Advisory board backs draft ordinance to designate exclusive children’s play areas; staff to circulate to HOAs

City attorneys and parks staff presented a revised draft ordinance that would allow the city to designate certain playgrounds and splash pads as “exclusive children’s play areas,” restrict adult presence in those zones unless accompanied by a child, and require signage so the public is on notice.

Patricia St. Bill Joseph, assistant city attorney, told the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board the ordinance text has been revised from an earlier draft; the new title is "exclusive areas" and the definition of a child remains a person 12 years of age or younger. She said the department plans to circulate the draft to homeowners associations and other interested parties before the commission takes final action.

During more than an hour of discussion, board members raised enforcement, signage and scope questions. Members asked whether athletic fields, baseball diamonds and other sport facilities could be included; staff said the intent is to focus on playgrounds and splash pads but the definition is written broadly enough to allow park managers and enforcement officers discretion where appropriate. Officers and staff described the enforcement approach as progressive: a warning by park rangers, referral to police for repeated refusals to leave, and the usual trespass or enforcement mechanisms for repeat offenders.

Board members also questioned whether children without adult supervision would be prohibited; staff clarified the draft does not create penalties for unsupervised children and that decisions on supervision remain with parents and guardians.

After discussion the advisory board voted to recommend the draft ordinance move forward to the commission and asked staff to circulate the language to HOAs and other stakeholders for comment before final consideration.