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Council conducts first reading to shift city park hours earlier; staff to return with refined code language
Summary
Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance No. 727 to change city park opening times to 6:00 a.m. (from 7:30 a.m.), prompted by requests from early-morning exercise groups; members asked staff to address noise-sensitive activities (pickleball, soccer), parking enforcement and lighting and to return with a targeted code amendment.
City staff presented a first reading of Ordinance No. 727 to amend the municipal code to allow city parks to open at 6:00 a.m. instead of the current 7:30 a.m. Community Services Director Perez told the council that public-works staff arrive at 6:00 a.m. and that groups such as Tai Chi practitioners have requested earlier access to parks.
Councilmembers raised several concerns. One member asked whether pickleball courts and other potentially loud sports would be allowed at the earlier hour; staff acknowledged they had not fully considered every sport and recommended returning with more specific language. Perez said school parks (Coolidge and Washington) would remain governed by joint-use agreements with the school district and would not be changed by this ordinance; she confirmed city parks (Vincent Lugo, Smith Park) would be included.
Councilmembers also pressed staff on safety and lighting for early openings and on the interaction between overnight parking enforcement and the earlier opening time. The city attorney recommended directing staff to prepare a code amendment and present the first reading at the next meeting with specific provisions to address loud-sport activities and parking issues. Council agreed to have staff bring back a refined ordinance that addresses these operational issues rather than adopt a final ordinance tonight.
What’s next: Staff will return with a revised ordinance or code amendment that includes options for limiting noisy activities at early hours, addresses lighting and parking enforcement changes, and provides recommended signage and implementation steps for park users.
