HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-14 PACKET 07.B.City of
Cotta Grove
Minnesota
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC:
Date: August 24, 2011
Subject: Park Hours
Introduction
Over the past year, staff has been working to recreate its standard rule signage in all city parks.
Signage has varied in the past and this project aims to make all signs and messages uniform as they
pertain to prohibited acts. During this process, staff noted concern regarding city ordinance 7 -3 -3
stating that it is prohibited to be in public parks between the hours of 10:30pm and 7:00am.
Background
As the usage of the parks and recreational system has changed over the years, it is imperative that the
hours of operation reflect a more accurate depiction of the user needs. Opening the parks to the public
at 7:00am certainly has a negative impact to a multitude of park users. Staff believes that amending
the ordinance to allow for a 6:00am opening time would be more relevant to current usage needs.
Some users in particular may be trail users, event coordinators and tournament personnel.
In discussion with Public Safety staff, there does not seem to be any concern with criminal activity or
loitering during the early morning hours as most issues of concern arise between sunset and 2:00am.
As such, staff believes most or all use during the hours of 6:00am to 7:00am are for the designed
purposes of the park and would not have any negative impact to the park itself or surrounding
residents. For this reason, it seems logical to consider amending the ordinance to allow access to
public parks as early as 6:00am.
Staff Recommendation
Parks Commission to recommend city council amend ordinance 7 -3 -3 as follows:
No person shall engage in the following activities, except pursuant to a permit for the activity:
A. Be present in a City park or open space area between the hours of ten thirty o'clock (10:30)
P.M. and seveR six o'clock (7:00) (6:00 )A.M.
City of Cottage Grove
Parks and Recreation
Welcomes You!
Park Hours 6:00am- 10:30pm
For the safety and enjoyment of all, please abide by the
following PROHIBITED ACT IN PARKS CODE (City Code 7 -3 -4):
1. Loitering during park closed hours.
2. Littering; all garbage and refuse must be placed in
provided waste containers. Please recycle.
3. Glass bottles are prohibited in all park areas.
4. Possess or consume alcoholic beverages in parking lots.
5. Operating motorized vehicles on turf, trails and all other
non -paved or designated surfaces.
6. Unleashing of pets. Please clean up after pets.
7. Fires outside of designated grills.
8. Golfing.