Monterey Addressing Liability Issues At New Park

Monterey officials have started looking at ways to diminish the city’s exposure to liability at Meadow Creek Park.

Mayor Bill Wiggins said he’s contacted the city’s insurance carrier, who had several concerns about swimming in the lake and visitors walking along the park’s dam.

“He (insurance provider) suggested that we post a sign on each end of the dam that says ‘no trespassing on dam’,” Wiggins said. “As far as the city’s concerns with liability, that puts us where we want to be.

City officials have also discussed plans to allow swimming in the lake within an area marked with ropes and buoys. The insurance provider suggested posting signs in more than one place stating “swim at your own risk, no life guard on duty”.

“In terms of the city’s liability, that ameliorates that,” Wiggins said.

The board and aldermen will have to give approval to the swimming concept before any signs are posted in that regard. The board will also consider whether the park should remain open or be closed at nighttime, which was another suggestion made by the city insurance provider.

Meadow Creek Park officially opened to the public a few weeks ago after Elk Mountain construction completed work on a new access road and parking lot.

The city plans to add several additions to the park over the next several months and years.

A comprehensive park plan, developed by Warren and Associates Engineering, includes a dock, handicap kayak ramp, walking and biking trails, and other park amenities.

Wiggins said a sandy beach area would also be added if the board of aldermen approve swimming at the park.