City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 186,
“PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS,” § 186-17, “TOT LOTS,”
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
Whereas, in correspondence dated November 7, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to amend Chapter 186, “Parks and Playgrounds,” § 186-17 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby amended and restated to read as shown below; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon maintains numerous playgrounds throughout the community that serve as dedicated recreational spaces for young children and their families; and
Whereas, Chapter 186 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon governs the use, management, and protection of City parks and playgrounds, including provisions specific to “tot lots”; and
Whereas, § 186-17 currently identifies certain playgrounds as tot lots but does not comprehensively list all City playgrounds intended exclusively for use by children, accompanied by adults responsible for their care and supervision; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation and other City agencies have recommended updating § 186-17 to include the full list of designated tot lots to inform the public, promote child safety, and clarify areas where adult congregation is prohibited; and
Whereas, such an amendment is necessary to provide the Mount Vernon Police Department with a clear legal basis to enforce the rules and regulations governing tot lot areas, including the issuance of summonses and other enforcement actions for violations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK:
Section 1. Amendment to Chapter 186, § 186-17 (“Tot Lots”). Chapter 186, “Parks and Playgrounds,” § 186-17 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
§ 186-17. Tot Lots.
A. The following playgrounds are hereby designated as tot lots:
1. Grove Street Playground (Grove Street);
2. Lorraine Avenue Playground (Lorraine Avenue and Claremont Place);
3. Sophie J. Mee Playground (South 3rd Avenue and 4th Street);
4. Adams Street Playground (Adams Street and South Fulton Avenue);
5. Ben Gordon Playground (South 8th Avenue and 7th Street);
6. Brush Park (South 3rd Avenue and 6th Street);
7. Eddie Williams Playground (South 7th Avenue and 4th Street);
8. Fleetwood Playground (Broad Street);
9. Nichols Playground (High Street);
10. Hartley Park/Playground (North 3rd Avenue and Gramatan Avenue);
11. Howard Street Playground (Howard Street);
12. Leo Mann Playground (Sheridan Avenue);
13. Madison Avenue Playground (Madison Avenue and Franklin Avenue);
14. Purdy Playground (South 9th Avenue and West 2nd Street).
B. No person 18 years of age or older shall remain in or enter a children’s playground area designated as a tot lot unless actually engaged in the care, custody, or supervision of a person younger than 12 years of age who is using the facilities in the area.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this amendment is to provide clear public notice that tot lots are restricted for use by young children accompanied by responsible adults, and to establish an enforceable legal framework enabling the Mount Vernon Police Department to issue summonses or take other lawful action against individuals who violate the regulations applicable to tot lot areas.
Section 3. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.