EAST LIVERPOOL - After finding evidence of drug activity in the parking lots of Thompson Park, Superintendent Robb Kenny asked the board Friday to consider imposing an 11 p.m. curfew.
Kenny said he has found bags apparently used to contain drugs - some of them still filled - and said residents who live near the park have witnessed drug deals taking place, primarily near the pool area but also in the main parking lot along Parkway.
"The two parking lots are harboring drug activity at night," Kenny complained, saying that, usually, such activity seems to subside as the weather improves but said, "This year it's not taming out. Now, it's almost every day."
He suggested having a curfew would help the situation.
Board President Burl Warrick asked who would enforce the curfew and suggested Kenny meet with the police chief to ask for stepped up patrols.
"If you see any activity, don't hesitate to call the police; don't get involved (with anyone engaged in such activity)," Warrick cautioned Kenny, who said he had come face-to-face with a man exiting the restroom, leaving behind a strong odor of drugs.
Warrick said, "After a short period of time, if there is a police presence, (those involved in the activity) will find greener pastures."
Representing the East Liverpool Improvement Association, Phillip Davis addressed the board to say the group is building a calendar of activities designed to help other groups and said it would be interested in helping clean the park.
Board member Samantha Kinemond is also a member of the group, and Davis said it is the association's intention to have a representative at each park board meeting.
Earlier, Kenny had spoken about planting flowers in the park, and members agreed it would be a good idea to get children involved in such a project, giving them a reason to respect the park and cut down on vandalism. Davis agreed that his group would also be willing to organize such a group of young people.
Kinemond said she has started a Facebook page for the park and photos of the park have been submitted for the page. She said anyone having events at the park should contact her to have the information placed on the page.
Kenny said he has been clearing brush and trees from the last nine of the disc golf course, which he said is "pretty overgrown," with some help from a Hookstown, Pa. volunteer.
The course goes right by a gas well head where some small trees need removed, Kenny told the board, but Warrick and member Wink Smith advised him they would rather he moved the "hole" - actually a basket - from the area around the well head.
Smith directed Kenny to set up a meeting with the contractor and school officials regarding the ballfield project, so it can be determined how much the school district can pay toward the improvements..
"We've been spending a lot of Patrick Family money so far," Warrick said.
Also discussed was the need for a mapping system for park trails, and Warrick suggested Kenny contact Howells & Baird Inc. for an estimate.
