Photo Credit: Blake Aued

The new World of Wonder playground that reopened in December is popular—a little TOO popular.

In response to what Athens-Clarke County officials call "dangerous situations that have been created for vehicles and pedestrians in the area, particularly children," the county government has instituted new parking restrictions at the Southeast Clarke Park playground.

Parking on the Whit Davis Road shoulder has been banned, and anyone who parks there can be towed by ACC police.

The parking lot on the park's Whit Davis said has often been full because of the popularity of WoW and the nearby Wiggly Field dog park, according to ACC, leading some patrons to park on the side of the road.

If the Whit Davis lot is full, additional parking is available on the Lexington Road side, a short walk away by trail.

Southeast Clarke Park is also on the No. 25, 26 and 27 Athens Transit bus lines.

An expanded Whit Davis lot is included in the park's master plan. It doesn't have funding, but because of its unexpected chronic fullness, Leisure Services staff say they are looking into options.