New ‘Scenic Sundays’ Gate Causes Controversy

The El Paso city plan that shuts down Scenic Drive to cars and turns it into a park for walkers and bikers once a week gets a new addition, but not everyone is pleased.

Eight-foot poles will soon be the site of a gate at the entrance of Scenic Drive. The gate will take the place of an officer on Scenic Sundays to keep cars out.

Runner Chris Rowley is all for it. He says, “It frees that police officer up to do something else rather than just sitting there for that period from 6 to 11 o’clock. I definitely think it would help with the safety.”

Most El Pasoans who enjoy the Scenic Drive appreciate the addition, but not everyone is happy about it.

“You can’t drive. Which is ridiculous because how many bikers are there compared to drivers?” asked El Paso native Hugo Cigarroa. “I know my family they try and go every once and a while on Sundays is unfair. Because it’s the only real day that’s family time.”

Another resident wonders if the new gate could hinder safety in emergency situations.

“Without a gate, emergency vehicles, policemen, firemen, they can respond to emergencies,” said Casey Hill. “With that gate there, it’d be a problem. At least it would delay the response time, I think.”

City Rep. Susie Byrd says the fire and police departments will have keys to the gate and it will not affect emergency response times.

Its doors will be closed from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Sundays, letting users enjoy the space and the view without paying a recurring cost.