Hours Reduced at Two Parks in Lakewood

In an effort to curb vandalism, Madison and Kauffman parks will close a little earlier — depending on the time of year.

The parks will now close one hour after sunset, after OK’d the idea at Monday night’s meeting.

Ward 1 Councilman David Anderson was the only dissenting vote.

“I appreciate the effort into making our parks safer,” he said. “The symbolism in closing parks earlier in an effort to curtail vandalism is hard for me to accept.”

Joe Beno, the city’s public works director, agreed to present council with an update with how the change is working. 

Other council members spoke about their support for the legislation.

“I don’t believe the intent of this is to close parks or take away amenities from citizens who intend to use the parks for good legitimate purposes,” said Ward 3 Councilman Shawn Juris. “If there are good, legitimate purposes to use the park after dark, I’d certainly be open to hear what they are.”