Community demands better park safety and inclusivity

During a recent city council meeting in Yuma, significant discussions centered around proposed changes to park regulations and a potential charter amendment for city council compensation.

Community members expressed concerns regarding an ordinance that would limit park hours based on lighting conditions. Aliyah Hassin, a local resident, argued that if the city believes inadequate lighting encourages crime, it should prioritize funding to improve lighting in all parks rather than closing them early. She highlighted that the Parks and Recreation Department has access to grants for lighting upgrades, questioning why funds could not be allocated to ensure safety and accessibility in all parks. Hassin also criticized the ordinance's misdemeanor provisions, calling them excessive and unnecessary.

The council addressed questions about marijuana regulations in parks, clarifying that state laws already prohibit smoking in public spaces, thus no local changes were needed. Hassin urged the council to consider public feedback before voting on the ordinance, requesting crime statistics to justify the proposed changes.

In another segment of the meeting, Gary Wright called for a special election to amend the Yuma City Charter, which would adjust compensation for the mayor and council members. The proposed figures are $45,000 for the mayor and $25,000 for council members, which Wright noted is less than a previous failed proposal. The council confirmed that these figures were recommended by a citizen committee and would be revisited in the next meeting for final approval.

The meeting also included updates from council members on various community events, including the grand opening of a new fire station and discussions on affordable housing initiatives. The council plans to provide annual reports from all departments, including public safety, to enhance transparency and accountability.

As the city prepares for upcoming events, including a fireworks celebration for Independence Day, the council emphasized the importance of community engagement and responsiveness to public concerns.