Park Sleepovers Prompt Changes in Bell Acres

Bell Acres Councilman Robert Powner was shocked one morning to find someone asleep at 7 a.m. on a picnic table at the municipal park that abuts the .

Powner said the man apparently wanted first dibs on the park pavilion, so he got to the park early and staked his claim.

“They’re sleeping at the table because it’s first come, first serve,” Powner said.

The park at Big Sewickley Creek and Hitzell Hill roads is open to the public, and council members say the warm, summer weather is attracting nice crowds to the basketball courts, playground equipment and picnic pavilion.

handles social hall rentals, which is a paid service, but doesn’t charge to use the pavilion at the park and doesn’t offer signups.

Council discussed plans to begin registrations for the pavilion to prevent sleepovers, fights and other avoidable scenarios.

Council President Dennis Young said he understands the registrations would mean a little extra work in the borough office. However, he said registering with the borough would provide officials a better idea of who is using the park pavilion, and a schedule would give the public a clearer idea of availability.

Officials said rentals could begin in April, and renters could get placards to hang at the pavilion so others know it’s been reserved. Young said Borough has a similar system for people using its park.

Powner said Bell Acres has seen dozens of people enjoying the park, having a good time, which he said is great. The borough wants to see that but would rather not see park sleepovers, he said.

“People sleeping on the table, it just doesn’t look great,” Powner said.