People who live near Bayfront Park want the town to let everyone visit again instead of keeping it for residents only.
What’s Happening: Chesapeake Beach closed Bayfront Park to non-residents in 2020, and residents voted in 2023 to keep those restrictions through 2025. Now neighbors from surrounding areas are asking town leaders to reopen it to the public.
What’s Important: Several people spoke at a town meeting on Nov. 20, saying the closure might violate the Constitution. One resident pointed to a court ruling that says public parks must stay open to everyone, not just people who live in one town.
What They’re Saying: Mayor Bruce Wahl said he agrees with reopening the park but feels stuck because the previous town leaders let residents vote on keeping it closed.
The Big Picture: Towns across the country have faced similar legal challenges when trying to limit public park access to residents only. Courts have repeatedly ruled that public parks are open forums that must welcome everyone.
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