§1-02 Definitions

Authorized bathing beaches. “Authorized bathing beaches” are those beaches designated as such by the Department after approval by the New York State Department of Health or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Bathing area. “Bathing area” means any area maintained for the use of bathers, including the water area and lands under water adjacent to and within one thousand feet of the authorized bathing beaches on the ocean, bays or rivers along the shores of New York City under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner.

Bicycle. “Bicycle” means every two- or three-wheeled device upon which a person or persons may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, a chain or gears, with such wheels in a tandem or tricycle, except that it shall not include such a device having solid tires and intended for use only on a sidewalk by pre-teenage children.

Boardwalk. “Boardwalk” means any waterfront promenade maintained for pedestrians.

Body board. “Body board” means (1) a semi-curved rectangular object made of closed-cell foam designed to be used lying down on the stomach (not for standing on); (2) that is no longer than 46" in length and 24" in width; and (3) that does not have rigid or semi-rigid attachments or protrusions that serve as rudders and are used to aid in steering. Such rudders may be commonly referred to as “skegs.”

City. “City” means the City of New York.

Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation or the chief executive officer of any successor agency.

Demonstration. “Demonstration” means a group activity including but not limited to, a meeting, assembly, protest, rally, march or vigil which involves the expression of views or grievances, involving more than 20 people or a group activity involving less than 20 people for which specific space is requested to be reserved.

Department. “Department” refers to the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City of New York or all successor agencies.

Event. “Event” refers to both Demonstrations and Special Events.

Expressive Matter. “Expressive matter” means materials or objects with expressive content, such as newspapers, books, or writings, or visual art such as paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, or entertainment.

Littering. “Littering” refers to the unauthorized disposal of refuse in an amount totaling less than one cubic yard.

Motor vehicle. “Motor vehicle” refers to any automobile, motorcycle, moped, or other vehicle propelled by a motor.

Owner. “Owner” refers to any person owning, operating, or having the use or control of an animal, a vehicle, or any other personal property.

Park. “Park” signifies public parks, beaches, waters and land under water, pools, boardwalks, playgrounds, recreation centers and all other property, equipment, buildings and facilities now or hereafter under the jurisdiction, charge, or control of the Department.

Park path. “Park path” means any road, path or trail through or within a park that is not used for vehicular traffic, except for possible use by emergency motor vehicles or Department motor vehicles, provided that it shall not include a path designated by the Commissioner as a bikepath.

Park road. “Park road” means any road through or within a park, and is used for vehicular traffic.

Park sign. “Park sign” means any placard, notice or sign duly posted or authorized by the Department.

Park-street. “Park-street” means the full width of all streets abutting any park.

Parks waters.  “Parks waters” means waters in any park, pool, bathing area, tributary, brook, stream, ocean, or sewer or drain flowing into said waters that is under the Department’s jurisdiction.

Pedicab. “Pedicab” means a bicycle as defined in this section or other device designed and constructed to transport or carry passengers, that is solely propelled by human power, and that is operated to transport passengers for hire.

Permit. “Permit” unless otherwise specified, means any written authorization issued by or under the authority of the Commissioner for a specified privilege, permitting the performance of a specified act or acts in any park or on any park-street.

Person. “Person” means any natural person, corporation, society, organization, company, association, firm, partnership, or other entity.

Police officer. “Police officer” refers to any member of the Police Department of the City of New York and any other city employee who is a Special Patrolman appointed and sworn in by the Police Commissioner and assigned to the Commissioner.

Rules. “Rules” unless otherwise specified, refers to any Rule established pursuant to § 533(a) of Chapter 21 of the New York City Charter and promulgated in compliance with the notice, publication and filing requirements of Chapter 45 of the New York City Charter.

Sexual activity. “Sexual activity” means any activity by a person that reasonably appears to be intended to sexually arouse that person or another person, and in which such person exposes his or her buttock or genitalia, or the area of the female breast below the top of the areola.

Sound reproduction device. “Sound reproduction device” includes, but is not limited to, any radio receiver, phonograph, television receiver, amplified musical instrument, portable speaker, tape recorder, cassette or disc player, speaker device or system, and any sound amplifier.

Special Event. “Special Event” means a group activity including, but not limited to, a performance, meeting, assembly, contest, exhibit, ceremony, parade, athletic competition, reading, or picnic involving more than 20 people or a group activity involving less than 20 people for which specific space is requested to be reserved.

Unlawful dumping. “Unlawful dumping” means suffering or permitting any dirt, sand, gravel, clay, loam, stone, rocks, rubble, building rubbish, sawdust, shavings or trade or household waste, refuse, ashes, manure, garbage, rubbish or debris of any sort or any other organic or inorganic material or thing or other offensive matter being transported in a dump truck or other vehicle or conveyance to be dumped, deposited or otherwise disposed of.

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