Discussion: Park Issues
1. Defining the Problem
Canal Park - overcrowding, litter, swimming alcohol consumption
Fountain Park - overcrowding, litter, swimming alcohol consumption
Jordan Park-Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption
Trout Creek-Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption
Lehigh Parkway- Overcrowding, litter, swimming, alcohol consumption
Bucky Boyle - LU gating of waterfront, put up gate around area.
Issues tie up police resources.
Parks crew spending 2 full days a week picking up litter and collecting trash which takes resources from other services.
2. City Regulations/Procedures
City's Park regulations - what the city has on the books:
a. No alcohol https://ecode360.com/36438943
b. No fires https://ecode360.com/36438942
c. No speakers https://ecode360.com/36438948
d. No swimming https://ecode360.com/36438958
3. Proposed Solutions
Parks Actions taken to date: Additional rules signage is on order. At Fountain a dumpster has been placed, as well as a port-o-potty. A grant has been received by the City from Fish and Boat to look at Canal and come up with safety solutions. Park Rangers are equipped to approach small groups and educate about things like parking, no grilling, no alcohol, and other park rules. Permits are revoked for field rental that result in excessive trash.
Councilperson Gerlach has forwarded the following links on park ambassador programs that other municipalities have.
https://youtu.be/QLgb89SOT7s?si=wAc2fllyox1XJ4fS
https://downtownventura.org/park-ambassadors/
https://www.cityofberea.org/657/Public-Safety-Ambassador-Program
https://www.lakewoodoh.gov/accordions/parks-ambassador-program/
https://www.longbeach.gov/park/news/new-park-ambassador-program/
More Police Officers in Park - what are the stats, are they writing citations- examine data
Enforcement of codes including parking should take priority prior to closing parks.
Contact Sate Rep to determine their responsibility for boat ramp and river.
Limit number of vehicles in on week-end - estimated to be around 50 cars?
Access only for residents/charge or prohibit non-residents.
Have someone at a booth that allows residents only in.
Permits for use of Canal Park/residents only.
What authority does the city have in regulating access to waterways.
Grant to study issue.
4. Course of Action
Adding to the list above West Park is experiencing similar issues, of littering, drug and alcohol use by visitors, urination and defecation outside the designated rest rooms, overnight stays by individuals, lack of adherence to the "Passive Park" rules posted at each entrance.
Adding to the list above West Park is experiencing similar issues, of littering, drug and alcohol use by visitors, urination and defecation outside the designated rest rooms, overnight stays by individuals, lack of adherence to the "Passive Park" rules posted at each entrance.