Arlington Announces Updated Hours for S.J. Stovall, Richard Simpson Parks
S.J. Stovall Park will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, beginning January 12, 2018.
Arlington City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance amending the operating hours of S.J. Stovall and Richard Simpson parks. At both the Nov. 28 (first reading) and Dec. 5 (second reading) meetings, the Council voted unanimously in favor of changing the park closing time to 10 p.m. for both locations.
City Council, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), and the Parks and Recreation Board have received increasing feedback in recent years from several neighbors of S.J. Stovall and Richard Simpson parks, stating that they are disturbed after 10 p.m. by loud music in the park, noise from cars in the park, noise from activity of park users, and illicit activity.
This issue has received considerable discussion at City Council, Municipal Policy Committee, Parks and Recreation Board, Parks and Recreation Board Committee on Policy and Operations, and staff levels. Among these, consensus has been reached to change the closing hours while providing a transitional period to implement a public awareness campaign.
Effective January 12, 2018, Stovall Park shall be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, and Richard Simpson Park shall be closed between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, except for fishing, boating and any other activity authorized by permit in accordance with the "Parks and Recreation" Chapter of the Code of the City of Arlington, Texas, 1987.
Any person, firm, agent, or employee thereof who violates any of the provisions of the ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 for each offence. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offence.
Richard Simpson Park, Stovall Park
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