Northfield council adopts ordinance restricting nonresident park use after 3–2 vote

The Village of Northfield council on June 26 adopted an ordinance that bars nonresidents who are not guests of Village residents from using Village parks, a measure proponents said is aimed at reducing incidents of bad behavior near homes and playgrounds.

Law Director Brad Bryan read Ordinance No. 2024-23 and said it was requested by the Service and Police departments to cut down on trouble at park facilities, adding that "the overwhelming majority of bad behavior is being engaged in by nonresidents." After discussion and debate, the council adopted the ordinance by a 3–2 roll-call vote.

Supporters, including Councilmember Renell Noack and Mayor Jenn Domzalski, said the parks are embedded in residential neighborhoods with many small children and that limiting access to guests would reduce disruptive behavior. Mayor Domzalski said she favored the move on safety grounds and stressed protecting families near the parks.

Councilmember Alan Hipps opposed the measure, telling colleagues his family enjoys visiting other municipal parks and that properly behaving visitors should not be restricted. Engineer Daniel Collins questioned whether the Village has legal authority to bar nonresidents from park use; Mr. Bryan and Service Superintendent Jason Walters responded that other communities have similar rules for pools and dog parks.

Because the ordinance did not secure the larger majority needed for emergency enactment, Bryan noted it will not become effective immediately; instead it will take effect 30 days after the mayor signs it.

The council approved the ordinance at the June 26 meeting; the Mayor must sign it for the 30-day effective countdown to begin.