(A) The City of Hammond wishes to establish reasonable and responsible rules for all citizens who use the parks, sports and recreational facilities, and recreational structures located in, and controlled and owned by the city, and the City of Hammond Park Board. The city, its boards and commissions wish to protect the health and safety of persons using these facilities, especially minor children. These areas include any park land, building, structure, waterway, water area, trail, bike path, sports fields, skate parks, areas posted as park and nature trails owned, controlled or operated by the city, or the City of Hammond Park Board.
(B) Individuals currently required to be registered on the State of Indiana Sex Offender Registry, per I.C. 36-2-13-5-5 et seq., with sex offender and sex or violent offender being defined by I.C. 11-8-8-4.5 et seq. and I.C. 11-8-8-5 et seq., are prohibited from entering into Hammond City parks, sports facilities or recreational structures or buildings as listed above in division (A) of this section. Persons no longer required to be registered are exempt from this section, as well as persons who are charged, but not yet convicted of any sex offense or have had their conviction vacated by the court, or the sentencing court finds the person should not be required to register, such as in the case of a juvenile offender.
(C) An individual who wishes an exception to this section and wishes to enter any Hammond park or recreational facility may present his or her legitimate reasons for exception from this section to the Hammond Park Board in writing who may grant or deny his or her request for an exception. Exceptions shall be made for protected activities scheduled to or concurring in Hammond parks such as voting, religious activities, employment or political rallies or events. Other exceptions will be heard on a case by case basis. Denials may be appealed to the Lake Superior Court within ten days of decision.
(D) Penalty. Individuals violating this section are subject to fine as determined in the Hammond City Court with penalty of up to $2,500 fine per occurrence.
(Ord. 9096, passed 2-14-2011)