HomeMy WebLinkAbout15 FRONTIER PARK HRS 02-06-95NO. 15
2-6-95
ATE:
January 20, 1995
Inter-Corn
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM- COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: FRONTIER PARK CLOSING HOURS REVIEW
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Community Services
Department recommend no changes in the hours of operation at
Frontier Park.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
On June 20, 1994 the City Council approved a resolution which
established Frontier Park hours of operation from 6 a.m. to sunset.
This change was a ~result of park security concerns the Police
Department brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission's
attention. After conducting a workshop and considering the issue
at a regular meeting, the Commission concurred with the Police
Department and recommended the new hours to the City Council.
When the resolution was adopted, the City Council also requested to
revisit the issue in six months. The City Council wanted to be
sure that the new park hours do not limit anyone's legal access to
the park and that the hours are effective in helping with park
security.
DISCUSSION:
On December 8, 1994, a workshop was conducted with neighbors
surrOunding the park to discuss the restroom project and the park
hours matter. At this meeting, representatives from the Police
Department were on hand to discuss the revised park hours. The
Police Department confirmed that the new hours provide an effective
tool in keeping the park secure during evening hours. The new
hours, coupled with increased programmed activities and a
neighborhood watch effort which centers on the park have all been
factors in improving conditions at the park. Neighbors noted a
marked reduction in problems at the park. They also have observed
increased family use of Frontier Park.
Park neighbors and staff did not report instances of legitimate
park users being denied access to the park because of the new
hours. The Police Department suggested that they enforce the rule
according to the "spirit" of the law, not the "letter" of the law.
At the January 19, 1995 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting,
the Commission reviewed the existing park hours situation and
concurred that no change is necessary. However, the Commission did
request that the Commission reconsider the park hours if neighbors
surrounding the park report to the Community Services Department or
the Police Department that the hours preclude their legitimate use
of the park.
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Susan M. Jones
Recreation Superintendent