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Enforcement helps Lithia Park regain charm Mail Tribune photos / Drew Fleming The Central Area Patrol of Ashland sees to it that the rules and regulations of the city's parks are followed, as well as serving as an unofficial information service for visitors. Officer Teri DeSilva, above with bike, discusses procedures for music playing with Caleb Shrod, 19, of Ashland (on guitar) and Luke Wimer, 16, also of Ashland. CAP officers in the background are, from left, Courtney Lucas, Jose Cardona and Jenny Bridges. Special patrol helps restore tranquility By JILL BRISKEY ASHLAND - Five years ago, Lithia Park was on the verge of losing its charm and allure for locals and tourists alike. Aggressive panhandlers and transients illegally camped in the park were creating problems for everyone, recalls Ashland police officer Teri DeSilva. "Parents were concerned that it just wasn't safe in the park anymore," DeSilva said. "The police department became actively involved. We also took a stance as a community for zero tolerance." City officials, police, the parks department and the chamber of commerce took action. A Central Area Patrol officer was assigned to the downtown. Merchants posted signs discouraging pan-handling. A popular bench used by panhandlers was removed. Lithia Park's rules There are several rules regarding Lithia Park enforced by Ashland Park Patrol officers. The park is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. Alcohol is prohibited. Dogs are not allowed. Bicycles or skateboards cannot be ridden in the park. People cannot sleep on park benches. Visitors cannot "annoy" other park patrons. Drumming is only permitted on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 3-5 p.m. Panhandling and overnight camping aren't allowed. Vendors must obtain a permit in order to sell or display their products. Performing for money or services is not allowed. DeSilva, who now serves as the downtown CAP officer, said the Ashland Park Patrol stepped in to restore the peace and serenity associated with Lithia Park. "They were a great deterrent," she said. "They helped create a park that can be enjoyed by everyone, from babies to grandparents and everyone in between." Active for about 10 years, Ashland Park Patrol operates daily between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. from May 15 to Sept. 15. During the summer months, nine officers and DeSilva - who coordinates the group - patrol Ashland's 18 parks. "We're walking information centers," jokes officer Jenny Bridges. "We get all kinds of questions, from where does this path go to where's the best place to eat." Park patrol is financed through the Ashland Parks Department in a partnership with the police department, DeSilva said. Each park presents a unique challenge to officers. At Garfield Park, crews deal mainly with families. At Ashland's skate park, officers interact with many youngsters and enforce helmet and alcohol rules. "When they see us, they usually put one on right away," officer Jason Rogers said. "Everybody's pretty cool at the skate park. We never have a lot of problems." If kids don't have a helmet, officers can lend head gear, which is donated by LowDown Board Shop, to visitors for the day. At Lithia Park, another duty includes locating transient camps. If one is found, officers will post a notice. The property is seized 24 hours later and the owner must claim the belongings at the police station. While on duty, park patrol officers can cite violators for crimes such as possession of marijuana. They can issue a warning or citation to visitors who ride bikes, consume liquor or walk pets into prohibited areas. "Our job is to enforce the park rules," patrol officer David Setum said. "If something bigger comes up, we contact (Ashland) police." Park patrol officers - who ride bicycles from park to park and conduct patrols on foot - do not carry weapons. They do, however, have radios, a first-aid kit and treats such as stickers or free ice cream certificates for well-behaved children. "It's another form of community policing," officer Courtney Lucas said. "It's an awesome experience. You're being paid to exercise and be outside." Park patrol officers ensure that everybody enjoys themselves while visiting a city park, DeSilva added. "We welcome the diversity, but everyone has to follow the rules," DeSilva said. "That way, everybody has a good time." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.