Now that the county owns four recreation parks, the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners says it’s time to lay down some official rules and regulations for the use of the facilities.
The commissioners are holding a public hearing next month to hear what residents think about the proposed new parks and recreation ordinance.
“The hearing will be about the entire ordinance,” County Administrator Mark Gibson said, “but obviously dogs have come to the forefront as the main issue.”
Right now, the ordinance as written says it’s illegal for anyone to bring any animal, including dogs and cats, into a park, other than service animals, but that’s not written in stone, according to Mr.
Gibson.
After the commissioners hear from the public, they could change the ordinance to allow animals on leashes, limit where animals are allowed, ban animals completely, or make other changes, Mr. Gibson said.
Residents will get to voice their opinion at the public hearing during the commissioners’ regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at County Administrative Building No. 2.
“The new ordinance isn’t a reaction to any specific problem,” Mr. Gibson said, “we’re just trying to be proactive. We’re getting to the point where we need to regulate our parks for the good of the public. That means before, the activities in the park haven't been regulated as to what is or is not permitted. To reduce any confusion, it should be set in advance. Pet ownership just happens to be part of that, and the commissioners want input as to what public opinion is, whether one is a pet owner or not."
Recreation Director Brian Chastain said at one time the department was basically sharing facilities with the school system, but with the recent addition of Westside Park, the county now has four parks, including Pleasant Grove, Dawnville, and Edwards.
The public can read the entire ordinance now on the home page of the county’s website at
www.whitfieldcountyga.com.
Under the proposed ordinance, a list of prohibited acts is included, and law enforcement officers are given the authority to issue citations for violations.
Key parts of the proposed ordinance include:
Sec. 11-11. Swimming.
It shall be unlawful for any person to swim, bathe, or wade in any waters or waterways in or adjacent to a park except in such waters and at such locations as are designated therefor and so posted. Such swimming activity shall be in compliance with regulations pertaining thereto as set forth in this Chapter or hereafter adopted.
Sec. 11-13. Fishing.
(a) Fishing in any lake, pond, or other body of water located within any park or recreational facility by persons with valid fishing licenses or otherwise exempt from such requirement by state or federal law shall be generally permitted in accordance with any posted rules and in accordance with the requirements set forth herein.
(b) All caught fish shall be removed from the hook immediately and returned to the water as quickly as practicable.
(c) No person shall use a barbed hook while fishing in any lake, pond, or other body of water located within any park or recreational facility.
Sec. 11-15. Animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to bring any animal, including, but not limited to dogs or cats, into a park. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person having possession or control of an animal aiding the handicapped (i.e., guide dog) or to police or rescue personnel.