Resident urges city action after repeated trespass and sanitation problems near Vulcan Park fields

A Fairview Park resident told the City Council on May 5 that people using the Vulcan Park baseball fields are cutting across her backyard, damaging landscaping and using the area as a restroom.

Amy Harrison, who identified her address as 20664 Belvedere Avenue, told the council her yard backs up to the baseball fields near Lutheran West High School. "We have had parents at baseball games send their children into our yard to urinate on our garage, on our fences," Harrison said, and described broken branches on a tree the city had planted to discourage trespass.

Council members and city staff discussed property lines and the city easement behind Harrison's lot. Service Director Brian Hitch and other staff said park bathrooms exist but acknowledged they may not always be unlocked during practices and that porta-potties are used in colder months. Hitch said coaches are asked to reserve fields, which triggers provision of facilities, and city staff agreed to work with Harrison to find a solution.

Harrison said she had been advised by the service department that a temporary snow fence she installed was not allowed and was told to remove it. Council members asked staff to confirm where fences may be placed and to coordinate steps to prevent recurring trespass. No ordinance or enforcement action was announced at the meeting; council directed staff to follow up with the resident and report back.

The council asked staff to review whether the existing restroom access and field reservation practices are sufficient and to examine options such as physical barriers, additional signage, scheduling/enforcement changes, or placement of bleachers or portable toilets near the fields.