Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Mayor Shaunna O’Connell would like to remind community members of heightened security measures that will be implemented at Hopewell Park this summer.
In an effort to keep the Hopewell Park area safe and enjoyable for all this summer, the Taunton Police Department, the City of Taunton and the Parks and Recreation Department will work together to enforce several security measures relating to vandalism, trespassing, and the misuse of all-terrain vehicles and bikes.
City officials would like to remind parents and guardians that any child caught vandalizing property (or committing other criminal offenses) at Hopewell Park will be charged by the Taunton Police Department.
Similarly, anyone caught jumping the fence and entering the pool facility after hours will be issued a no trespass order and will be banned from Hopewell Park for the summer.
To ensure that everyone is complying with City rules and regulations at Hopewell Park, there will be increased patrols conducted by members of the Taunton Police Department and additional security guards hired by the Parks and Recreation Department that will oversee activity happening at the facilities. There have also been new surveillance cameras that have been posted in the area.
The police department would also like to once again remind residents of all laws and ordinances regulating the use of ATVs and bikes on public roadways and at City-owned facilities and parks will be strictly enforced. The Police Department will be conducting increased patrols in targeted areas, including Hopewell Park and surrounding streets, in addition to their routine patrols to address reports of youth operating all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and bicycles in an erratic manner.
Chapter 405 of the City of Taunton’s Code of Ordinances states that the prohibited hazardous operation of recreational vehicles, including ATVs and motorized bikes, includes:
- riding a recreational vehicle with its front wheel, rear wheel or side wheel raised from the surface of the road or ground while operated in any public space.
- riding with feet or knees planted on the seat while operating in any public space.
- operating such vehicle in a manner commonly associated with trick or stunt riding.
The Taunton Police Department has the authority to enforce any provision of this ordinance and to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and enforce this ordinance. Penalties for violating these ordinances include a $300 fine, when applicable, with each day constituting a separate offense.
The Police Department also has the authority to impound any recreational vehicle found in violation of this ordinance, especially if it impedes traffic, threatens public safety or there is a danger of vandalism and/or property damage to the recreational vehicle. To read more about the ordinance, click here.
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