News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey set to close Meadow Creek Park from sunset to sunrise after approving the new hours Monday night.
Alderman Alex Garcia presented the idea to the Board of Aldermen. He said to his knowledge, Meadow Creek Park is the only county park that is open 24/7.
“I honestly think it’s a liability,” Garcia said. “We can’t watch Meadow Creek Park 24 hours a day. Outdoor Experience is about to put in a rental station. I’d prefer if that wasn’t being messed with overnight.”
The Board of Aldermen approved a lease agreement with Outdoor Experience Monday to start a kayak and bike rental service at Meadow Creek Park.
Garcia said they will work with the Monterey Police Department on specific protocol for opening and closing the park during the day. He said while there may be hiccups in the beginning, he believes it will work itself out.
“And I understand that there are some people that like to fish at night and I totally get that,” Garcia said. “But I also think that’s a liability for the city. If someone is out there on a boat fishing at night and something happens, we’re not going to know until the morning. And you know Cane Creek closes at night and then it reopens. And we have residences that live by the park and there are people coming in and out of the park at all hours so maybe we can help them out a little too.”
Garcia said they will likely put up signage to signal the new hours as well. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the change will be transitional.
