Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Rec topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners begin overhaul of parks code; debate spans parking, alcohol, hours and event security
Summary
The commission reviewed updates to Chapter 42 (parks and recreation), discussing updates to department names, parking rules at sports facilities, whether to allow alcohol at special events, consistent park hours, background screening for volunteers, and whether police or private security should staff sanctioned sporting events.
The Lynn Haven City Commission spent a large portion of its meeting reviewing proposed updates to Chapter 42 of the city code, which governs parks and recreation policies. Commissioners and staff discussed several distinct issues that will be returned to a later meeting with proposed ordinance language.
Commissioner Peebles walked the commission through suggested updates to bring outdated language into alignment with current department names and operations. She highlighted vehicle and parking rules, proposing that no single vehicle occupy more than two parking spaces at sports facilities to address blocking and grass parking. "People have a truck with a trailer and take up like four or five parking spots," she said, recommending clearer, enforceable language.
The group debated whether limited alcohol sales at special, permitted events should be allowed. Some commissioners said this belongs to a larger workshop because it raises policy and safety questions; staff and the public discussed narrow special-event permit models (restricted servings, ticketed access) rather than blanket allowances.
Police presence at sanctioned sporting events drew significant debate. Commissioner Peebles suggested requiring at least one officer per sanctioned event for risk-management reasons; Deputy Chief Infinginger said Lynn Haven’s SWAT members are officers who already work patrol shifts and noted training-time costs, while staff suggested exploring third-party security as a lower-cost alternative.
Commissioners also discussed park-hours standardization — options included sunset or firm hours (e.g., 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) — and enforcement of noise and radio-decibel rules. Staff recommended consistent hours across parks while preserving 24/7 access for the boat ramp and bridge.
Several operational items were flagged for later policy development: background screening for volunteers/coaches, removal or revision of a city-issued fishing-permit reference, and clarification of language on personal-injury liability. Commissioners asked staff to incorporate suggested changes and return with redlined ordinance language and additional research, including budgetary impacts for any policy requiring officers at events.
Next steps: staff will incorporate commissioner comments, consult the city attorney on enforcement mechanics, and return revised language for further discussion and potential adoption.
