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Commissioners adopt no‑parking resolution for Willows Road at Lancaster Park after safety, Navy concerns
Summary
The board approved a no‑parking resolution for Willows Road adjacent to Lancaster Park, adopting new signage to prevent on‑street parking that county staff and the Navy said creates safety and occupancy concerns; staff estimated signage costs and commissioners discussed enforcement and scheduling issues.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County adopted a no‑parking resolution April 29 for Willows Road at Lancaster Park following presentations by the Department of Public Works and input from commissioners.
Public Works Director Jim Gotch told the board there is a safety concern caused by vehicles parking on Willows Road rather than in the park’s lot. Gotch said the county has received complaints from the Navy and the sheriff’s office and that a memorandum of understanding with the Navy includes a provision discouraging on‑street parking at Lancaster Park.
Gotch described options for signage along the park’s passive area and estimated a materials cost of roughly $6,300 for 42 signs spaced at 100‑foot intervals; staff said spacing consistent with MUTCD guidance could reduce the number of signs and cost. Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement: once signs are posted the sheriff’s office could issue tickets, but towing and predatory towing organizations also have been a general concern in the county. In debate commissioners raised scheduling of sporting events, parking adequacy in the lot, parents’ parking behavior and the potential benefit of pedestrian circulation or a connecting path between lots.
Commissioner Scott Ostero and others noted that while parking shortages can occur during overlapping games, the park was designed to meet code parking counts for scheduled activities and that much of on‑street parking appears to be convenience rather than necessity. Colvin and others urged clearer wayfinding signage to point drivers to additional parking rather than simply posting prohibitions.
After discussion Commissioner Mike Hewitt moved to adopt the no‑parking resolution for County Road ID 30334 (Willows Road at Lancaster Park). The motion passed by voice vote; staff will proceed with installation of signage under county rules and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office and the Navy as appropriate.
Why this matters: The change is intended to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety, protect emergency vehicle access and implement terms of a Navy MOU tied to Lancaster Park use. The county will fund signage materials and rely on the sheriff’s office for enforcement once prohibitions are posted.
