Assistant City Administrator Jenny McCauley presented a parks ordinance proposal that would make a South Carolina fishing license valid for city waterways and, specifically for Brick Pond Park, remove fishing and boat access from the ponds in the Center Street area.

At the meeting, McCauley and councilmembers clarified that staff’s intent is to protect sensitive wildlife and to reduce hazardous unattended gear; a Brick Pond Committee member, cited by a councilmember, reported finding a bird entangled in fishing line and emphasized bird and wildlife impacts. A councilmember said the largest lake historically used by anglers “looked like the best one to fish at” and expressed disappointment at losing that access. McCauley said the recommendation stems from the Brick Pond Committee’s observations and staff will present the ordinance for a council vote next Monday.

Next steps: the ordinance will be before council at the next regular meeting; if adopted, the city will prohibit fishing and boats in the named Brick Pond areas and will publicize permitted uses elsewhere in city waterways.