Mention Stonecrop Park and most Sebastian residents would likely reply, “Never heard of it.” Until recently, even Mayor Richard Gillmor “never knew it existed.” But, that will be changing.
Although a handful of residents who live nearby have enjoyed its natural beauty, the undeveloped park, situated on 28 acres along the south prong of the St. Sebastian River, has been officially “closed” as long as almost anyone can remember – for at least 20 years. It might have remained so, had not a resident asked City officials whether the No Trespassing signs posted on the property could be removed. City staff placed it on the Nov. 18 City Council agenda for discussion.
Gillmor went to Stonecrop to see for himself: “I was amazed at how beautiful it is.”
Before the Council meeting, Council member Jim Hill also visited the property and reported back to Council that it is “one of the most beautiful parks in the city. It shows what it was like here 100s of years ago. It would be a shame to keep it closed.”
The City had sent out notices of the “pending opening” of the park to neighboring residents, and several of them were present at the Nov. 18 meeting to express a variety of opinions on possible changes at the park.
One neighbor wants the signs to remain, fearing resident wildlife will be disturbed. He spoke of hazards such as snakes, the nearby river and a “rope swing the kids use, unsupervised. It needs some sort of maintenance. There isn’t anything.”
Another resident offered a different perspective, suggesting Stonecrop would be a beautiful passive park, where residents could enjoy nature. Perhaps, he said, volunteers could be enlisted to help clean it up. “That would be a first step. Maybe the City could give it more TLC.”
One person expressed concern about people “partying there after dark. Why would we want to take the signs down? I’m concerned about the wildlife: the gators and the endangered tortoises – and the kids are using my garbage can.”
“I bought my property because of that park,” another resident told Council. “You should open it. Fix it up. It is a very special property. An asset. It is beautiful back there.”
Council member Andrea Coy commented, “Whatever the reason was to close it is long gone. I support the idea. Let’s open it. And close it at dusk. It shouldn’t take that much.”
City Attorney Robert Ginsburg noted that the city would incur any liability with Stonecrop exactly as with any other city property.
Vice-Mayor Jerome Adams asked what the park’s current purpose is.
“It has no purpose,” City Manager Joe Griffin replied, and suggested bringing the issue to the Parks and Recreation Committee, which could create a plan for developing Stonecrop to bring before the Council.
Council voted unanimously to do just that.
The Recreation Committee got right on it and, after meeting with Parks and Recreation Superintendent Chris McCarthy, agreed the first step would be to clear out the invasive pepper trees that have overtaken much of the park area over the years. McCarthy plans to take the Committee’s suggestion to staff right away.
The No Trespassing signs have already been removed.