The 2-1 vote this week came after months of disagreement among neighbors about the new gate and the formation of a task force to study the issue. The entrance, for people and bicycles but too small for larger vehicles, will let park-users come from a subdivision instead of entering off LeSourdsville-West Chester Road.

Before the vote, Andrea Wheeler, a resident of neighboring Greenbriar subdivision, spoke in favor of the new gate to the 42-acre park from Woodmoor Terrace subdivision, where some residents have battled against the gate.

"There's lots of reason to fear for our children's safety if they bike down LeSourdsville-West Chester Road. It's clear. The others are what-ifs," she said of the curving, 55-mph road.

Herb Schleutker, a resident of Woodmoor Terrace who represented those opposed to the gate, said the gate will raise new safety concerns. Opponents of the gate cited increased traffic, parking, the safety of neighborhood children, and the possibility of sexual predators in the park.

There is a 16-foot maintenance gate to the park at the end of Rock Springs Drive that is kept locked. A small gate will be cut out of the middle so people and bicycles can enter during the day, but it will be too small for all-terrain vehicles.