Parks board looks at ideas to curb problems next year
Concerns about transients and fruit pickers taking up space in Lions Park this summer have not fallen on deaf ears.
The Oliver Parks and Recreation Society is coming up with a few strategies to deal with the problem next summer.
Manager Carol Sheridan said they received complaints about the proliferation of transients and migrants in Lion’s Park during the months of June and July. Some of the concerns included dogs off leash, open liquor, marijuana use, garbage, graffiti, and parking spaces taken up by camper vans.
“The sheer number of people who sit right at the entrance of the park that intimidate some local park users,” Sheridan stated, noting that some residents want to know what Parks and Recreation is going to do about the problem.
“Everyone is welcome to use the park if they follow the bylaws,” she pointed out, noting they don’t want to close the door on fruit pickers who are valued for their work.
Sheridan said the society will review the situation and come up with ideas to encourage visitors to use local parks responsibly.
Some of the strategies they will consider include increased signage and more enforcement on the issue of dogs, alcohol and illegal camping. Sheridan noted that only 20 hours a week is spent enforcing the bylaws in Oliver parks.
“Do we need a staff person down there as an ambassador?” she asked. All of these ideas will be discussed.
Sheridan said Parks and Recreation added a portable washroom in Lion’s Park to encourage visitors to use that instead of the bushes.
“We’re definitely seeing challenges.”
Maureen Doerr, acting mayor for Oliver, said there seems to be a move afoot to rid local parks of transients, or at least make these visitors follow the same rules as residents.
In any case, she welcomes additional bylaw enforcement from Parks and Recreation, adding that Town council will likely be discussing the issue too.
In the past, the Town has tried to pro-actively have a French speaking bylaw officer to help communicate with transients regarding the rules in parks.
“I do not think we can paint all the transients with the same brush. I know as a business on Main Street, we have many clients from the transient community who are respectful and polite.”
Doerr said Oliver needs to be inclusive of everyone and treat individuals with respect, until such time as they do not return that respect.
“Let us not become a community that is prejudiced against the whole transient community for a few bad apples.”
Town councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said he fully supports the added measures that Parks and Recreation plans to initiate for Lion’s Park and other community parks.
“I would also favour Town staff taking similar measures with signage and stronger bylaw enforcement on the hike and bike trails during June and July as well.”
Schwartzenberger said the Town welcomes residents and visitors alike to enjoy Oliver’s parks and trails, but everyone needs to follow the same rules and guidelines.
Oliver Lions Club president Joanne Bray said they welcome any strategy that addresses this yearly problem.
“It’s a sore spot for the Lions. We made that park . . . we made it for families, but it has not been family-friendly.”
Bray said more police presence in the park might make a difference.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
