By sandi carpello
Staff Writer
RED BANK — Though it is not encouraged, profanity will be permitted in the borough’s parks.
Prohibiting profanity is a violation of the First Amendment, Councilman Pasquale Menna said. "We could be involved in a litigation, and we can’t even enforce something like that," he noted.
In their third revision of an ordinance that defines rules of conduct in Red Bank’s parks, the mayor and council clarified that the use of hallucinogenic drugs in addition to other illegal drugs is prohibited. Curfews in Eastside Park and the Locust Nature Trail were extended from dusk to 9 p.m.
Dusk is too early for a curfew, said Councilwoman Jennifer Beck. "A lot of people walk their dogs across that park at night," she said.
The council last week introduced an ordinance that would define other codes of conduct in all of the borough’s parks.
Fires in grills, holding public protests, and soliciting products are allowed only with a permit; hitting golf balls and bringing pets on playing fields are strictly prohibited.
As far as curfews go, Marine and Riverside Gardens Park will be closed from midnight to 8 a.m. The curfew in Count Basie Park will be 10 p.m. and the curfew in Eastside Park will be 9 p.m.
With so many different times, borough Business Administrator Stanley Sickels said the Police Department could have trouble enforcing the rule.
At the suggestion of Councilwoman Florence "Betty" Thompson, the borough decided to put up signs to remind the residents and the Police Department.
"All you have to do is put up a sign," Thompson said. "Generally, people can read these days."
A public hearing on the revised ordinance is slated for Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.