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Balch Springs board to revisit park hours and uniform signage after concerns about after-dark activity
Summary
Board discussed the city's parks-hours ordinance (sunrise–sunset) and possible uniform posted hours to aid enforcement; staff will return with the board president for a fuller discussion and then solicit input from the Parks and Recreation Board and City Council if a code amendment is desired.
The Type B Economic Development Board discussed the city's parks hours and consistent signage and asked staff to bring the item back for a fuller discussion with the board president present.
Staff provided the existing ordinance language and said the current rule in the city code sets park hours from sunrise to sunset, except for organized athletic events that have separate time limits. Staff noted the ordinance language dates to the 1980s and suggested the board ask the Parks and Recreation Board for input before seeking any code amendment to City Council. Staff said, if pursued, a change would have to follow the city’s procedural chain: Parks and Recreation Board review then City Council consideration.
Board members expressed safety concerns about people remaining in parks after dark and asked that the city consider uniform signage that lists hours on every park sign so residents and law enforcement have a clear posted standard. One board member said standardized posted hours would make it easier for officers to determine whether someone is in violation. The board president, Katicia Bruner, was absent; staff said the item will be brought back when she can attend so the board can gather the president’s specific recommendations.
No formal action was taken; staff will return with additional information and stakeholder input.
