GEORGETOWN, Del.- A pick up game in the streets of Georgetown may soon be illegal.
The town is considering a ban on kids playing in the road following complaints and concerns over safety.
"The concern is to keep kids safe," said councilwoman Linda Dennis. "Give them a wonderful opportunity to be outside, as opposed to be indoors, but also to keep them safe."
The complaints involved ball games taking over streets; the safety concerns revolve around children getting hit by cars.
The proposal does not carry any fines.
The council decided to hold off on the measure at its July 11th meeting to explore additional park or play space for children. Town leaders will revisit plans from 2004 and 2005 to upgrade the town-leased park on North Bedford Street. The park includes some swings and benches.
Wilson Park, Layton-Thompson Park and The Circle are owned by the town.
"We have some land, some vacant land that belongs to the town itself," said Dennis. "The question is what would it be adequately suited for because it's not a tremendous open space area."
The council will also have to consider costs and funding. Dennis said the hope is to find volunteers for an advisory committee to consider options and report back to council at a future date.
Ulises Gomez, 14, of Georgetown, met a friend at the North Bedford Street park for an afternoon game of soccer. He said the park keeps him out of trouble but noted improvements are needed.
"What we need is some equipment," said Gomez.
Volunteers interested in helping with the committee should contact the Georgetown Town Hall at (302) 856-7391.
Kids play soccer at North Bedford Street Park in Georgetown, Del. (Photo: WBOC)
