Resident urges council to keep Rolling Hills Park open to vehicles for seniors and people with disabilities

Teresa Studley, a Ward 3 resident, used the Nov. 3 public-comment period to urge the Boonville City Council not to close Rolling Hills Park to vehicles, saying many seniors and residents with disabilities rely on vehicle access to reach steep areas they otherwise could not navigate.

"Taking that away would turn inclusion into isolation," Studley said, arguing that the park is “a lifeline” for people who cannot manage the steep trails on foot. She referenced a prior council discussion and adaptive-playground efforts and noted that the park already includes walking-only trails and the Katy Trail for people who prefer to walk.

Studley proposed compromise measures — designated walkers-only hours during low-traffic periods, clearer signage, and speed bumps — that she said could improve safety while preserving access for those with mobility limitations. She also noted that 15 mph limits and cameras are already in place and that visitation data could help guide policy decisions.

Council members asked whether a formal policy to ban vehicles was under development; the mayor and other members said they were not aware of an adopted policy and suggested placing the issue on a future agenda after staff shares data. City staff (Speaker 8) said a Placer.ai visitation report exists and will be distributed for further council consideration.

The public comment concluded with members thanking Studley; no vote or formal direction to adopt a closure policy was recorded at the meeting.