City council Tuesday night unanimously approved changes to an ordinance that defines camping, hours of operations and shelter reservations at city parks.
The changes were recommended by a city-sponsored “Neighborhood Impact Team” that studied ways to limit illegal and disruptive activity —mostly caused by homeless individuals —at Lanyon Park.
The final vote for passage came after councilors were assured the measures to reduce overnight stays at the park would not impede those who walk their dogs or gather briefly at the park’s swing sets after dark.
“If somebody is playing on the swings for a few minutes, my guess is that we won’t cite them,” Sandi Seader, assistant city manager, told the council. “If someone is tagging something they will be asked to move along.”
To replace all rules and regulation signs with the new signage announcing the new hours and rules, will cost the city $75,000, according to a city staff report.
No one spoke during a public hearing on the ordinance changes.
The recommended ordinance changes are:
- A definition of camping: “Camping means to reside or dwell temporarily in a place by using or erecting a shelter (other than a park provided shelters), temporary or otherwise, including a tent or any type of cover or protection from elements besides the clothing a person is wearing, and conduct daily activities, including but not limited to eating or sleeping in such place. The term does not include napping or picnicking for a period of not to exceed two hours per calendar day during the times the public lands are available and open for use by the public …”
- Park Hours: “In neighborhood parks, nature areas, greenways, and dog parks, the hours of public use shall be between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset as those times are published by the National Weather Service, seven days a week, except as otherwise posted. Lighted park facilities will remain open for their intended uses until 10 p.m., seven days a week, except as posted.”
- Shelter Reservations: All shelters are on a first-come first-serve basis except that a reservation is required for all shelters in the following circumstances: 1. An event with 15 or more people 2. Uses longer than two hours, regardless of party size.
