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 (Gr...
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