SECTION 725:30-4-23. Public assemblies, meetings and distribution of printed material

(a)   Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, the distribution of printed materials and other expressions of views are allowed within park areas, provided a permit therefore has been issued by the park manager.

(b)   Persons wishing to make application for such an activity shall complete a permit form which shall set forth the name of the applicant, the date, time, duration, nature and place of the proposed activity, an estimate of the number of persons expected to attend, and any other relevant information required by the park manager. The application shall be submitted no later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the proposed activity.

(c)   The park manager shall issue a permit upon receipt of a valid and proper application unless:

(1)   A prior application for a permit for the same period of time and place has been made that will be granted and the activities authorized by that permit do not reasonably allow multiple occupancy at that particular area; or

(2)   It reasonably appears that the activity will pose a clear and present danger to the public health and safety; or

(3)   The event is of such nature or duration that it cannot reasonably be accommodated for in the particular location applied for, considering such issues as damage to park resources and facilities, impairment of a protected area's atmosphere of peace and tranquility, interference with program activities, or impairment of public use facilities.

(4)   The number of persons engaged in the activity exceeds the number that can reasonably be accommodated in the particular location applied for.

(5)   The activity would constitute a violation of applicable state laws.

(d)   No permit shall be issued for a period in excess of 7 consecutive days, provided that permits may be extended for like periods, upon a new application, unless another applicant has requested use of the same location and multiple occupancy of that location is not reasonably possible.

(e)   Approved permits may contain such conditions as are consistent with protection and use of the park area for the purposes for which it was established. It may also contain reasonable limitations relative to the equipment used and the time and location where such equipment is allowed.

(f)   It is prohibited for persons engaged in any approved activity under this section to obstruct or impede pedestrians or vehicles, harass park visitors with physical contact or persistent demands, misrepresent the purposes or affiliations of those engaged or misrepresent whether the printed matter is available without cost or donation.

(g)   A permit may be suspended or revoked under any condition defined in subsection (c) of this section which constitutes grounds for denial of a permit; for violations of the terms and conditions of the permit; for violation of rules set forth in this chapter, or for violation of state law.

[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 3235, eff 6-25-93]