On patrol again in city parks
The City of Charlottetown is once again writing a cheque to cover security at all of its parks.
Council approved a resolution at its monthly public meeting on Monday to accept the bid of $40,022 from Atlantic Private Protection Services, the same firm the city has been using since 2010.
The contract will see roughly 85 of the city’s parks patrolled seven days a week. Victoria Park is a different matter.
“The contract will provide security for Victoria Park for four days or four evenings — Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,’’ said Coun. Mitchell Tweel, chairman of the parks and recreation department.
“We need to fill a void for the other three days and we’re working on that with the parks and recreation department and the city police department to come up with a plan.’’
Security of Victoria Park will include foot patrols.
Tweel expects the patrols to begin over the holiday weekend this month.
He adds that security of all of the parks is a rather large assignment.
“We also have approximately 25 to 30 sports fields which include soccer, football, baseball and softball. It’s a pretty big responsibility and a pretty big assignment, but I look forward to the service being provided.’’
The city also invested $244,000 in new playground equipment this year that it would like to see stay in good shape – in other words, not be vandalized.
However, Tweel stresses his major concern is with Victoria Park — in particular — drinking, drugs and other activities such as vandalism and graffiti.
“We’re now looking through a security plan, a plan of action, (and we’re) looking to have it submitted to the Charlottetown police department to once again coincide with the contract for the four evenings in Victoria Park.’’
The councillor asks if residents see anything that shouldn’t be in the park to call the parks and recreation department or the police.
“If we need additional forces or security, then I’m certainly willing to bring that forward.’’
Atlantic Private Protection Services works with one vehicle and one officer for the major of parks in the city. Victoria Park gets one vehicle and two officers.
“They are there to take note of what is happening in the park, and if there is a concern they are to make a record of it and immediately call the Charlottetown Police Department.’’
Regardless of what pans out, Tweel said one thing is clear when it comes to all of the city’s parks.
“We have to have a presence.”