Loitering definition debated as Latrobe considers amending rules governing parks

Latrobe Council is considering changing the city’s parks ordinance to prohibit feeding of wildlife in recreational areas.

But city officials aren’t so sure about language for addressing loitering.

At the city’s agenda meeting Monday , councilman Jim Kelley questioned whether a prohibition against loitering might be interpreted to prevent a group of citizens from sitting together to chat at Legion Keener Park. He pointed to wording indicating visitors should be “engaged in recreational activity” while at the park.

“If they’re having a picnic, they’re not loitering,” said Craig Shevchik, director of the Latrobe-GLSD Parks and Recreation organization that operates parks in the city. “If they’re talking or playing cards, they’re not loitering.”

Shevchik said he would be more concerned about someone lying on a park bench and preventing others from sitting on it, or older youths or adults congregating on play apparatus, blocking younger children from enjoying it.

“We want to make sure we’re not having people that are down there hanging out,” he said. “They’re doing nothing recreational. They’re not using the facilities correctly.

“If people that are using the park the way it’s supposed to be feel intimidated, feel threatened, because of your presence, that is loitering.”

City Solicitor John Greiner said some of the objectionable conduct that parks officials want to discourage, such as using obscene language or playing loud music, could best be addressed through a disorderly conduct citation.

“I do think that, if you’ve got somebody there who is causing problems, it’s really beyond loitering,” Greiner said. “It’s inappropriate behavior. Police officers can address that with the disorderly conduct statute.”

Police Chief John Sleasman agreed.

Greiner recommended against trying to list a series of specific conduct or types of speech that would be prohibited on park grounds.

“That’s when you really run into trouble with folks contesting the constitutionality,” he said.

Kelley said he would like to have all fires banned at parks in the city, but Shevchik pointed out barbecue grills are located in picnic areas at Legion Keener. That park is privately owned but is available for public use.

Fire Chief John Brasile suggested the parks ordinance specify the types of materials that can be burned in the grills.

“We’ve had issues in the past with kids going down there and making huge fires with logs and twigs and leaves,” he said.

Shevchik has noted that geese have become a nuisance at city parks. The proposed amendment would ban feeding of the fowl, as well as birds and squirrels.

Greiner said he would work with Shevchik and city manager Michael Gray to draft the amendment to the parks ordinance.

City officials have attempted to educate owners that dogs aren’t allowed at Legion Keener but may be walked on a leash at two other recreational sites in Latrobe – Creekside Park and a trail that parallels Lincoln Avenue.