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Commissioners order guardrails, new signage and time limits at Joaquin Savelle Park after safety complaints
Summary
Following resident reports and social-media posts about unsafe conditions and debris at Joaquin Savelle Park, the court approved installation of guardrails, ordered signage (including catch-and-release and no motorized vehicles), and discussed possible time restrictions.
The Commissioners Court discussed safety and maintenance concerns at Joaquin Savelle Park after residents and a Facebook post raised issues about fishing debris, children's safety near water and unauthorized use of all-terrain vehicles. Commissioners and parks staff described increased summertime use, night activity and litter concerns; staff reported that some of the apparent debris was duck nesting material rather than trash.
The court approved installing guardrails around a steep section of the lake bank using donated materials where available, and directed facilities staff to proceed with purchasing and posting a set of signs approved by the court. The signage will include: "Catch and release" language for fishing at the lake; a ban on motorized recreational vehicles (to cover ATVs and small motorized units); "No parking on grass" signage; and posted hours of use. Commissioners discussed an initial hours restriction of 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. (later agreed on 12 a.m. to 7 a.m./8 a.m. to account for morning walkers) for the lake area as a test period and asked staff to coordinate enforcement options with the sheriff and game warden.
Staff also reported plans to schedule regular cleanups and to monitor the site more frequently (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays were mentioned) while the court requested that code enforcement and deputies watch for trespass and safety violations. The court emphasized that further ordinance-level changes would need to come back for formal adoption, but authorized immediate safety work (guardrails and signage) that did not require an ordinance.
Ending: The court approved the safety upgrades and instructed staff to return with implementation details and to present any ordinance proposals and recommended enforcement plans in a future session.
