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Commission asks staff to review park hours and SecureGuard overnight security contract
Summary
Staff described a one‑year SecureGuard contract for overnight park security and commissioners asked staff to evaluate whether park hours (currently until 11 p.m.) should be shortened and whether lighting timers or patrols should be adjusted to reduce safety risks.
Gilroy staff briefed the Parks and Recreation Commission on Nov. 18 about a one‑year agreement with SecureGuard to provide overnight park security, then the commission discussed whether current park hours should remain as late as 11 p.m.
Staff explained SecureGuard’s responsibilities include locking restrooms and gates at closing time, rotating patrols, and contacting police if incidents exceed their capacity to deescalate. The commission raised safety concerns about fields remaining lit and accessible late into the evening and questioned whether lighting schedules and patrol patterns should be adjusted to reduce opportunities for trespass or illicit activity.
"Their role includes, lock, making sure the restrooms are locked up at closing time...they're obligated and committed to calling PD if necessary," staff said, describing the contract terms. Commissioners asked staff to research when lights are on, historical patterns, and options such as timers that turn lights off earlier in winter months when darkness begins earlier.
Staff committed to reviewing usage data, lighting schedules, SecureGuard patrol logs and to coordinate with police and report back to the commission with recommended options; no change to park hours was adopted at the Nov. 18 meeting.
