Tarnished Park

By Pat Peterson Reporter

Popular park in Baldwin County getting ugly reputation as a place for men to have sex Tarnished Park

Published: Mon, March 03, 2008 - 5:50 pm Last Updated: Mon, March 03, 2008 - 6:20 pm

Pat Peterson

The Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog in Magnolia Springs is one of the most unique and picturesque parks along the Gulf Coast. But workers who are getting the park ready for the spring tourist season say the area has been tarnished because of a recent police sting involving men allegedly meeting there for sex.

"I'm very upset and angry about it," says Diana Quinn with the Alabama Department of Conservation. "I don't think things like that should be happening in public."

Six men were arrested at the park Friday. Investigators say the men approached two undercover officers and asked them for sex. Another man was arrested at a park in Lillian for related charges.

"There are some concerns at some of our parks," says Major Anthony Lowery with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. "We felt it was time to do something about it. Spring is just around the corner, more people will be using the parks soon. We're proud of our parks and this kind of activity won't be tolerated."

"This park is a jewel down here," says Quinn. "It should be treated like a jewel and when it's violated by that kind of stuff tarnishes the area."

The men have been charged with loitering for the purpose of having deviate sexual intercourse. Investigators say undercover stings at other Baldwin County parks will be conducted this month.