Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 8:31 a.m.
During Monday’s Legislative Session, City Council voted 4-3 to pass Ordinance 36394 to increase the penalty for trespassing in parks after hours, amending it from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor.
“Our parks have been centerpieces of our community,” said Council Member Karen Stratton. “Therefore, we need to protect them at all costs, and through this ordinance, it gives both the police and parks departments the enforcement tools needed to uphold the safety our parks need.”
The ordinance will amend the city code to allow law enforcement to use the trespassing offense as a reason for contact and enforcement for those who are in City Parks when they are closed, creating a misdemeanor offense.
“The safety and well-being of my constituents is the utmost concern, and it is crucial that we take proactive steps to protect our community,” said Council Member Michael Cathcart. “The proposed reform is a reasonable measure that reinstates the authority of our officers to enforce park rules after closing hours. By safeguarding our public parks, we not only enable the public to enjoy these areas and their surrounding public spaces without fear, but we also instill a sense of security and create confidence in the safety of our neighborhoods.”
“SPD provided an alarming report of criminal incidents happening in our parks,” said Council Member Jonathan Bingle. “The number of shootings, alcohol and drug possession, and felony assaults that have occurred is unacceptable, and if there is a way to take back our parks, this ordinance is a start in that direction.”
According to the ordinance, no person may be in a City park or on park property during the hours of closure without the express permission of the Director of the Parks Department or his or her designee. All neighborhood parks are closed from 11:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M., except Riverfront Park, which is closed from midnight to 5:00 A.M. throughout the year. Spokane Parks will include proper signage to reinforce park hours and park rules and community engagement efforts deployed with the Spokane Police Department to educate the community about the new regulations.
