Lake Forest plans security patrols at Sports Park to curb e-bike disruptions

At the May 7, 2025 Community Services Commission meeting, staff presented a plan to add contracted security patrols at Lake Forest Sports Park to reduce reported reckless e-bike riding and related disturbances. Laura Hunter, speaking as city staff, summarized resident complaints and described proposed security coverage.

Hunter told the commission that residents had reported harassment and disruptions at the sports park and that public messaging about enforcement had reached “over 95,000 views.” She said the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has received “over 400 e-bike related calls” in the past year, with “more than half citing public disturbances.” To address the concerns, staff proposed an amendment to the city’s security contract with California Panther Security to station a marked guard in a clearly labeled security golf cart during high-need periods.

The draft amendment under review would staff the sports park Monday–Friday, 4 p.m.–10 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Hunter said patrol personnel would deter and document reckless riding, contact the sheriff’s department when needed, and provide a visible presence intended to reduce calls for sheriff response. Hunter described the immediate goals as enhancing safety for park visitors, staff, and contractors and reducing disruptive incidents. She said, if approved, coverage could begin later in May or in early June.

Commissioners pressed staff on hours and tactics. Commissioner Herron asked why weekend hours would end at 6 p.m. when activity can continue later; Hunter said the proposed schedule reflects the busiest periods and staff would monitor and adjust hours as needed. Commissioner Jones asked whether the city had coordinated with the sheriff’s department about using a golf cart in enforcement. Hunter said the carts are intended as a rapid-approach and deterrent tool, not for pursuit: “So it's just a mode of transportation for the security…we don't expect them or intend for them to chase anybody,” she said, adding that signage and municipal-code references would back up enforcement efforts.

No formal vote on the contract amendment was recorded at the meeting. Staff recommended the commission receive and file the report and provide feedback; commissioners voiced support for a visible deterrent while asking staff to monitor effectiveness and adjust hours as needed.

The commission also discussed related operational items: adding signage that cites the city’s municipal code on reckless riding, monthly security updates in commission packets, and coordination with field ambassadors and OCSD. Hunter said the security contractor will supply monthly reports and the city will include security metrics and OCSD statistics in future packets for commission review.