This is Lake Creek Park, adjacent to the old swimming pool. The wide open space in the one picture used to contain a fairly high slide and a merry-go-round. I know that these things are now considered dangerous, but everything in any playground can be so. Swings can hit a child in the head if the child doesn't get out of the way fast enough, and kids can fall off anything. The fact is that the devices removed have not been replaced with anything safer. The playground now consists of two banks of swings and a dome-shaped monkey bar.
The pavilion is rotting out, and is suffering from neglect. The park is bordered on one side by nice older houses, with trees and well-manicured lawns, and on the other by nasty little duplexes that back up on the train tracks.
This was the park where the annual Easter Egg Hunt used to be held. I don't know if they do that any more, but we only went once. Too much of a scramble for me! Still, many happy hours were spent in this park, as it was within walking distance of the house on Liberty Avenue, where Vanessa was born. Both girls had swimming lessons in the adjacent pool, and several of their birthday parties were held in the pavilion. I was very disappointed to see it in this condition.
It seems that Parks and Recreation is tending to build new parks in new areas, and being very selective about which old ones will be maintained properly. I know there's only so much money to go around, but don't we owe a little something to the folks who live downtown?
Such a lovely spot, Ronni. Plenty of shade under the trees for picnics.
ReplyDeleteI looks really clean, too.
I have to drive about 4 miles to the other side of Glasgow, to find a decent park for my Grandson. The one on our street is massive, but not safe for pets, children or adults.
The local teenagers use it for a meeting place, and they are up to no good.
You would think that parks would be a priority, as they encourage kids to get some exercise.
Not safe even during the day, Mgt? Sounds as if a massive campaign needs to be launched to bring public attention to the fact that the park is not safe. Start with calls to the city offices, and demands for increased police presence in the area.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, about that Ronni. The police do nothing about these kids until they either mame or murder someone.
ReplyDeleteThe park is really huge with swans in a big lake-size pond. It may just be a feeling of intimidation, but I'm too afraid to find out for myself.
These kids are not taught respect at home
Still. You have to decide if you are willing to give the world over to them. Sometimes you have to fight. You need a good rabble-rouser to talk up the idea among the other residents and legitimate users of the park.
ReplyDeleteThe one Veterans' Park I showed you a while ago has been reclaimed in that way. It was totally the druggie park. Now, not so much. It takes having the cops go there often, and normal people using it. Looking around to actually see if the kids are doing something wrong, like smoking weed or drinking. What happens here is that once the police hear that citizens are interested, they pay more attention. And if you can get the City Council involved, it's as good as done.
I think you have helped convince me that I will try it out for myself.
ReplyDeleteThere are Football fields and tennis courts in this park, too. I would love to sit under a tree with my book, while GS and his pals play around.
They are so bored with playing around the apartment building.
We can always leave, if it feels in any way, bad.