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Council discusses fountain misuse, skateboarding rules and plans for ADA playset at memorial park
Summary
Council members raised concerns about children playing in a memorial fountain and skateboard and bike use on the park walking path; council said signs and enforcement are coming and discussed a planned ADA-inclusive playset for later in the year.
Multiple council members raised concerns about misuse of Harahan27s new memorial park features and discussed steps to protect the facility and increase accessibility.
Councilman Chatelaine told the council he is upset to see young children playing in the memorial fountain and called the behavior "disrespectful" to the people the memorial honors. Council members said the city will install signs clarifying that the walking path is for pedestrians only and will begin enforcement when the signs are posted. One council member said they are working with the city attorney on an ordinance that could fine skateboard or bicycle riders who use the walking path; the council discussed a possible $500 fine and parental responsibility for minors.
The council also reiterated plans to install an all-inclusive ADA playset in a back corner of the memorial park; staff said the city is pursuing that project and hopes to have the playset installed by the end of the year if funding and scheduling allow. Council members highlighted upcoming sporting events and increased park usage and asked residents to respect neighbors when parking for games.
Why it matters: The memorial park is a high-use public amenity; rules and signage, enforcement and the planned ADA playset will affect how residents use and experience the space.
Next steps: City staff to install signs, begin enforcement of the walking path restrictions and continue planning and fundraising/requests for the ADA playset; council expects to discuss ordinance language with the city attorney.
