Mount Agamenticus, York parks rules: Fines for dog mess, campfires, metal detectors
YORK, Maine — New regulations are coming to Mount Agamenticus and the rest of York’s town parks with fines for violations between $300 and $400.
Metal detectors, dogs off leashes, drug use and the construction of bike ramps are among the violations listed in newly drafted rules for park use at Mount Agamenticus. Rules specifically crafted for other parks will be completed in the future as well, according to town officials.
The Mount Agamenticus regulations will be approved this winter by the town Selectboard as part of a years-long effort to formally define Mount A and other town properties as official town parks. Parks and Recreation Director Peter Murray presented the draft regulations to the Selectboard at its Nov. 27 meeting. Chairman Todd Frederick said the board is still accepting feedback from the public.
The regulations are born from the town’s Municipal Parks Ordinance, which was approved by voters in 2021. Several properties in town were formally designated as parks, and the Parks and Recreation Board was directed to craft regulations unique to each one.
“I think everyone has a different perception of what a park is, so, you need to have rules,” Frederick said. “What types of uses are appropriate in those facilities?”
Before the Municipal Parks Ordinance, the only official parks in York were technically separate from the town, like Ellis Park, which is run by a private board of directors, according to former Town Manager Steve Burns. He said he and Planning Director Dylan Smith worked on the Municipal Parks Ordinance to define several town-owned spaces as parks.
The proposed regulations specific to Mount Agamenticus state their purpose is to establish standards for public use. The goal is to promote safe and responsible park use and protect natural resources.
First-time violations of any regulations result in a civil penalty of $300. Second offenses cost $350, and third and subsequent offenses cost $400.
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What activities will be restricted at Mount A
One section of the proposed regulations, titled Park Standards and Restrictions, lists several restricted activities. Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or drugs is prohibited, according to the regulations. Campfires are prohibited unless authorized by the parks and recreation director, as is overnight parking.
Many activities prohibited by the regulations occurred in the past at Mount Agamenticus.
Geocaching, an activity that involves using clues on the internet to complete a scavenger hunt, has been banned because people in the past hid items off trails, according to Murray.
Metal detectors are also among the restricted activities. Selectman Mike Estes asked for clarification on whether people should be able to search for valuables. Murray said people using the devices have been found digging up soil. He said he personally went out to talk to someone who was digging for items and damaging town property.
“If I walked out there and he talked to me and said, ‘Hey, my wife dropped her ring, and I’m looking for it,’ that’s a different situation than, people are essentially treasure hunting,” Murray said.
Building structures like bike ramps has been banned because the structures have occasionally been found left on paths, according to Murray. Bikes are still welcome to use on the trails.
The use of drones is prohibited unless permission is granted by the parks and recreation director. Solicitation, collecting, vending, advertising and commercial activity are not allowed unless authorized.
The regulations state that York Parks and Recreation and the York Police Department are responsible for enforcing the rules. Robin Kerr, the conservation coordinator at Mount Agamenticus, said it is helpful to have a process in place for police assistance in park enforcement.
“We do have those incidents that crop up,” Kerr said. “It’s good to be able to call the PD when we need to.”
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Selectboard support regulations, questions fines
Selectboard members praised the work done on the regulations, giving suggestions on language for clarity.
Board member Mike Estes said he was concerned about the fines for violations. He said $300 might be too high for a list of violations that range from setting fires to merely leaving dog droppings on the ground.
“I’m trying to fathom what violation would create a $300 fine,” Estes said. “I would say those fines are pretty excessive.”
Murray said the fines are in line with what other parks in the country have in their regulations. He said the intent of the regulations is not to give out tickets but to make park guests understand what amounts to appropriate activity.
The new regulations for Mount Agamenticus are expected to serve as a model for rules in other parks that will be crafted next. Other parks in the queue to have regulations include Bog Road and Goodrich Park, according to Murray.
Frederick said the regulations will be finalized without any official public hearing. He said the Selectboard is still welcoming people to reach out with concerns, whether by writing letters or appearing at a meeting.
“We’ll receive public testimony,” Frederick said, “If the public wants to come in and has some concern about it.”
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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York parks, Mount Agamenticus, face new regulations and penalties
