ST. LOUIS—The city of St. Louis will not ban vehicle traffic in O’Fallon Park, but is taking new steps to address nuisance behavior at the park located in North St. Louis at Adelaide near Interstate 70.

In recent weeks, Alderwoman Laura Keys raised complaints about people bringing guns onto the grounds, in violation of a city ordinance, as well as concerns about irresponsible driving inside the park. 

“Please respect our park. We know that a good majority of the people who come and utilize the park are not from the area...they don’t live there. But this becomes the place where they come to hang out, and we don’t mind that, That’s what parks are for. They’re recreational places for families and children. But it’s not a place to come and abuse with trash and bad behavior and bringing long guns into the park,” Keys said at an April 26 meeting of the Board of Aldermen. 

A city spokesperson confirmed this week that a “SkyCop” surveillance camera unit was placed at the park Friday to help Park Rangers and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers with “ongoing prevention, intervention and enforcement efforts."

A review of police calls for service at the park show authorities responded to at least two flourishing cases, one shooting and one shots fired call since Jan. 1. In some instances, though, people with concerns are calling Keys and not 9-1-1. Police also say enforcement of the gun law is contingent on the person still being present when police get there to either issue a citation or make an arrest.

While some have wondered if vehicle traffic to the park should be restricted, the same city spokesperson said doing so would hinder first responders from accessing the park in case of emergencies.

Instead, the city plans to “strategically place” concrete blocks to calm and limit traffic” to keep drivers from doing ‘donuts’ at the park.