There is a lot of buzz recently about the proposed change in City of San Marcos park rules to prohibit the public consumption of alchohol, but there are many more aspects to the proposed change, which is now being voted on at the May 1st City Council meeting. Here is a sum-up of the proposed changes from the San Marcos Mercury (3/20/12).
An ordinance approved on the first of two votes Tuesday night creates these changes to rules for San Marcos parks and natural areas:
- Makes the consumption or display of alcoholic beverages on park land prohibited. Provides for access and egress to the river with a “no open container” rule;
- Includes refined definitions for the codes;
- Makes provisions of all park codes apply in Natural areas and Green Spaces owned by the City;
- Includes disruptive conduct provisions for programs approved by the department operating on city parks areas;
- Increases the minimum fine amount for littering in the San Marcos River;
- Prohibits smoking and tobacco products in play areas and athletic fields;
- Clears up miscellaneous provisions on posting of temporary restrictions;
- Authorizes the Park Director to establish rules for use of BBQ pits;
- Prohibits the use of Styrofoam materials in the parks and river;
- Adds the possession of certain fishing spears and gigs and allows parks programming exemptions;
- Prohibits the possession of alcohol on any dam owned by the city;
- Requires the securing of lids and covers to containers in the San Marcos River
