Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Camden Center director says tournaments caused parking chaos; council discusses traffic and crowd control
Summary
Camden Center director described a recent softball tournament that overflowed parking, damaged event tables and created safety and traffic concerns; councilors and staff discussed barricades, golf-cart shuttles and increased staffing for future events.
Jeannie, director of the Camden Center, told the council she faced a chaotic night when a softball tournament coincided with a private event at the center. Cars parked on grass, drove over tables and interfered with event operations, she said.
"They were running over my tables and then driving on the grass and calling us names," Jeannie said, describing a situation where visitors ignored barricades and created a safety hazard. She said she and other staff had to physically stop vehicles, and she worried about traffic on Route 67.
Council members discussed practical responses: using class-3 barricades that are harder to displace, adding signage and arranging golf-cart shuttles to move spectators from remote lots. Staff suggested parking down the hill and using shuttles; one councilor noted that some visitors resist walking in hot weather but agreed stronger parking enforcement and communication were needed.
Staff said they will increase barricades, require event personnel for future tournaments, consider golf-cart shuttles and coordinate with police if needed. Jeannie said she supports measures to keep the facility bookable and affordable for community groups.
Next steps: parks and events staff will develop a parking and crowd-control plan for future tournaments, including additional barricades, signage and personnel, and will coordinate with public safety as necessary.
