Township adopts revised parks-and-recreation code, clarifies food and alcohol rules

The board voted to repeal the existing parks-and-recreation chapter and adopt a new Chapter 16 that clarifies permitted uses of parks and the community lifestyle center, updates insurance and fundraising language, and revises alcoholic beverage policies for private rentals.

Parks & Rec staff walked the board through line-by-line edits: insurance requirements will apply to large-scale special events, fundraising language was updated, the previously unclear gambling provision was removed, and restrictions on commercial advertising in parks were tightened. On the community lifestyle center, staff read a revision that "outside food is permitted only within community lifestyle center rooms that have been rented or reserved for private use" to better define where food is allowed. Staff also confirmed that "you do not need a membership to walk around the track," responding to a resident's concern about whether membership was required to use the walking area.

Board members requested that minor policy clarifications be recorded in writing so front-desk staff have clear guidance on enforcement. After questions from the public and brief edits for formatting and clarity, the board approved the ordinance as amended.