FREEHOLD — The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders adopted a resolution on Oct. 27 that bars convicted sexual offenders from using county facilities, which includes the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County Library System.

“As adults, parents and elected officials, we must do everything we can to protect our children from dangerous sexual predators,” Freeholder William C. Barham said.

“Parents still must be cautious, but this measure will give them peace of mind knowing that sexual predators are not among their children while at play, while studying or when they are using other county facilities,” Barham added.

According to a press release, the Monmouth County Park System operates 32 parks and golf courses, which are visited by more than 4 million people each year. In addition to the headquarters in Manalapan, the Mon-mouth County Library System operates 10 library branches around the county.

County officials have been working on the resolution since July, when they learned that a convicted sex offender was working as a vendor at the Monmouth County Fair in Free-hold Township. The vendor left the fair on his own accord within hours after the fair opened.

Barham said it is important that sex offenders know they are not welcome at these facilities. Vendors at next year’s fair will have to undergo some type of background check, he said.

“The risk of recidivism among sexual predators is extremely high, meaning that when a sexual predator re-enters society he is much more likely than any other type of offender to repeat the crime,” Barham said. “Restricting sex offenders from places where children congregate makes sense. With this resolution we are putting sex offenders on notice that they are not welcome in our parks.”

Under the resolution, anyone found to be in violation will be subject to a $200 fine and up to 90 days in the county jail. Copies of the resolution will be posted at all county facilities where it will be readily visible.