Residents, parents and police clash over proposed parks curfew for under-16s

Calera — A proposed ordinance that would prohibit minors under 16 from being on Calera City parks without adult supervision prompted an extended public hearing on July 21 as residents and parents pressed opposing views and police outlined public-safety concerns.

The ordinance's language would make it unlawful for any minor under 16 to be present in city parks, playgrounds or recreational facilities without adult supervision "whether during regular hours of operation or during organized events." The ordinance includes exceptions for city-sponsored or permitted events, school-supervised activities and minors accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or older. Penalties spelled out in the draft include a verbal warning on first offense, written notice and parent/guardian notification on a second, and for a third offense a fine not to exceed $100 and/or temporary suspension of park privileges.

Speakers at the hearing urged the council to reconsider the age cutoff. Multiple parents said the measure would restrict 16-year-olds who commonly attend high-school events and who can drive themselves; they suggested using grade level (e.g., a student in high school) or narrowing the rule to younger ages. "An average 16-year-old is in their sophomore year of high school," one parent said. "That first line of independence will be taken away if you apply the age literally."

Several residents and advocates also urged investment in youth programming rather than restrictive measures. "If you create the situation for the kids to do something positive, you'll find that you won't have as much of these kids going around," said a community member advocating for youth activities and resources.

Police described numerous incidents at football games and community events where large numbers of unsupervised minors were dropped off and subsequently became difficult to manage. The police chief and other public-safety staff said the city experienced vandalism and fights at large gatherings, and expressed concern about the potential for more serious violence when large unsupervised groups gather. "When you get that many young kids together, unfortunately bad things happen," a police official said, recounting last year's preseason football crowd troubles.

The council did not vote on Ordinance 2025-08 at the meeting. The mayor closed the public hearing and explained that because this was the first reading, the ordinance would proceed to a required second reading at the next council meeting unless the council moved to suspend rules for immediate adoption.

Councilmembers encouraged staff to clarify the ordinance's verbiage and where it should apply (parks broadly versus specific event-oriented language) and to consider carve-outs for school activities and documented volunteer supervision at events. Several speakers urged that signage and public notice be posted at fields and parks if the ordinance proceeds.

The item remains scheduled for a second reading; staff were asked to provide clarified wording, enforcement specifics and suggested signage for park users and event organizers.