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MEMO TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS <br /> FROM: MARY SAARION, DIRECTOR <br /> PARKS , RECREATION AND FORESTRY 0 <br /> • DATE: OCTOBER 14 , 1988 <br /> SUBJECT: PARK ENTRANCE GATES <br /> The placement of gates at entrances of parks has always been an <br /> unpopular notion in the field of parks and recreation. The <br /> philosophy of encouraging park use seems to be negated by the <br /> presence of a locked entry gate. The perception of a locked entry <br /> gate defies the invitation for use by community members. <br /> A park entry gate may pose more problems than it solves. One <br /> problem is finding a consistent method of opening and closing the <br /> gate. Who will manage the gate? It is impractical to rely on the <br /> Police Department to perform this task since officers may be <br /> attending other duties The use of volunteers is possible, but the <br /> likelihood of a consistent follow-through considering illnesses , <br /> vacations and possible re-location is dim. An alternative would be <br /> the installation of an automatic , timed gate , but this is very <br /> costly. <br /> • Gates are not fool-proof. A gate blocks the entry, but also allows <br /> vehicles to pass on either side unless the whole park is fenced. <br /> This introduces a whole new issue which really defies the philosophy <br /> of open space parks. <br /> Entry gates may or may not curb cars entering parks in the evenings. <br /> Is the installation of gates worth connoting the perception that <br /> parks are on and off limits according to a daytime schedule? Will <br /> the gates provide an asset to the park? <br /> These are questions that need to be discussed at the meeting. <br /> MS/SL <br /> • <br />