Nick McWilliams reporting – With efforts focusing on improving their village, Dennison officials are keeping a close eye on activities at their parks after a few recent incidents.
Police Chief Todd Beeman discussed a recent run-in with some youths who he said were acting improperly and causing a disturbance.
Mayor Greg DiDonato says that Beeman usually goes out in his own time to handle such situations, and that they are not aiming to punish anyone, instead focusing on making the village a peaceful place for residents.
“It is important for us that we don’t let a group become unruly [with] unnecessary language infringing on everyone else. Go ahead and play basketball. Go ahead and do what you can, but not everyone needs to hear the vulgar language, especially a little kid in a family. And we don’t need people coming in and stirring stuff up.”
He also cited an incident involving adolescents climbing in the rafters of a picnic shelter and flipping one of the park tables, which was eventually put back after Beeman asked the group to do so.
DiDonato says that last year, the village dealt with similar issues, and have cameras and signs posted to try and prevent unwelcome behavior or destructive actions. The village normally shows parents or guardians footage of incidents to correct situations, rather than deal with a direct punishment.
Officers will continue to monitor parks closely, and note that the vast majority of people who use the facilities are cordial.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2023