In the past several weeks the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in incidents at several Stearns County Parks. Quarry Park in Waite Park has experienced a large number of thefts, fights, alcohol, and drug violations.
This week, the Sheriff’s Office will be implementing several methods to keep our parks safe and to foster a sense of security for those wishing to use the parks for recreational purposes and not criminal purposes.
For the foreseeable future, the public will see increased staffing of officers combined with zero tolerance for violations of park ordinances. This effort will focus on ordinances related to drug and alcohol use. All violations will be cited accordingly, and offending park visitors may be trespassed from the park where the violation occurs. These are several of the tools and methods that will be implemented to deter criminal activity in the parks.
“It is unfortunate that some people go to the parks only to create problems, drink to excess, and steal when most people are just trying to enjoy the parks that Stearns County has to offer. This stepped-up enforcement and presence is a way to deter this activity and promote a welcoming park atmosphere. Overall, the Stearns County Park System is safe, but we have experienced trouble at a few, caused by a few.” says Sheriff Soyka.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office reminds Quarry Park patrons that possessing alcohol in Quarry Park is a violation of county ordinance. It is recommended that park visitors review the county park ordinances prior to any visit. Those ordinances can be found on the Stearns County website.