UPDATED MAY 23, 2022 AT 12:57 PM EST.
The city of Columbus plans to add temporary lighting and surveillance cameras in city parks following several recent shooting in or around parks.
City council is scheduled to vote Monday on a $500,000 contract with Smart Rentals, LLC to install the lights and cameras. The ordinance does not say how long lights and cameras will be in place.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has also proposed legislation that would allow additional overtime for police officers during the summer months.
“Summer is traditionally a time of higher crime, so we need to do all we can to keep our residents safe,” said Mayor Ginther. “Additional staffing during weekends and well-lit parks are part of a sweeping plan to prevent crime this summer.”
The ordinance says the first 25 locations have been identified by the city’s police department with input from the recreation and parks department and neighborhood residents.
Four shootings in less than a month have left three people dead and a child injured.
