SUMMERDALE, Ala. - The Summerdale Town Council unanimously voted Monday to begin charging a fee to enter the town's Splash Park.

    The item was discussed at the July 5 council work session, and the council agreed to charge all non-Summerdale residents $2 to enter and $5 for a family rate. Summerdale residents still can enter the park for free if they obtain a card and use it at the entrance gate.

    "We feel like the park is an asset to the town and we do not want ti destroyed," Summerdale Mayor David Wilson said.

    This decision comes on the heels of claims made by Wilson that people were leaving trash in the park, cigarette buds were in the filters and people were swimming in a pond which Wilson implied may be the home of a snake.

    "You have people that violate the rules," Wilson said.

    Melody Gilley, of Lillian, asked the council if a non-resident who works in the town, like herself, would be able to have a card and enter for free.

    "Me and my children definitely use and love the Splash Park," Gilley said.

    The council agreed to let those who work in the town have the same privileges as residents.

    Wilson said at a previous work session he believes around 90 percent of the people who use the park are not from Summerdale.

    Park attendants

    The council also unanimously agreed to advertise and hire three Splash Park attendants to oversee and supervise during the hours of use.

    The park is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., which equals 70 hours to fill with shifts for the hired attendants. The position is seasonal, would pay minimum wage and would be preferable for a teenager looking for summer work, Wilson said.

    "It doesn't necessarily have to be for a teenager, but it would be ideal for a teenager," Wilson said.

    The duties of the job would be to collect the fees to enter, pick up trash left behind, enforce the park rules, warn people of dangers and maintain good public relations with guests.

    Wilson said charging non-town residents to enter the park "could possibly cover the costs of hiring attendants.

    "It could be a lot more in our finances."

    Wilson said the ideas of charging some to enter and hiring attendants is something the town will try out.

    "If this doesn't work, we'll try something else. But I feel like this is in the right direction," he said.