MURFREESBORO – Changes are in order for Riverside Park.

Upon a recommendation from the Murfreesboro Recreation Commission, members of the Murfreesboro Town Council approved an expanded list of rules and regulations for those using the town-owned park.

In addition, the Recreation Commission requested an increased presence by the Murfreesboro Police Department during events scheduled at Riverside Park. Council members approved that request.

“We need to let those renting the park know that Murfreesboro Police officers will be on foot patrol during those scheduled events,” said Murfreesboro Police Chief and Public Safety Director Darrell Rowe at last week’s council meeting.

Murfreesboro Town Administrator Cathy Davison informed Rowe she and Town Hall staff will honor that request. Additionally, Davison said she would inform the police department of the dates and times that the park has been rented for use.

As per the revised rules and regulations, the following will apply to all persons, groups or organizations using Riverside Park:

Park hours are from 9 a.m. to sundown.

No handguns or weapons of any type allowed on the premises.

No glass containers allowed on premises.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on park property.

No children under 10 years allowed in the park without adult supervision.

Playground equipment is for children only.

Park patrons are asked to use the provided trash receptacles.

The park may not be used for proprietary functions, such as functions whereby fees, admission or sales are involved.

If rest rooms are needed, they shall be reserved by persons ages 21 or older.

All persons or organizations reserving the use of the rest rooms must furnish telephone number(s) and address where they can be reached and other pertinent information the Town of Murfreesboro deems appropriate and necessary.

The rest rooms shall be open to and subject to inspection by the Murfreesboro Police Department and Public Works Department at all times during the rental period.

In the event a civic, charitable or religious organization wishing to reserve the use of the rest rooms, the reservation shall be made in the name of an officer or proper party associated with the organization and that person shall assume responsibility for the organization.

Reservations for the use of the rest rooms shall not be made more than six months in advance.

Reservations for the use of the rest rooms are made on a first come, first serve basis and shall not become final until the $25 deposit is paid in full.

Keys for the rest room facilities may be picked up from the Murfreesboro Clerk’s Office, Murfreesboro Municipal Building, 105 E. Broad Street, Murfreesboro, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and returned to that same office on the next workday following the event.

No party shall rent rest room facilities in the park more than three3 days in succession. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Murfreesboro Town Council.

Prior to receiving a refund of the deposit and upon immediate conclusion of activities, the building and grounds shall be cleaned according to the standards set forth by the Town of Murfreesboro.

The deposit will be refunded within two weeks following the event and following inspection of the premises by town personnel.

The Murfreesboro Police Department will enforce all rules and regulations.

Park facilities are public and should be utilized as such. Any person, organization or third person utilizing the park premises should do so at his/her own risk, taking all precautions necessary for his/her health, safety and well being, as well as that of their fellow human being.

The Town of Murfreesboro shall not be liable to any person, organization or third person for personal injury resulting from use of the rest rooms, park premises or park facilities of any kind.

The Town of Murfreesboro shall not be liable to any person, firm or organization for damage to personal property, including vehicles, while the same is on or about the park premises.

Reservations for the park for tournaments and or sponsored events must be approved by the Recreation Commission at least 30 days prior to the occurrence of the proposed event.

Any event or tournament held at the park shall be conducted in a sportsmen’s like manner.

Any person or organization not complying with the terms herein shall forfeit the deposit or a portion thereof and be subject to payment for damages to the premises.