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Committee urges Board to consider cameras, signage and lighting after vandalism at Fenton pickleball courts
Summary
Committee members reported repeated vandalism, smashed paddles and heavy trash at the city's pickleball courts and voted to ask the Board of Aldermen to consider security cameras, motion-activated lighting, signage and parking-lot lights.
A majority of the City of Fenton Parks, Recreation & Tree Advisory Committee voted to forward a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen to explore security cameras, motion-activated lights and signage at the city's pickleball courts after members described escalating vandalism and heavy litter.
The motion, made during the June meeting, followed sustained reports from a committee member who said vandalism has become "a real challenge" at the courts, with "people smashing their paddles" and morning players finding pounds of sunflower seeds, gum and bottles scattered across the playing surface. "It's been a regular thing," the member said, urging the committee to act.
Committee members discussed possible near-term responses including signage declaring surveillance, additional lighting and installing cameras on existing light poles. One member noted the park lights currently turn off at 11:00 p.m. and said the existing timer system offers limited flexibility: the lights can be extended for an hour with a five-minute flashing warning but do not remain on overnight.
Staff told the committee the electrical contractor provided a bid for parking-lot lights and that staff will present the bid to the Board of Aldermen at the next board meeting. "We're taking that actually to the board next Thursday to look at getting parking lot lights put on the northern side," staff said.
The committee approved the motion to forward the security-camera, signage and lighting recommendation; members voiced their support by a raised-hand/voice vote. The committee did not record individual vote tallies in the meeting record.
Why it matters: The courts are heavily used, the member said, and persistent damage and trash could reduce usable court time and increase maintenance costs. Committee members said cameras and signage could deter after-hours misuse and help law enforcement identify repeat offenders.
Next steps: The committee recommendation will go to the Board of Aldermen for review. Staff also will deliver the electrical bid for parking-lot lights to the board, which must consider funding and any required contracting for installation.
