Chester City parks for public use?
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The question arose last week if the city parks are truly for the public use when a concerned resident called the Randolph County Herald Tribune regarding a group of soccer players not being able to play at the complex.
According to the source, on numerous occasions the group had arrived at the complex to play soccer and was approached by park board member Julie Eggemeyer, who notified them that they could not play soccer at the complex. According to the source, three weeks ago Eggemeyer told them the fields are for taxpayers of the city only.
When Eggemeyer was contacted by the Herald Tribune she was asked the question if she had told the individuals the fields are for taxpayers of the city only. She declined to answer.
Chester Recreation Director Charlie Bargman was then contacted about soccer players at the complex. When asked where individuals could play soccer at the complex, Bargman stated he didn't have an answer.
He did however state due to a grass issue, the soccer field on the hill isn't available for current use, and that the grass did not take when it was originally planted. He said it takes two winters for the grass to come in. He then stated the grass was replanted in Spring. He added he was looking at something close to Labor Day for reseeding. He said it could take up to two years for the field to be ready.
According to Bargman, signage has been posted stating only baseball and softball are allowed to be played on the baseball fields from the months of March through September.
He stated wear patterns of the soccer players became an issue and that is why the signage was put up.
According to the council meeting minutes from April 18, 2011, signage was approved to be put at the complex. The minutes are as follows:
Signage - Cohen Complex:
Alderman Crossland presented a recommendation from the Chester Parks & Recreation Board for the following signage at the Cohen Complex: A) Only baseball/softball on fields March through October, B) No dogs on fields March through October. It was noted that these signs are not included under the OSLAD grant. Alderman Abernathy asked if there is a consequence if the signs are ignored. After discussion, Alderman Crossland moved to approve both signs as recommended. Alderman Dillman seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call: Ayes: Aldermen Crossland, Dillman, Schwent, Brueggemann, Abernathy, Rader, Blechle, Cowan. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Bargman was then asked about those minutes, where signage was approved for the months of March through October, and if the city would be in violation with the city soccer program and the Easter egg hunt.
"Yes, I guess that's what that would mean," stated Bargman.
Though the signage passed through the council, according to Chester City Clerk Nancy Eggemeyer there is not an actual ordinance backing up the signage.
In fact, the city would be in direct violation of the signage when they hold their annual soccer program that is scheduled to start September 25 and runs through early November. The annual Easter egg hunt would also be in violation of the signage as well.
The signage at the complex actually says March through September.
When Bargman was asked why the sign said March through September and not March through October, as approved through the city council, he responded by stating he was responsible for putting the dates on the sign.
Bargman then called Park Board President Steve Jany and asked him where would be a good place for the group to play. Bargman relayed Jany's answer that they could possibly play on the ball field at Cole Park or on the parcel of land at Cohen Complex between the parking lot and Route 3.
According to OSLAD?Grant Administrator Jan Nations, public parks should be used for public use the majority of the time and not the minority of the time.