Flandreau City Council members are still debating the best way to address the need for a curfew in local city parks.
Overnight vandalism has occasionally been a concern, but more recently, complaints about people camping in parks and other areas not intended for camping have increased. Local authorities currently have no legal basis to ask someone of legal age and sober to leave a park “unless they’re doing something mischievous,” City Attorney Cory Bruning told council members during their most recent meeting.
Neighbors near Duncan Park specifically hope something can be done.
The City Council is considering ordinance 621, which would establish park hours citywide. However, no one on the council feels the language is correct yet, particularly because City Park would be included in any blanket curfew ordinance. With residential homes, overnight camping spots, and events such as dances, receptions, and ballgames that often extend past typical park hours, there are concerns among residents and council members that a blanket ordinance would create a hassle for both park users and law enforcement.
“If I’m camping at City Park and I run somewhere at 10:30 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m., am I automatically stopped?” Alderman Brad Bjerke asked.

Currently, there is no ordinance to deter late-night or overnight activity and loitering in any city park other than a curfew for individuals under 18.
Mayor Dan Sutton expressed neutrality in the discussion. “I haven’t heard that we have a significant problem. I know Duncan Park sometimes gets used later at night, but if there’s riffraff, our cops get them out of there without an ordinance,” Sutton said.
Bruning recommended considering specific park hours if problems are isolated. “If only Duncan Park has issues, set hours only for Duncan Park. City Park, with private property and scheduled events, might not need such restrictions,” he said.
He, along with City Administrator Cohl Turnquist, emphasized the need for some action, noting recent complaints about non-minors sleeping in the parks and minor vandalism incidents.
Alderman Yeaton proposed a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for all parks except City Park, with signage posted to inform the public and support law enforcement efforts.
“Our goal is not to trick people but to encourage appropriate behavior,” Bruning stated. The council tabled the discussion until the next meeting, seeking further input and revisions to the proposed ordinance.
In other business, the council approved a new retail on/off-sale Malt Beverage and SD Wine license for a new Latino grocery store scheduled to open at 212 E 2nd Avenue. The owner, Nitza Rubenstein, formerly owned Fajitas Bar and Grill. Her new location will be across from Crystal Theatre.
A reminder was also given that an open house is scheduled for this Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the new Fire Station, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.