BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — New perimeter fencing, a clear bag policy, and age restrictions will now be in place for events at Doko Meadows Park after a panic-inducing incident at their annual Rocking Red, White & Blue Event.
At the event on July 3, an individual discharged a "splat" gun, a water/paintball type gun, in the crowd, causing "alarm and confusion," according to a press release from the mayor's office.
Blythewood Town Mayor Sloan Griffin said it was important to him to show safety was a top priority after the event despite the park not having disturbances like this before.
"We are seeing the unprecedented amount of attendees," said Griffin. "So, if folks were out there in the past, the past, like I said, seven to 8,000 people attending, now you got over 14,000 people attending.”
The new security measures include a clear bag policy and increased security for events. Individuals under 18 will now have to be accompanied by a parent or someone over 21, and the playground will be monitored and restricted to "age-appropriate" individuals. The mayor also plans to go to the city to ask for money for new perimeter fencing.
“There should be no amount of money that we argue over that's more important than the safety of our citizens," said Griffin. "We went through this, we can come out on the other side even better, but know that we are here and we're taking safety and security at our highest priority."
Most days when there aren't events, the park is peaceful and not crowded, said park-goer Scarlet. She's a mother of two and brings her kids often.
"I just love coming out here it’s a beautiful place and we’re very fortunate to have this in our community," said Scarlet. "It would be nice to have more security personnel for big events like that."
The mayor said he plans to implement the new security measures by the next big event at the park.
According to the Richland County Sheriff's Department, the juvenile responsible for the disruption on July 3 was charged with aggravated breach of the peace.