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Council seeks fixes after emergency access blocked by rocks at Marshall Park; Parks Committee to review
Summary
After bystanders moved large rocks to let EMS reach injured persons at Marshall Park, Recreation Director Kenn Spencer urged the Parks Committee and Safety staff to consider permanent or retractable bollards and to increase accessible parking; the council forwarded park design plans and an adjusted invoice to the Parks Committee.
Ontario council members and staff flagged safety problems at Marshall Park after a recent emergency where large rocks blocked vehicle access.
Recreation Director Kenn Spencer told the council that bystanders had to push rocks aside so emergency medical services could reach the ball fields. Spencer recommended evaluating permanent bollards or retractable bollards with Knox-box access for emergency responders and asked the Parks Committee and Safety staff to act quickly to resolve the issue.
Spencer also raised concerns about inadequate handicap parking near the ball fields, saying more accessible spaces should be located away from walkways to prevent people from parking on grass when designated spots are full.
Resident Craig Hunt, who spoke during public comment, suggested an alternative approach, saying the emergency squad “could back up to the rocks and walk down with the cot to the fields” and questioned “why the field barriers need changed.” The council and staff noted both access and safety must be balanced when considering changes.
The council also reviewed park concept plans and an invoice for design work near the tank that staff had adjusted from $34,500 to $18,605 to reflect only completed work; those plans were forwarded to the Parks Committee for further review. President Eddie Gallo asked Parks and Safety to collaborate to address ADA parking, bollard options and any EMS access delays.
Spencer used the public-comment period to recognize first responders, noting Springfield Township Fire Department’s quick response and that “the Police Department put a LifeVac in the concession stand without being asked.” The council did not adopt any ordinance or immediate capital spending at the May 20 meeting but directed staff to return recommendations to the Parks Committee.
