Bainbridge Public Safety Director Eric Miller said city officials are taking steps toward ending a rash of vandalism at the Bill Reynolds Sports Park and the Earle May Boat Basin.

There have been several recent incidents of someone damaging city property, including bathrooms, batting cages and other permanent fixtures in the city’s recreation area, Miller said.

In response, the city government is placing video surveillance cameras at different locations in the hopes of catching vandals in the act.

Also, Public Safety is offering a $500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone who vandalizes city property at the sports park or the Boat Basin, Miller said.

“It’s a shame that a handful of people would choose to damage the recreational facilities that so many others enjoy,” Miller said. “They’re there for everyone to enjoy, so to keep it that way, we’re going to take action to catch those responsible for the damage.”

 

City to get tough on parking violations

Miller announced that his officers will soon begin ticketing anyone who parks illegally on city streets, particularly in alleyways.

To keep alleyways clear for officers and other emergency responders, ‘No Parking’ signs will be put up. Officers will give warnings for a month, after which time they will start issuing tickets to anyone who parks in alleyways.

“Violators will be given 14 days to pay the parking ticket at City Hall,” Miller explained. “After 14 days, the price will double and if the ticket has not been paid within a month, the violator will be mailed a State of Georgia traffic citation.”

Miller also reminded people who regularly park on the side of city streets that they must park their car with the flow of traffic, not against it. Under city ordinance, drivers must also obey any posted ‘No Parking” signs and not park in any manner which obstructs the movement of another vehicle.

“Our parking fines have increased and we’re going to continue enforcing our ordinances and state law,” Miller said.