pre-booking of groups and outings may be made through the Head Golf Professional.

1. BLOCK RESERVATIONS- requests for block reservations for organized leagues, tournaments, and field days may be made through the Golf Professional.
2. ORGANIZED LEAGUES - leagues are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Facility Inventory

AREA NAME Acreage

CEMETERY

MEMORIAL

OPEN SPACE

PARK

SCHOOLS

TOWN GROUNDS

WATER FRONT