Monterey Considering New Bee Rock Hours And Kiosk For Guests

Continuing issues of late night Bee Rock visitors could lead to modified park hours.

Monterey’s Board of Aldermen will consider changing the hours to sunrise to sunset after Tuesday’s Building and Grounds Committee meeting. Garden Inn Owner Mirtha Kopec said people continue to wander into the private property of the neighboring inn.

“Then, we can say look at the times, but nobody really understands or knows,” Kopec said. “They say well there is no signs and there is no times and they told me that I could come.”

Signage for the area was also discussed to encourage visitors to stay within Monterey’s easement and trail. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said installing a kiosk with a map and rules at the Bee Rock trail head could be an option.

“We probably got some specs on that kiosk that we built down at Meadow Creek,” Cleary said. “There is one that we attempted to build out near the bathroom facility that we probably just need to take it up and then move down towards the front.”

Committee Member Alex Garcia said the town would also be willing to place signs differentiating Bee Rock from the Garden Inn property.

“Right before your (The Kopec) driveway,” Garcia said. “A sign that says Bee Rock straight. Garden Inn right.”

The committee ended by scheduling a site visit with the inn owners to walk the property and discuss options to answer trespassing issues. The agreed upon date is October 2nd.

In other business, Committee Chair Amy Martin wants to explore installing dog stations, lighting and seating at Whittaker Park. The committee decided to investigate prices before making a decision.