OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town is considering an ordinance change to allow signs at The Ballpark restricting unauthorized people at the facility after hours.

According to written town council commentary, there have been incidents of vandalism at the community garden, which is located on The Ballpark property. The Ballpark Commission has asked the town to construct signs prohibiting trespassing between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless there is a scheduled event taking place during those hours.

Ballpark Commission member Jerome Begert said at a public hearing Tuesday night that there have been incidents of vagrancy that “might involve alcohol and drugs,” and occasionally, “unapproved camping.”

John Gallo, owner of the baseball team The Raging Tide, said when making a decision regarding putting up signs, the town should keep in mind that the team uses the facility after hours. After an away game, team members will go to The Ballpark to drop off their uniforms, and staff stays on to wash uniforms, he said. Gallo said there is, at times, staff at the facility after hours to clean and prepare the facility for upcoming games.

Councilor Malorie Pastor said the town could consider adding the word “unauthorized” to the signs, to allow staff and volunteers at The Ballpark after hours to do necessary work.

Councilor Michael Tousignant said there are many people who go to The Ballpark to walk their dogs, sometimes as early as 5 a.m.

Town Manager Larry Mead said the town could consider signs that would allow visitors to come to The Ballpark at dawn or a half-hour before sunrise.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].