In 2008, NYC police hung signs in Washington Square park, and several other parks, warning people that the Chess tables were for Chess and Checkers players only: no loitering, no waiting for games to start, no other games (apparently). People were actually issued warnings and summons for sitting in a public park.

Apparently that wasn’t enough.

NYC police have now issued summons to seven people for playing Chess on Inwood Hill Park’s Chess tables. Why? Because that particular area of the park is a playground where adults are not permitted unless accompanied by a child.

(source)