The City of Coconut Creek recently instituted a “no tolerance” policy for individuals remaining in city parks and recreation facilities after closing hours in an effort to improve overall safety, protect city property and reduce opportunities for vandalism.

The no tolerance policy will serve as enforcement of the current park ordinance which in part states, “No person shall enter or remain in any park after park closing hours without a permit. Any person found violating any provision of this article shall either be ejected and/or arrested by a police officer”.

In recent years, the City has accumulated over $60,000 worth of damages from graffiti and excessive destruction of fencing, shelters, and restroom facilities. “By and large, residents and visitors follow all rules and regulations in our parks. Unfortunately, there is a small percentage of individuals who remain in parks after hours and damage city property or create noise levels unfair to residents in the surrounding areas,” stated Linda Wiederspan, Director, Parks and Recreation Department, City of Coconut Creek.

The Coconut Creek Police Department will increase patrol of the parks; individuals found in parks or near facilities after closing hours, normally 10:00 PM, are considered trespassers and shall be subject to a summons or arrest.

Jacqui Smith, Coconut Creek resident commented, “I think that it is a great idea. If someone is out there destroying our parks, it limits our access, and as a taxpayer, it costs me money”.