Written by: Htet Myint
At a March 25 Collegedale City Commission workshop meeting, city officials discussed new regulations governing park usage. In response to the growing popularity of Collegedale’s parks and concerns over potential misuse, the decision to implement these rules comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all park visitors.
The affected parks and greenways include Imagination Station, Collegedale Dog Park, Veterans Memorial Park, the Greenway, Thatcher Switch Recreational Area, Nature Nook and the recently built Little Debbie Park.
City officials cited the need for formalized rules to address various issues and ensure the preservation of park facilities.
According to City Manager Wayon Hines, “We did not have a formalized set of rules, though most folks had an expectation that the rules we passed would be followed.”
The regulations aim to establish clear guidelines for park etiquette and address past concerns raised by community members.
The new rules cover a range of issues, including park hours, prohibited activities and pet regulations. Parks will now operate from sunrise to sunset, with varying hours based on location and usage. Several activities are now strictly prohibited within park premises, including the use of fireworks, bows, slingshots and other projectile-throwing devices. Additionally, alcoholic beverages, smoking and the use of vapor products are banned to uphold a family-friendly environment.
Pet owners are required to keep their dogs on a maximum 6-foot leash at all times and are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Specialized rules have been established for facilities such as pickleball courts and the dog park to optimize user experience and safety.
Furthermore, violations of these rules will result in penalties of up to $50 for each offense, emphasizing the city’s commitment to enforcement and park preservation according to the minutes of the commission workshop. The regulations are set to take effect 15 days after their final passage.
Hines shed light on the motivations behind the new rules, stating, “We did take into account concerns raised over the years when drafting the rules. Issues such as electric bicycles, dogs off leash, camping, etc. had been raised in the past.”
According to Hines, the city aims to address issues raised by its constituents to ensure the safety and enjoyment of park visitors.
“It is no secret the city’s park system is incredibly popular,” he said. “We hope that the rules will allow everyone to safely enjoy our parks, playgrounds and greenways.”
Siua Tyler, a senior health sciences major at Southern Adventist University who is currently organizing a 5K run, expressed his enthusiastic support for the new regulations, stating, “I appreciate how Collegedale has maintained its runways clean, providing a picturesque setting for our community’s activities. With the introduction of these new rules, it’s clear that our city is prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.”
CORRECTION: The original version of this story stated that Collegedale’s new park rules applied to The Commons. This was an error the Accent corrected soon after learning of it. We are committed to accuracy and apologize for this mistake.
