Officials want to rid Berkeley park of sex

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BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Officials in Berkeley, Calif., say they want men to stop having casual sex in Aquatic Park.

William Rogers, director of parks recreation and waterfront, said the fact the south side of the Berkeley park has become a well-known location for public sex is hurting the city, The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune reported Saturday.

"It's ultimately a quality-of-life issue for residents, our staff and the wildlife being displaced," Rogers said. "There are very good historic reasons why venues like this exist, but this is a public park, and it needs to get addressed."

Parks Superintendent Sue Ferrera said numerous used condoms have been found inside 50 dens carved out of the park's bushes.

Officials told the Tribune that human feces and hypodermic needles have also been found inside the hideouts.

Berkeley police spokesman Andrew Frankel said to limit the number of individuals meeting to have sex, the park's bushes will be cut back.