The warm days are here with summer beginning "officially" on June 21 -- which is also the longest day of the year. The parks in local communities receive high use by families and individuals for picnics, parties, sports and for relaxation.
We are anticipating record use of the parks owing to high gas prices and the poor economy. The parks are there for public use, and that's exactly why they are there. The more the public uses these resources, the better.
Generally speaking, parks have relatively few problems. And in order to keep them problem free, it requires the collective effort of everyone who uses them. The most common problems are littering and illegal consumption of alcohol. In Ceres, alcohol is banned from all parks in the city. Most parks elsewhere in the community have similar rules. The littering problem can be addressed by persons using the garbage receptacles. We ask that if you see litter, to take a few seconds and pick it up. It is a fact that out-of-control littering starts with just a few pieces of trash. If we all pitch in, our parks can remain pristine.
Vandalism of bathrooms and graffiti should be promptly reported to the police. If you have suspect information, the police will gladly investigate to find the responsible persons.
Conflicts and competition for picnic tables and other park features can be avoided by reserving your space in advance. You can obtain Ceres park rental information online at: http://www.ci.ceres.ca.us/3061.html. If there is a conflict, rather than creating a confrontation, it is best to call the non-emergency police phone number. The police department usually has a reservation list on hand to verify who has the right to use a given picnic site.
Loud music (or other forms of amplified sound) that disturbs others is also prohibited. It is a mistake to assume that other people using the park have your same taste in music. Another nasty problem is that of dog feces being left in the parks. Pets should be on a leash, and it is important to clean up after your pet. It is always upsetting to have to deal with dog droppings in a park where kids play and other activities take place.
Some final things to remember about parks are that cars may only be driven or parked in areas designated for vehicles. Also, many kids are likely to be in and around the park. When driving near a park, be extra cautious and alert for kids running into the street or from between parked cars. City parks, especially those that are clean and safe, are true community assets. Let us all work together to keep them that way.
We are anticipating record use of the parks owing to high gas prices and the poor economy. The parks are there for public use, and that's exactly why they are there. The more the public uses these resources, the better.
Generally speaking, parks have relatively few problems. And in order to keep them problem free, it requires the collective effort of everyone who uses them. The most common problems are littering and illegal consumption of alcohol. In Ceres, alcohol is banned from all parks in the city. Most parks elsewhere in the community have similar rules. The littering problem can be addressed by persons using the garbage receptacles. We ask that if you see litter, to take a few seconds and pick it up. It is a fact that out-of-control littering starts with just a few pieces of trash. If we all pitch in, our parks can remain pristine.
Vandalism of bathrooms and graffiti should be promptly reported to the police. If you have suspect information, the police will gladly investigate to find the responsible persons.
Conflicts and competition for picnic tables and other park features can be avoided by reserving your space in advance. You can obtain Ceres park rental information online at: http://www.ci.ceres.ca.us/3061.html. If there is a conflict, rather than creating a confrontation, it is best to call the non-emergency police phone number. The police department usually has a reservation list on hand to verify who has the right to use a given picnic site.
Loud music (or other forms of amplified sound) that disturbs others is also prohibited. It is a mistake to assume that other people using the park have your same taste in music. Another nasty problem is that of dog feces being left in the parks. Pets should be on a leash, and it is important to clean up after your pet. It is always upsetting to have to deal with dog droppings in a park where kids play and other activities take place.
Some final things to remember about parks are that cars may only be driven or parked in areas designated for vehicles. Also, many kids are likely to be in and around the park. When driving near a park, be extra cautious and alert for kids running into the street or from between parked cars. City parks, especially those that are clean and safe, are true community assets. Let us all work together to keep them that way.
