Fred Hayes Park in Bristol VA closed out of “concern for public safety”

A social media post from Bristol, Virginia leaders says Fred Hayes Park was closed out of concern for public health and safety. According to the city, there had been “repeated incidents of people defecating in public areas and leaving used needles on the grounds.” City officials wrote that those conditions made the park unsafe. The post states city leaders decided to close the park years ago because of the recurring issues and that reopening the Park without a way to manage the hazards and ensure public safety would be irresponsible.