Vandalism at Yazoo City’s parks has been a persistent problem over the years, and the new Parks & Recreation director believes he has a simple solution.
Sedric Hudson said that park facilities are now locked at night when the parks are closed and new lighting has been added to discourage mischief.
“I personally make sure that they are locked at night and unlocked in the morning,” Hudson said. “We have also installed new lights at all of the facilities because one thing about lighting is that it will deter mischief and other activities that have been going on at the parks at night.”
Vandalism has been an ongoing issue, notably at the restrooms at the Wardell Leach Recreational Complex. Most of the problems were happening at night after the parks were closed. Hudson said that locked doors in well-lit areas should reduce those problems.
Hudson told the Mayor and Board of Aldermen last week that he is working on many new projects to improve the local parks and provide a safer atmosphere.
One of Hudson’s goals is to get all staff members CPR certified.
“That is very important because they will be able to do CPR if something happens at one of our parks,” Hudson said. “That could save someone’s life.”
Hudson said that he has also implemented an emergency plan in case there is a bomb threat at any of the local parks.
Ward 4 Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. asked if Hudson plans to enforce rules against having dogs in the parks.
“There are dogs all over our parks, and they’re defecating all over the walking track,” Brent said. “There have also been horses defecating on the walkway.”
Brent said another issue is children riding bicycles on the walking track while people are trying to walk.
“That’s dangerous, and I know it’s a problem because I walk out there every day,” Brent said.
Brent said he also is concerned about foul language used by some young people who are playing basketball that can be heard by people who are walking on the track.
“What are your plans for enforcing the rules and regulations at the parks,” Brent asked.”The parks need monitoring.”
Hudson said he is willing to do whatever he needs to do to make sure the parks are safe and the rules are followed. He said that he personally monitors the parks as much as possible, and he will make sure that his telephone number is posted so that he can be contacted if he is needed.
“If there is a problem, you can contact me, and I will be there in a hurry,” Hudson said.
Hudson said that he spoke to a park visitor recently who had brought a dog to the park.
“I pointed out to him that dogs are not allowed to the park, and he told me that he respected that, and he left,” Hudson said. “If I see a problem, I’m going to handle it.”
Mayor Diane Delaware said that she appreciates Hudson’s efforts, and she doesn’t expect him to correct problems that have existed for some time overnight.
“There is some very entrenched behavior, and I appreciated the work you’re doing to change it, but I don’t expect you to do it overnight,” Delaware said. “Stick to your vision and have a plan.”
