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Frio County adopts new parks and pond rules after repeated vandalism and safety concerns
Summary
The commission approved new rules for Frio County parks and the county pond, including revised fee schedules and a policy to keep restrooms closed except for rentals, citing repeated vandalism and hazardous conditions found in facilities.
Frio County commissioners voted to adopt revised parks and pond rules and regulations after county staff described repeated vandalism, safety risks and maintenance burdens at park facilities.
Judge Rochelle Camacho and staff described a series of incidents at park restrooms and facilities, including vandalism, needles and human waste left in restrooms. The court approved a change to the restroom policy: restrooms will be opened for users only when a facility is rented rather than being continuously open to the public.
The revised rules also include updated fee schedules for pavilion and facility rentals and a designated area for temporary water slides and other special uses. The judge said the county will publish rules, enforce gate hours and treat fee revenues as necessary to cover maintenance and repair costs.
Commissioners agreed to try the changes and to return to the court to amend rules if they proved ineffective. The motion to adopt the parks and pond rules passed in the meeting record.
Why it matters: County leaders said unrestricted restroom access led to regular vandalism and health hazards requiring costly repairs and cleanup. By tying restroom access to rentals and strengthening fee and gate policies, officials said they hope to reduce vandalism, keep facilities sanitary and recover maintenance costs.
Next steps: Staff will publish the rules, update rental agreements and implement gate hours; the court said it will revisit the rules if necessary.
