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Tahlequah council directs removal of downtown pavilion after residents cite drug use, waste and safety concerns
Summary
After a lengthy public comment from a downtown business owner and staff reports of repeated disorder, the council voted to remove the roof and fixtures of a problem pavilion and asked staff to return with implementation details and design options including pickleball conversion.
Brandy Donatelli, owner of SanTek Screening and Embroidery, urged the Tahlequah City Council on Sept. 2 to remove a downtown pavilion she said has become a congregation point for people experiencing homelessness and for criminal activity.
"There is human waste. There is trash. There are dogs on leashes but not held," Donatelli said, citing found needles and alleged drug use behind her business. She argued the pavilion was unsafe for joggers and for children who will be near a nearby armory the public schools will use. "If a grown man cannot jog in our city park without being attacked, I can guarantee you a child will be knocked down and mauled," she said.
Parks and police staff corroborated that the pavilion is a frequent call location and recommended removal of the roof and fixtures to reduce congregation. The police representative warned of constitutional limits on destroying or disposing of people’s personal property and the operational burden of storing seized items, but said removal of the structure would cut calls for service. "Even if we arrest somebody, they're out in a day or two and they're right back to that pavilion," a police representative said, describing repeat incidents and a prior knife-related video that prompted earlier safety discussion.
Parks staff proposed alternatives for the remaining concrete slab, including converting the space to a pickleball court or a half-court basketball area and capping power outlets. Council members asked about electrical safety and confirmed staff routinely shuts park power off when events conclude.
Council voted to direct staff to remove the pavilion roof and associated fixtures and to return with a plan for conversion and costs. The motion passed by council vote; staff will bring implementation details and any required permitting or budget requests to a future council meeting.
The council’s action followed public comment and staff reporting; no ordinance number or specific timeline for removal was provided at the meeting.
