Kiwanis Park hours reduced in Othello

by Candice Boutilier<br
| October 1, 2009 9:00 PM

OTHELLO — Othello City Council voted to close Kiwanis Park earlier to accommodate concerns from neighbors living around the park Monday.

City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said several people living around the park notified council of noise issues and people being in the park after it is closed.

The established park hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. City staff proposed closing the park at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Mayor Shannon McKay explained Kiwanis Park is designated as a “passive park.”

A passive park is limited to the types of activities allowed and most organized activities are prohibited. It is designated for family picnics and random activities.

McKay said he was not sure what type of passive use the park would be used for after dark because there is no lighting.

Councilmember Ken Johnson motioned to reduce the park hours as staff suggested and Councilmember Mark Snyder seconded.

Councilmember Ken Caylor said the proposed hour reduction still leaves the park operational several hours after it is already dark outside. He suggested an amendment to the motion to further reduce the park hours by up to three hours from Oct. 31 to March 1. He chose the dates because it is usually darker earlier during the winter months.

Johnson declined to add the amendment to his motion because he explained several people use the park to jog at night because it’s the only time they are able to get exercise.

Councilmember Marc Spohr said he also did not want the motion changed because he wanted to leave the motion simplified.

McKay asked council to take a vote on Johnson’s motion as it was originally presented. He said council can review what the citizen’s think about the reduction in hours before reducing it further.

Caylor withdrew his amendment to the motion.

Council unanimously approved to reduce park hours by two hours Sunday through Thursday and by one hour Friday and Saturday.

Hours at Lions Park were not changed because homes do not abut the property.