By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – A pair of ordinances addressing overnight parking in city parks and alcohol consumption in Washington Square Park were approved by the City of Tomahawk Park and Recreations Committee on Tuesday, June 14.
The ordinances will be forwarded to the City of Tomahawk Common Council for final review.
Overnight parking in city parks
The committee signed off on an ordinance that would prohibit overnight parking in city parks, with some exceptions.
Under the ordinance, parking in city parks would not be allowed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Clerk/Treasurer Amanda Bartz noted that 10 p.m. is when the city’s parks close, and 5 a.m. roughly coincides with the city’s snow removal.
Exceptions were made for designated areas at the SARA Park campground, with payment of the user fee, as well as the SARA Park, Kwahamot and Bradley boat landings, with a valid seasonal or day pass properly displayed.
After discussion, an amendment was made to include instances in which prior approval from the city was received.
Alcohol consumption in Washington Square Park
The committee also gave its approval to an ordinance that would prohibit alcohol consumption in Washington Square Park.
Bartz told the committee an ordinance doing so has seen support on social media.
During discussion, it was noted that although an ordinance prohibiting drinking in Washington Square Park would likely lead to alcohol consumption occurring elsewhere, it would not take place where children may be present, since those who engage in such activites would be forced to relocate.
Bartz noted that she spoke to Tomahawk Police Chief Al Elvins, who said the police department would enforce the ordinance if it is approved at the council level.