Monterey Votes To Keep Meadow Creek Park Open 24 Hours

Monterey’s Meadow Creek Park will remain open 24 hours a day.

Residents neighboring the park voiced complaints about disruptive park goers and drug-use late at night during a July aldermen meeting. Mayor Bill Wiggins said the police chief presented the Building and Grounds Committee enough information to keep the gates open.

“The chief had documentation that they had made about 30 calls recently,” Wiggins said. “They have not found too much mischief out there with maybe only one arrest.”

Wiggins said the chief also reported multiple residents night fishing at Meadow Creek Park. The committee heard the testimony and decided seven to one to keep the gate unlocked for fishing. Alderman J.J. Reels was the sole no vote.

“When police are on patrol out there at night, there are lots of folks out there fishing,” Wiggins said. “Some folks just like to night fish, and the lake has an abundance of fish. We want people to enjoy it.”

Police Chief Bill Randolf said patrols found fireworks and no sign of drug paraphernalia while searching the area around the time of the complaints. Wiggins said police patrol the park on a regular basis.

“The chief pointed out most of the noise comes from people on back side of the park entering on four wheelers,” Wiggins said.