City Park may soon have new 10 p.m. curfew

A new City Park curfew could prohibit people from being on the premises without a permit from 10 p.m. until dawn. Further details were discussed at the Tuesday, Feb. 21, Holyoke City Council meeting.
    Chief of Police Doug Bergstrom brought the issue before the council, citing a recent rash of late-night vandalism as motive for a park curfew. He began by suggesting the park be closed from dusk to dawn. Sergeant Mark Werts added the skate park is already closed during that time.
    City Attorney Al Wall argued dusk may be too early to close the park, as people like to utilize the area in the evenings, especially when the weather is nice. Existing lights at the tennis courts mean that busy people can still play later in the day.
    Council member Scott Murray said that he hates to see those displaying good behavior suffer because others are breaking the rules, and he thinks the tennis courts should be available for recreation 24 hours a day.
    Supporters of the curfew agreed that closing the park later than dusk would still be helpful, as most of the troublesome behavior has been happening later at night, and 10 p.m. was suggested.
    Bergstrom noted free permits could be issued to accommodate gatherings after 10 p.m., such as the July 4th celebration. Should the ordinance pass, signs would need to be installed around the perimeter of the park, outlining the guidelines.  
    Council members voted to have an ordinance drafted and have a first reading and, potentially, a public hearing in the near future.
  

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