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Council hears concerns about weekend park overcrowding and enforcement limits at Carruthers, Thompson and Sims parks
Summary
Councilmembers and staff discussed recurring weekend crowding, double parking and unpermitted gatherings in Bellflower parks. Parks staff described enforcement limits and options; council asked staff to return with proposals for addressing repeat problems.
Bellflower councilmembers on April 14 heard councilmember and resident concerns about recurring weekend problems at several city parks — particularly Carruthers, Thompson and Sims — including double parking, vehicles driving onto turf for setup, and large unpermitted gatherings.
Councilmember Dan Coops asked staff for a briefing after weekend incidents that included vehicle access onto grass, double parking that blocked driveways, and groups who did not obtain event permits. Parks Director PJ Milano said staff are present at parks and that staff and park patrol respond to observed violations, but they do not maintain 24/7 enforcement coverage. Milano described several recent incidents where staff arrived, attempted to address code violations and, when met with noncompliance or aggressive behavior, called Southwest Patrol or sheriff’s deputies to address safety and enforcement.
Staff said parks typically have three to four staff on duty depending on the season and that weekend demand (Little League, picnic groups, spring events) frequently increases staffing needs. Milano said the department tries to identify anticipated large gatherings in advance (for example via social media or known leagues) so they can coordinate additional support and notify public safety partners.
Residents at the meeting described seeing vehicles driven onto park grass and said staff did not always intervene early enough; staff confirmed that when violations are observed they will attempt enforcement but that code-enforcement or police action may be required if groups refuse to cooperate. Staff and council agreed the issue could benefit from a future agenda item to evaluate permit processes, staffing coverage, signage, and targeted enforcement strategies for repeat problems.
Ending: Council did not direct an immediate policy change at the meeting, but members asked staff to return with options for stronger oversight of recurring problems at specified parks.
