HomeMy WebLinkAbout12151RESOLUTION NO. 12151
A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION #3592
BANNING MOTORIZED TRAFFIC IN THE INTERIOR
LOOP OF CITY PARK DURING SUMMER MONTHS
WHEREAS, in 1975 City Council passed Resolution #3592 banning motorized
traffic in the interior loop of City Park during summer months; and
WHEREAS, the circumstances that led to citizen concern and eventual approval
of Resolution #3592 are not applicable today; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of Park Rangers will allow for an active presence
in city parks and immediate response to traffic and crime related concerns; and
WHEREAS, the Parks staff has the ability to close the park if the need arises with
consultation with Transportation and Police Departments;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
Resolution #3592 is hereby rescinded and motorized traffic is permitted on all
City Park roadways without seasonal time restrictions or unless otherwise approved by
City Council through the revocable permit process,
SECTION 2.
Signage east of City Park on Goodnight Ave restricting access shall be removed
in a timely manner.
INTRODUCED: May 9, 2011
BY: Steve Nawrocki
COUNCILPERSON
Background Paper for Proposed
RESOLUTION
AGENDA ITEM # Q-1
DATE: May 9, 2011
DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION, CREIGHTON WRIGHT, DIRECTOR
TITLE
A RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION #3592 BANNING MOTORIZED
TRAFFIC IN THE INTERIOR LOOP OF CITY PARK DURING SUMMER MONTHS
ISSUE
Should City Council rescind Resolution #3592 from 1975 banning motorized traffic in
the interior loop of City Park during the summer months?
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of this Resolution.
BACKGROUND
In 1975, City Council passed Resolution #3592 after impassioned public comment from
neighbors who live around City Park complaining about traffic and crime.
As part of researching this issue, Parks consulted with the Transportation Division and
discovered that the park was closed for two reasons: 1. People driving along Goodnight
had a tendency to stop in the line of traffic and socialize with other cars/pedestrians
congregated along the street causing major backups; and 2. The perception and
isolated reality of violence and negativity of some park users. Based on research, and
consulting with Chief Billings last year, there was little actual violence that occurred,
other than people getting frustrated when others stopped traffic and created backups.
Ultimately, closing of the park was a political solution that helped solve the perceived
and limited real problems that occurred, but created other unintended consequences
and greatly restricted and prevented those who wanted to use the park for legitimate
reasons. This is a situation where the conduct of a few, ended up hurting the majority.
The solution that was initially proposed, which is what we did last year, is to leave the
park open, work closely with PD to ensure regular ongoing patrols and keeping traffic
moving. Another even better option to combat traffic and crime related concerns in the
City Parks, and in City Park especially, is implementation of park security staff, Park
Rangers. The Rangers will be in the parks in the next few weeks and will monitor
activity to ensure appropriate behavior. If situations escalate, the Police Department will
assist.
The Park Rangers will closely monitor the activity in City Park, and if the needs arises
with consultation from Police and Traffic, the Park can be closed. At this point, this is
not necessary, as people are behaving and acting appropriately.
While signs entering City Park from the east state that the park is closed on weekends
and holidays, the park was not closed last year to test the reasoning again. While the
park did get very busy and nearly reached capacity last year, the issues and concerns
that caused for the political uprising in the late 70's doesn’t seem to be an issue.
Public parks are for the enjoyment and use of the public. And, unless there is an
imminent threat to public health, safety and welfare, parks should be open for the
enjoyment of our citizens. Closing parks, as has been the practice in the past, restricts
access, forces congestion in other areas of the park, decreases use and attendance at
the zoo and kiddie rides, and increases the negative behaviors of people (i.e. driving
over curb, over grass or wrong way on a one-way).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no perceivable financial impact to leaving City Park open during the summer.
EXHIBIT 1 – Resolution #3592