Greenwood Park Board adopts rule banning metal detecting and magnet fishing in parks and waterways

The Greenwood Park Board on March 3, 2020 adopted a rule prohibiting metal detecting and magnet fishing across park properties and waterways, after staff described repeated incidents of digging, property damage and harm to sensitive stream and pond habitats.

Parks staff told the board that people who metal detect typically probe and dig the ground, which ‘‘causes scouring on … creek beds and pond basins and the ecosystems,’’ and that magnet fishing can damage waterways. Staff asked the board to adopt a rule to make enforcement consistent; the board approved the rule as presented (moved by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Burns).

Board members discussed enforcement and short‑term outreach: staff said park staff will enforce the rule like other park rules and that interim signs will be posted in high‑concentration areas (for example, Freedom Park) while the wayfinding and rule signage is updated. The motion language referenced the board’s authority under the relevant park ordinance to adopt rules and to sanction violations.

Implementation steps recorded in the meeting include directing Parks staff to post interim signs in identified areas and to update wayfinding signage in the months ahead. No fines or specific enforcement schedule were adopted during the meeting; staff said enforcement will be handled by park staff as with other rules.

The rule takes effect following the board’s voice vote. Staff will follow up on signage and wayfinding updates and return with implementation details as needed.