Mayor closes park overnight due to citizen concerns

A controversy in an Anderson County town has prompted a temporary shut down of a popular park. In a post on Facebook, Williamston mayor Rocky Burgess addressed concerns some have expressed about a person on the sex offender registry attending an event or church service held at the Mineral Springs Park.

The park, across the street from City Hall, features an amphitheater and other covered areas where events and occasional church services are held, however a permit is required to reserve and use those facilities. Burgess in a Facebook post said he would not issue a permit for any protest that is near or would interfere with a church service in the park.

The mayor has said the park will be closed Friday at 5 PM and reopen at 7 AM Saturday morning. Burgess said the Williamston Police Department has been made aware of this decision and will handle it accordingly.

Mayor Burgess posted the following on his Facebook page Thursday.

"I want to address a situation head-on so there is no confusion. I do not have the legal authority to prevent a registered sex offender from being present at Mineral Spring Park during a scheduled worship service. At the same time, there have been claims circulating that I am somehow trying to protect that individual—which is absolutely not true. My responsibility is to maintain public safety, uphold the law, and prevent situations that could escalate or disrupt the peace. With that in mind, Mineral Spring Park will be closed to everyone tomorrow beginning at 5:00 PM. The park will reopen at 7 AM Saturday morning. This decision was not made lightly, but it is the most responsible course of action to ensure the safety of all involved and to avoid potential conflict. The police department has been made aware. Thank you for your attention to this matter.– Mayor Rockey Burgess"