NOTICE OF ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
The ordinance published herewith was introduced and passed upon first reading at a meeting of the Governing Body of the Township of Morris, a municipal corporation of the State of New Jersey (the “Township”), that was held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (in-person and via ZOOM). It will be further considered for final passage, after public hearing thereon, at a regular meeting of the Governing Body to be held at the Municipal Building (in-person and as a courtesy via ZOOM) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:00 pm. Please visit the Township website www.morristwp.com prior to the meeting for the agenda and additional instructions.
ORDINANCE NO. 03-26
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 367 ENTITLED, “PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND PUBLIC PLACES” SECTIONS 5 AND 6
WHEREAS the Township of Morris (the “Township”) pursuant to Chapter 367 of the Township Code (the “Code”) sets forth the rules and regulations for the use of the public parks, playgrounds and other public places in the Township; and
WHEREAS pursuant to the Code, there are use fees and permits and insurance requirements for the use of parks, playgrounds, recreation areas and courts within the Township; and
WHEREAS the Township Committee (the “Committee”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the Township to amend Chapter 367 Sections 5 and 6 of the Code; and
WHEREAS the Committee desires to amend Chapter 367 Sections 5 and 6; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Morris, they being the governing body thereof that the Code of the Township of Morris is hereby amended as follows:
SECTION ONE: Be it hereby ordained by the Township Committee of the Township of Morris that Chapter 367, Sections 5 and 6, of the Code of the Township of Morris are hereby amended as follows:
§ 367-5. Use Fees, Permits, and Insurance for Parks, Playgrounds, Recreation Areas, and Courts
- All industrial, commercial, retail, and not-for-profit establishments or groups desiring to use a public park or playground within the Township of Morris shall pay the following fees:
- Morris Township industrial, commercial, retail and not-for-profit establishments or groups located in Morris Township using a facility shall pay a use fee of:
- $20.00 per hour, or
- $400.00 per season, based on the following seasonal periods per season/calendar year:
- Spring: March through May
- Summer: June through August 15
- Fall: August 15 through November
- Non-Morris-Township industrial, commercial, retail and not-for-profit establishments or groups using a facility shall pay a use fee of:
- $40.00 per hour, or
- $700.00 per season, based on the following seasonal periods per season/calendar year:
- Spring: March through May
- Summer: June through August 15
- Fall: August 15 through November
- Individual Morris Township Residents may reserve a facility for a single-day family event of up to 50 people for a fee of $5 for a one-hour permit period.
- Use fees may be waived for not-for-profit groups and associations serving Morris Township area residents and providing recreational, educational and cultural programming.
To receive the Not-for-Profit rate from you must submit the following documents:
- A list of all current Officers in the organization.
- Letter of Determination for 501(c)3 or 501(c) 4 approvals from the Internal Revenue Service – Department of Treasury.
- A letter from the organization’s Officers verifying the request complies with the purpose of the 501(c)3 or 501(c) 4
- Procedure to obtain a permit. Permits for use of the field, playground or court shall be obtained via the online registration portal with Parks and Recreation Department in accordance with the following procedures:
- Fields may not be subleased- Letting another group/club/business/organization use your reservation is strictly prohibited and may result in the loss of your rental at full cost.
- Inflated requests resulting in “no-shows” may impact your rental allocation for the following year.
- The Township of Morris reserves the right to restrict the use of facilities on certain days and times, and to cancel permit requests for events sponsored by Morris Township.
SECTION TWO: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason found to be unconstitutional or unenforceable, such decision shall not affect the remaining portion of this ordinance.
SECTION THREE: all ordinances of the Township of Morris which are inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION FOUR: this ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication thereof as provided by law.
This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication thereof, as provided for by law.
All correspondence and documents related to this Ordinance is deemed to be public record and that copies of this Ordinance, are available by request by contacting the Office of the Township Clerk at Tel: (973) 326-7430 or the following email clerk@morristwp.com and can also be obtained via the Township website www.morristwp.com
Suzanne V Walsh, RMC
Morris Township Clerk