TOWN OF GRAFTON
Recreation Department
Fields/Facilities Policies
POLICY: It will be the policy of the Grafton Recreation Commission to encourage the use of its facilities by community groups for appropriate activities. First and foremost, the Grafton Recreation Commission believes that the Town’s facilities are for the principle use of Grafton residents. Thus, our primary concern is to see that these fields are used by and kept available for use by Grafton residents.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
· Recreation Department events have priority over all other users.
· Parks and fields are for Grafton residents, town organizations, and local businesses only.
· Forms will not be processed without the field applications form.
· Please have a copy of the permit with you at all times while on the field.
· Organizations must provide a copy of certificate of liability insurance for their organizations and must list the Town of Grafton as additional insured. All leagues/teams must provide a copy of liability insurance!
SEASONS
SPRING - April 15 through June 30 - Return by February 1
SUMMER - July 1 through August 31 - Return by May 1
FALL - September 1 through November 30 - Return by July 1
· The use of the fields when standing water is present, during a heavy rain, or following heavy rain, will not be allowed. It is the responsibility of the organizations/coach to cancel the event during such conditions. Failure to cooperate with this will result in loss of field privileges as it will result in compressing of the turf and unsafe playing conditions.
· Parking is allowed in designated areas only. It is the responsibility of the organizations to make sure vehicles are parked properly. Do not park vehicles in areas that affect public safety or block abutting neighbor’s property or driveways.
· All special events held on the fields require pre-approval from the Recreation Coordinator/Commission.
· You may not give your permitted time to another group. All changes must be made through the Grafton Recreation Commission.
· Organizations are required to line their own fields. The Recreation Coordinator and/or DPW Forman will determine field layout at the start of each season. Trash removal after events is the responsibility of the organization. Please make sure teams pick up water bottles and lost and found articles after practices/games. Trash barrels are located on fields. Trash barrels will be emptied twice a week.
· Unscheduled events or special requests require a minimum notice of 5 working days for approval. No guarantee a request will be honored with late notice.
· For safety reasons, the Recreation Commission will not schedule events that are deemed non-compatible to each other in the space allowed.
· It is the responsibility of the league to inform all parents and coaches of the field rules.
· The Recreation Commission requests that communication be limited to between league officials and the department only. Any calls from coaches and parents will be redirected back to the league. This is for the protection of the league officials, who make decisions for their whole program that might not be accepted by a minority.
· There will be no open fires or portable grills of any kind on Recreation property.
· No one shall drive a motorized vehicle of any kind onto Recreation facilities.
· All forms of golf are prohibited.
· There shall be no overnight camping allowed on Recreation parks unless special written authorization is obtained through the Recreation Commission.
· No person shall erect, paint, paste, or otherwise affix or distribute any signs, advertisements, or circulars on Recreation property without prior approval of the Recreation Commission and Building Inspector.
· The sale of anything on Recreation property or use of said property for monetary gain is prohibited without prior approval of the Recreation Commission.
· Dogs, horses, cattle, livestock, and domestic animals of any kind are prohibited on Town property.
· The Recreation Commission reserves the right to cancel or restrict the use of facilities by any organization should we determine it is not in the best interest of the town, the townspeople, or our fields.
· The Grafton Police Department, the Department of DPW, and the Recreation Commission are authorized to enforce all rules and regulations. The Grafton Police Department and Town Counsel will deal with vandalism and property damage to Recreation facilities.
· Violations of the above rules will result in a fine in accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 45, Section 24.
· All Recreation facilities will be closed at dusk, Police take notice.
· No first aid or medical supplies are available at fields; they should be provided by user groups.
· The Recreation Commission reserves the right to revoke or change times/dates on any permit should unforeseen circumstances require it.
· The Recreation Commission also reserves the right to cancel this and future permits to any group/individual should the group/individual behave in a manner unacceptable to the department, and/or violate any of the department’s rules and regulations.
| 