Diamond Riverside Park in Saco, where Councilor Nathan Johnston said unhoused people were camping this summer. Sydney Richelieu / Courier

The Saco City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance that would prohibit camping in public and private parks in Saco.

The ordinance, known as the Public Spaces and Parks ordinance, is a response to recent unhoused activity in the city’s parks, including Diamond Riverside Park.

The ordinance, which was proposed by Councilor Nathan Johnston, would prohibit camping in the city’s public spaces between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Any person found to be camping in a public space would be asked by law enforcement to leave and take all possessions with them.

The ordinance would also prohibit camping on private land unless approved by the homeowner.

“If you’re a homeowner and you allow a family member to camp on your property, that’s not what we’re trying to restrict,” Johnston said.

Use of illegal drugs and alcohol in public spaces is also prohibited by the ordinance, as is leaving public spaces in any state of “filth,” according to the ordinance approved last month.

According to the ordinance, homeless encampments would be considered “nuisances” and would not be allowed in public spaces unless the space is designated as a shelter by the city.

Johnston said Diamond Riverside Park, which is on the banks of the Saco River, has been “disrespected” throughout the summer.

A sign at Diamond Riverside Park warns visitors that the park is closed after dusk.

“We’re talking about trash in our waterways, we’re talking about needles, we’re talking about beer cans,” Johnston said. “We can’t have that.”

At the time of the original ordinance proposal in August, Johnston said there were “entire beds” at Diamond Riverside Park.

“We still have to address the unhoused,” Johnston said. “But this is about protecting our lands and ensuring they’re usable for all.”

Saco is the latest city dealing with the issue of homelessness. In July, the neighboring city of Biddeford closed down an encampment in one of their public parks, and opened a temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness.

So far, the City of Saco has not opened a temporary shelter for those sleeping in public parks.

The ordinance also addresses the use of school playgrounds, which are considered public since they are owned by the city.

During the final reading on Sept. 16, councilors were hesitant to restrict use of the playgrounds during school hours, citing a lack of “good” playgrounds in the city.

In general, restricting use of the playgrounds would only be necessary in terms of safety, the council said.

“Principals have permission during school hours to ask any of the public to leave playgrounds,” Saco Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Sommer said.

Anyone in violation of the ordinance could be apprehended by Saco law enforcement.