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Council passes Rockford Park ordinance banning swimming and wading in the Big River, 4–2
Summary
After public comment opposing a closure, the Jefferson County Council approved an ordinance amending park rules to prohibit entry from Rockford Park into the Big River for swimming or wading; the final vote was 4 yes, 2 no.
The Jefferson County Council voted 4–2 to approve an ordinance that amends park regulations to prohibit entering the Big River from Rockford Park for swimming or wading.
Robert "Bob" Holmayer, a Festus resident who spoke during public comment, urged the council not to close the beach. Holmayer said first responders volunteer for rescue duties and invoked a liberty argument: "Let us be free," he said, later quoting Benjamin Franklin: "They that would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Holmayer asked the council to consider whether restricting the park would be an overreach.
On the council floor, at least one member said the bill will save lives but that they would vote against it on principle. "With liberty means great responsibility ... This bill, although it will save lives, I will vote against it," a councilmember said during debate. Despite that dissent, the ordinance (bill 25-09245 A1/A2) passed on final reading by a vote of 4 yes, 2 no.
The ordinance amends Chapter 240 (Parks and Recreation) to add a subsection that expressly prohibits entry from Rockford Park into the Big River for swimming and/or wading. The council did not specify penalties or enforcement details during the discussion; staff comments were not present at the hearing. The change will take effect according to the county’s code-adoption process following the final passage recorded at the meeting.
Public-safety arguments and personal-liberty concerns were both raised during the meeting; council minutes show a divided vote.
