04/28/2026
Over the past four months as Director, I have observed several recurring issues that need to be addressed within our parks, sports complex, and recreation programs. This memo serves as a reminder of the expectations we have for all patrons, participants, coaches, and families who utilize our facilities.
The vast majority of visitors respect our spaces and follow posted guidelines. However, a small number of recurring issues continue to create concerns that require clear communication and consistent adherence moving forward. Posted rules exist to protect our facilities, ensure safety, and create a positive experience for everyone. We ask all users to follow these guidelines and those posted within the parks while enjoying our parks and recreation amenities.
1 Clean up after use of facilities
Please dispose of all trash in designated receptacles throughout our facilities. Litter has been left in gyms after basketball games, on bleachers at the sports complex and soccer fields, and in dugouts and on benches. Taking care of our facilities is essential, and it directly impacts our ability to maintain and improve these spaces for the future. We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep our parks clean and welcoming.
2 Keep golf activity off sports fields
Sports fields are not to be used as personal golf driving ranges. Staff have recently identified divots and damage on multiple fields consistent with golf ball impacts. This type of activity damages playing surfaces and undermines the time, effort, and resources invested by our Park Maintenance and Recreation teams. Please use dedicated golf facilities for practice and keep golf clubs and balls off all sports fields.
3 Maintain appropriate conduct at youth sports events
The conduct of some adults at youth sporting events this spring has been disappointing and does not reflect the values of our programs. Coaches, parents, and, at times, officials have engaged in behavior inconsistent with the positive environment we strive to create. Youth sports are about providing children with a fun, safe, and encouraging experience while helping them grow on and off the field. Competition is healthy, but disagreements over calls, playing time, or positions should never result in disruptive or disrespectful behavior. All families should feel comfortable supporting their teams without concern for inappropriate conduct from others.
4 Follow parking rules and designated parking areas
We understand that parking can sometimes be difficult at busy events, and we are actively working to address these challenges as part of ongoing improvements at the sports complex. However, parking in bike lanes, fire lanes, grass areas, or locations that are not designated parking spaces creates safety concerns for pedestrians, emergency access, and traffic flow.
This weekend, the Trussville Police Department issued warnings to vehicles parked in bike lanes and other non-designated areas.
Beginning next week, enforcement will transition to citations. In order to keep pedestrians safe and maintain orderly traffic flow, it is vital that all visitors park only in designated parking spaces.
Additionally, the Trussville Police Department will continue addressing illegal parking throughout the sports complex and surrounding facilities. This includes ensuring that vehicles parked illegally in handicap-accessible spaces are held accountable. Handicap parking spaces exist to provide necessary access for those with disabilities, and misuse of these designated spaces will not be tolerated. We ask all visitors to respect these areas and park responsibly to ensure accessibility and safety for everyone.
As Director, I remain committed to ensuring our sports programs, recreational activities, and facilities provide a safe, clean, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants. The Parks and Recreation team will continue to support these standards and work toward improvements that benefit the entire community. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain facilities that everyone can enjoy.
Chris Mills
Director of Trussville Parks and Rec
