Safety concerns spur rules for Newberry’s parks

NEWBERRY – Newberry city officials are taking to steps to ensure that the city’s parks will soon be safer for all pedestrians. Signs will be posted that display safety rules, as well as information such as the hours the park is open to the public and the contact numbers to reach the Newberry Parks and Recreation Department.

Triangle Park is the initial impetus behind the initiative. “The idea came about when folks would drive right over the walking trail and up to the pavilion,” said Richard Blalock, the department’s director. “We don’t need vehicles driving around a walking park.”

Signs will also eventually be posted at the city’s East Park, West Park, Downtown Park, Diamond Sports Park, and the Easton Newberry Sports complex.

The rules will span basics such as leashing dogs and picking up after them, as well as no loitering. Other rules include no rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, bikes or motor vehicles. The park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Blalock’s chief concern is about people racing around on wheels because the walking trail is only about four feet wide, which doesn’t allow space for people to get around safely.

Newberry’s city attorney is reviewing City guidelines about designated smoking areas so that the parks will also be smoke-free areas.

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