From the Northern Lights to the rare Tsuchinshan Atlas comet, Waynesboro residents have enjoyed the view of the sky that Sunset Park offers.
The former city landfill has been transformed into a public greenspace offering sweeping views of Waynesboro, Staunton, and on a clear day, Rockbridge County.
City residents were baffled on Wednesday when the Parks and Recreation Department posted new hours on social media with a closing time of 7 p.m., effective immediately.
Since its opening on June 4, Sunset Park has been open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. On Thursday, those hours were changed to 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More than 50 comments were posted to the social-media thread with many questioning city staff about the adjusted closing time.
The city appeared to respond to the feedback on Thursday by removing the original post and comments and announcing that the hours would remain 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Nov. 3. However, when Daylight Savings Time kicks in on Nov. 4, winter hours will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The sunset typically happens around 5 p.m. in the winter in Waynesboro.
Some residents thanked the city for the compromise, but others remained disappointed.
“I think 7 is early if you are trying to enjoy the overlook at night, star watching, etc.,” wrote city resident Jeff Mininger on the thread. “What’s the big deal? Waynesboro doesn’t staff it. They just set a timer on the gate.”
The city’s website shows Sunset Park having seasonal hours with the 10 p.m. closing time in the spring and summer, and the 7 p.m. closing time for fall and winter.
The director of Parks and Recreation, Dwayne Jones, told AFP that the adjustment to the hours is “to reduce potential security and vandalism issues that typically occur during nighttime hours.”
Jones said there haven’t been any problems to date.
“It is preventative based on my 30 years in the business,” Jones said.
Other city parks including Ridgeview Park, Basic Park, Constitution Park, Coyner Springs Park, Rife Park and North Park are open sunrise to sunset, according to the city’s website.
AFP has reached out to the city police department for any reports of vandalism and/or security issues since the park’s opening.
Related stories
Search “Sunset Park” on Augusta Free Press.
Grand opening, dedication ceremony set for Waynesboro’s Sunset Park
Waynesboro embraces connection to outdoors; prepares to open Sunset Park to the public
Sunset Park in Waynesboro has potential to be open by end of year
Sunset Park under construction with $2.5 million price tag, trails on hold
Can Sunset Park help Waynesboro reach its potential as a destination?
Sunset Park: Waynesboro actually moves forward with a good idea
Waynesboro approves Sunset Park: Former landfill to become recreation hub
Share
Crystal Graham
