Item Coversheet

New Business and Commission Requests - R9  Y




COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission 
FROM:Mayor Dan Gelber 
DATE:April  28, 2023
 



SUBJECT:DISCUSS/TAKE ACTION, PARK CLOSING HOURS FOR SOUNDSCAPE PARK AND PRIDE PARK. 

RECOMMENDATION

Please place an item on the agenda to discuss and potentially take action regarding amending the closing hours for Soundscape Park and Pride Park. 

 

Although the City Code sets forth “default” park closing hours of Midnight – 5am for all public parks throughout the City that are not gated or fenced in, Soundscape Park signage indicates that Soundscape Park is currently closed from 2 a.m. until sunrise.  Pride Park, just a few blocks away, is currently closed from midnight to sunrise.  In all cases, the City Code provides that no person may remain in any public park after the park closing hours, except that persons are permitted to pass through without stopping, on the most direct way leading to their point of destination.

 

The City Code also provides the City Manager with the authority to establish exceptions to the “default” closing hours of Midnight – 5am when the City Manager finds that doing so is in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare (and such exceptions are posted with signage on the property).

 

On several occasions in the last year, I have expressed concerns that, as we improve our parks and implement the G.O. Bond program, our parks and open spaces may present special public safety risks to the general public after hours. In addition, we face unique challenges with homeless persons who may congregate after hours in the area, particularly persons that decline our homeless outreach team’s offer of services and assistance.

 

As part of this item, I would like for the Administration to provide the City Commission with feedback and input regarding proposed earlier closing time for Soundscape Park and Pride Park.  

SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA

N/A

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

N/A

Applicable Area

Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds?
No No 

Strategic Connection

Non-Applicable
Legislative Tracking
Mayor Dan Gelber