Police Chief eases Commissioner's minds on Van Epp

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A fence now separates Van Epps Park from a parking lot used by Minnehaha County employees at Minnesota Avenue and 6^th Street.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel says a liquor ban at Van Epps and Towers Parks won’t solve the root problem.  Barthel knows park goers willl continue to drink but he hopes they'll go to someone's house or apartment.

 He also realizes that shuffling the people around town won't be a solution either, but he says having the intoxicated take over city parks is no answer either.  

Barthel today briefed the Minnehaha County Commission on the law enforcement efforts in the park. Some county workers were growing increasingly concerned about their safety and personal property in the parking lot next to Van Epps             

The City Council will consider banning alcohol in the parks in October.