People experiencing homelessness are voicing anger after officials in a Northern California city announced plans to shut down the park many of them have been using as a place to stay, citing ongoing drug activity and public safety concerns.
Sam Brannan Park in Yuba City is set to close on Sept. 1 while the city moves ahead with what leaders call necessary security improvements. The decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from some people who live in or regularly visit the park.
“I’m madder than hell. That’s putting it politely,” Terri Arnold, who has been staying at the park, told KCRA 3. “If they put the fence up, I got wire cutters,” she said.
City officials say Sam Brannan Park has struggled in recent years with a range of problems, including drug use, assaults, vandalism and domestic violence. The park has generated one of the highest numbers of police service calls in Yuba City over the past three years, including nearly 150 calls in just the first five months of this year.
The 8-acre park, located off Gray Avenue next to Gray Avenue Middle School, is among Yuba City’s oldest and largest public parks.
“The city wants to recapture its very old and very valued Sam Brannan Park. And this is just a step in the process. It’s temporary,” Yuba City Mayor Marc Boomgaarden said during a City Council meeting. “And I think when it’s all said and done, we’ll have our park back and people will enjoy being able to go to the park. Plus, we’re going to get a dog park.”
The Yuba City Council voted last week to temporarily close Sam Brannan Park while crews install security upgrades, including cameras, improved lighting, fencing and electronic gate access. Council members approved $265,000 for the project.
“I’ve seen ambulances and the fire department come here and people have to get resuscitated, and it’s something that should not be going on at a children’s park,” frequent park-goer Karisa Davis told the Sacramento-based station.
The park is named after California pioneer and Yuba City founder Sam Brannan. It features playgrounds, open grassy areas, picnic and barbecue areas, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, swimming and wading pools, and a waterwise demonstration garden.
“It’s so many elements of that park that we want to make better, but ultimately we’re doing it for the public and specifically the kids that are going to school right next door,” Yuba City City Manager Robert Bendorf said.
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