Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Publicsafety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City apologizes after mistaken park closure; commissioners discuss holiday patrols and DeGroff/Exchange Club parks
Summary
Officials acknowledged a mistaken closure of Danwood Park on Labor Day, apologized, and reopened the park the same day. Commissioners also discussed holiday staffing, enforcement and the impact of non-residents on waterfront parks.
The mayor and staff addressed a mistaken closure of Danwood Park over Labor Day, apologized publicly and said the park was reopened after staff confirmed the error. Mayor Van Buskirk said, “That was completely our fault. I apologize for that miscommunication,” and staff explained the closure resulted from a miscommunication with law enforcement scheduling.
Commissioners discussed holiday patrol staffing and enforcement at Exchange Club Park and DeGroff Park, noting prior closures in neighboring jurisdictions can shift visitors into Lighthouse Point and create parking and public-safety concerns. Staff said signage and ordinance changes to designate DeGroff as a passive park have helped reduce calls, and commissioners asked staff to consider balancing holiday access with public-safety staffing needs.
