Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Public meeting set to discuss Dover's Silver Lake Park

Delaware Public Media

A Dover city councilman says a community meeting this week about safety at Silver Lake Park will now also to address suicide prevention and mental health assistance issues.

 

Earlier this month, the body of 21-year-old Wesley College student Erick Acevedo-Palencia was discovered in Silver Lake Park. Acevedo-Palencia had been missing for several weeks.

In the wake of that discovery, Dover City Councilman Roy Sudler scheduled a community meeting Thursday night.

Although police found no evidence of foul play in Acevedo-Palencia’sdeath, Sudler initially said he felt the park was unsafe and should close.

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen disagrees

 

“ I think that Silver Lake Park is safe. Our community - the entire community is safe, because we have a dedicated police force led by our outstanding Chief Marvin Mailey,” said Christiansen.

 

Mayor Christiansen adds the city is very focused on public safety there and throughout Dover.

 

“First off, I want to assure everyone that the citizens of Dover and people that would be interested in coming here as tourists or bringing business and industry to the City of Dover - the City of Dover is a safe community.”

 
Chief Mailey told the Dover City Council Monday night that three security cameras planned for,  prior to Acevedo-Palencia’sdeath, will soon be installed at Silver Lake Park.

Councilman Sudler did not respond Delaware Public Media's request for comment.

Thursday night’s meeting is in the City Council Chambers starting at 6 p.m.

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.