BUXTON, Maine — Buxton police charged 40 people and arrested two for trespassing on Pleasant Point Park over the weekend.
The park was closed by the town of Buxton last week due to improper public use of the park and a total lack of regard for its rules.
Over the weekend, more than 40 people visited the park, ignoring its closure, and left more litter and trash for the town to clean up.
Julie Gamelson, a Buxton resident and park trustee who helps take care of the park, said, "The people who live here just want to come down for a picnic or swim and they feel like they can’t because it’s kind of dangerous all the wildness going on down here."
The park will be closed per order of the town selectmen for the foreseeable future for a “cooling-off period.”
Buxton Police Chief Troy Cline is asking people not to come to the park or "face the consequences."
"If you come to this park, rest assured, in violation of these postings it’s not a question of whether or not you will be charged," Cline said. "I’m telling you from the chief of police you will be charged and if you choose to be combative, argumentative or disrespectful you will be arrested."
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Friday, July 17, 2020
The Buxton Police Department has announced Pleasant Point Park, located on the Simpson Road in Buxton, has been forced to close, effective immediately.
Police say over the past several weeks, the town has seen an increase in what they call an increased disregard for park rules and respect for the public property.
Police say violations include dangerous parking practices on public roads and around the park, a disregard of the ban of alcohol in the park, an overall disregard for proper care of the park, and violations of state-mandated COVID-19 social-distancing practices.
There have also been reports that park-goers are throwing rocks and other debris at those boating on the river, according to police.
Park caretakers recently cleaned up 336 empty beer cans and bottles, 92 soda cans, 21 liquor bottles, 15 rubber floats, and multiple bags of trash.
Police say this cannot be allowed to continue and will not be tolerated.
While the town considers how to best deal with these ongoing problems, the park will remain closed. The gate to the park is closed and locked, the area will be posted, and police will be enforcing the closure with criminal charges for those who ignore the closure mandate.
The Buxton Police Department will be seeking assistance from the Maine Warden’s Service to enforce rules and regulations on the river.
Police direct any questions to Chief Troy Cline at 207-929-6612.
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