A change in Federal Way’s park hours is expected to increase safety and noise compliance.

On June 16, the city council adjusted the operating hours of the city’s parks — both community and neighborhood locations. The areas, beginning Sunday, are now closed to the public from 30 minutes after dusk (defined as sunset) to 30 minutes before dawn (defined as sunrise). Some of the parks, such as Steel Lake Park, already have posted hours.

The action was requested by the police department, and will allow officers to better ensure the well-being of park-goers and the parks’ neighbors. It is also an enforcement tool.

“One of the biggest reasons why we moved forward to do this is simply to have some type of enforcement piece to get people out of the parks when it’s way past dark,” police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said.

Prior to Tuesday, the parks were open from 5 a.m. to midnight, unless otherwise posted. Police have received calls as the weather has warmed up about park visitors loitering after sunset. But they could not ask the patrons to leave because the parks were technically still open to the public until midnight, interim police chief Andy Hwang said.

Many of the reported incidents in 2008 were threats, assaults, malicious mischief and traffic and liquor offenses, according to information provided by the police department. The crimes took place during hours of operation and after the parks were closed, according to the information.

The new hours will allow police to request noisy and suspicious persons, as well as those enjoying a late-night outing, to vacate the parks. Exceptions to the parks’ hours will be made for special events. In addition to the new hours, police are increasing their patrols of the city’s parks throughout the summer.

The emphasis focuses primarily on Steel Lake Park, Steel Lake Park Annex, Celebration Park and BPA Trail, Schrock said.

Steel Lake Park, 2410 S. 312th St., is of special concern given its size of more than 50 acres. The park is located near Interstate 5 and was the scene of a shooting in summer 2007. That incident left one teenage girl severely injured.

Federal Way resident Esther Edwards, whose residence looks out over Steel Lake Park from 24th Avenue South, said she has not had any problems this year with park patrons. The space has been busy, but mostly quiet, she said.

Edwards notices police regularly patrolling the park, more than they have in the past, she said. Officers come through about once an hour, and patrols have increased dramatically since the 2007 shooting, Edwards said.

“They are looking after the park,” she said.

Officers assigned to the summer park emphasis come from specialty units, patrol and traffic departments, Schrock said. The BPA Trail is scouted by officers on bicycles and motorcycles. Overtime is not being accrued to conduct the park patrols, she said.