Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	Mayor and City Commission
FROM:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
Date:	November 6, 2008
RE:	Camping on City Property

The City has recently heard a number of concerns from citizens regarding camping on City property. The properties most often utilized for camping are located along the Kansas River - underneath the bridges and in Riverfront Park, Burcham Park, Constant Park, and the Habitat Restoration Area east of Riverfront Mall.

The City does not allow camping in City parks or on City property for various reasons related to health and safety. There are no sanitary facilities, no running water, no trash disposal facilities, and access by emergency services is limited and difficult. For these reasons it is not safe to allow camping in these areas.    

In order to allow citizens to voice their concerns regarding camping on City property, I have added this item to the City Commission’s regular agenda.