Longmont City Council Tuesday night wrestled with how to respond to bad behavior exhibited by residents at city parks, trails and open spaces.
Vandals recently caused as much as $67,000 in damage at the city’s outdoor recreation areas and that was before three restrooms were trashed in just the past few days, city officials said Tuesday night. That compares to $44,000 in vandalism costs last year, said David Bell, Longmont’s parks and natural resources director.
Bell told council the city’s park rangers are stretched thin trying to oversee more than 42 parks and 100 miles of trails even as police officers have helped patrol Button Rock Preserve west of Lyons, as well as Union Reservoir east of Longmont.
Park rangers, police and volunteers are running up against tense residents just released from “stay at home” orders in the era of COVID-19 who bristle at rules and regulations, Bell said.
“People have been told where to go, where to stand, what to do and what not to do,” Bell said. “Even asking them to put a leash on their dog has been met with disdain.
“Some say, ‘With all the problems in the world, why should you try and tell me to put a leash on my dog?’” Bell said. “That’s a very tough spot for our people to be in.”
City Manager Harold Dominguez said the city is facing the same dilemma as other Front Range communities. “We are chasing many, many bad behaviors,” Dominguez said.
Council members suggested installing more signage to prevent parking problems and to remind park-goers to follow guidelines.
Councilmember Tim Waters added the city will have to decide where to use resources for enforcement. “We have to have a conversation about which of the challenges we are to solve by someone enforcing the rules or somehow getting the community to accept responsibility.”
The good news is that many people who burst out of their homes and onto Longmont’s open spaces to hike and take in nature for the first time, will return again, Bell said.
“That couple that went hiking in their flip-flops at Button Rock will be back with hiking boots,” Bell said. “And that family that went paddleboarding for the first time at McIntosh Lake will be back again and again. “
