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Commissioners order ordinance review, cameras and lights after Fairview Park safety concerns
Summary
After repeated public complaints and commissioner remarks about safety at Fairview Community Park, staff reported immediate steps (new signage, taller light poles, planned cameras) and the county attorney said he will draft ordinance changes to ban ATVs and unpermitted after-hours use.
Newton County commissioners heard a multi-part update Jan. 29 on safety measures and a planned ordinance revision for county parks after residents and commissioners raised concerns about unauthorized activity at Fairview Community Park.
Parks and Recreation Director Dwayne Mas and Assistant Director Kale Curtis told the board they posted signs requested by the sheriff’s office, arranged for replacement of 10-foot light poles with 20-foot poles around the park’s track, and are working with contractor Snappy Shows to run power and set poles to support two to four cameras. Staff estimated the poles and cameras would be installed within about four to six weeks.
Commissioner Henderson and other commissioners said county park ordinances lack explicit prohibitions that would give law enforcement clear authority to cite or arrest people who use ATVs, have fires outside designated areas, or enter parks outside operating hours. Henderson proposed increasing penalties and adding clear “unlawful” language so deputies have “meat” to enforce rules. County Attorney Patrick Jogstetter said he has begun revising Chapter 38 of the Newton County Parks and Recreation ordinance to incorporate those gaps and expects draft language for board review by the second meeting in February.
Residents also spoke. Maya Allen, a Fairview Estates resident, said a closure gate like the automatic gate at Spring Hill Park and restricted subdivision access would help; she reported that because Georgia is a “right-to-carry” state, deputies have limited options when guns are present unless an ordinance clearly establishes a violation.
Operational details: Director Mas said public works will replace poles and that Snappy Shows agreed to install power and poles; the sheriff’s office will monitor camera feeds and the county will have access for review. County Attorney Jogstetter noted civil citation schemes (e.g., automated camera fines) likely require explicit statutory authorization; camera images can, however, be used as evidence in criminal or ordinance enforcement.
Next steps: Attorney Jogstetter will present revised park ordinance language to the board by the second meeting in February; staff will proceed with lights and camera installation and coordinate with the sheriff’s office on monitoring and signage.
