City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Oct, 28, 2011) – Due to recent demonstrations in New York City’s privately owned Zuccotti Park and similar demonstrations throughout the state, the City wants to reiterate the City’s Code and policy so that all citizens are aware of it.
The City supports our citizens’ First Amendment rights and will provide ample opportunities for the exercise of those rights. We also have a responsibility to ensure that demonstrators respect the rights of all citizens to have access to public facilities and that the health and safety of all citizens are protected. In order to accommodate all of these interests, the following policies and regulations have been developed over time and have proven to work well.
As is our policy, we request that any march that does not have a permit observe the following rules:
• Stay on the sidewalks;
• Comply with all traffic control devices; and
• Ensure that other pedestrians are able to travel in both directions.
If there is a demonstration in a City Park, we ask that organizations comply with the Parks Code of the City of Rochester which states:
• During the summer season (Apr. 1 until Nov. 15) parks are open between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Parks are closed between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.;
• During the winter season (Nov. 16 until Mar. 31) parks are open between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Parks are closed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
• Violations of these provisions could result in trespassing charges; and
• We request organizations to please make sure that they clean-up after their events in consideration of other individuals using City parks.
The Police Department is available to work with any group interested in demonstrating to ensure reasonable compliance with these policies and regulations, so that the safety and enjoyment of all residents and visitors to our city will be respected.
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News Media: For further information please contact Gary Walker at 428-7405.