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Commission extends Detweiler Park lights to 10 p.m. after residents and players weigh in
Summary
After public testimony from park users and nearby residents, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission voted 3–1 to extend evening hours at Detweiler Park to 10:00 p.m., citing competing needs for quiet in residential areas and access for working families and older players.
The New Smyrna Beach City Commission voted 3–1 on April 28 to extend evening lighting at Detweiler Park to 10:00 p.m., following extensive public comment from players and neighbors.
Players and residents told the commission the current 9:00 p.m. cutoff limits access for adults who work during the day and older residents who require cooler evening hours to be active. "We're not asking for [lights] until 11 p.m.; we'd be very happy if we were able to keep the lights on till around 10PM," said Royce Weber, a local player who asked the commission to adjust hours so families and working residents can use the courts.
Linda Shaver, who said she suffers from heat exhaustion and can only play in the evenings, told commissioners later that evening play is the only practical option for her. "For me, the only time I really can play is in the evening," she said.
Commissioners debated competing community priorities. Commissioner Martin defended neighborhood quiet and argued 9 p.m. is “certainly adequate,” while saying higher‑demand courts could be open later; Vice Mayor McGurk said a 10:00 p.m. compromise was appropriate and consistent with the city's noise ordinance. "I think splitting the baby 10PM is good," McGurk said.
The motion to extend hours for Detweiler Park was moved and seconded; the roll call recorded Vice Mayor McGurk, Commissioner Perrine and Mayor Freddie Cleveland voting yes, and Commissioner Martin voting no. The motion carried 3–1.
The change follows public testimony emphasizing both safety and neighborhood impacts: speakers described heavy daytime and evening use of Detweiler and said later lights reduce the risk of falls and provide recreational opportunities for older residents. The commission did not adopt a separate, citywide change in hours for every park; members discussed treating higher‑demand sites differently.
The commission did not specify an implementation date in the meeting record; staff will update operational schedules and notify the public through the usual channels and subsequent agenda materials.
