Jul 25, 2008 4:55 pm US/Pacific
Survey: 9 Local Parks Too Dangerous For Recreation
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Nine Sacramento parks mostly sit empty because neighbors think they're too dangerous according to a new survey. CBS13 shows you why parents don't take their kids to play, and what the city is doing about these problem parks.
According to the city, crime statistics show these parks are a lot safer than people think. But there's a perception problem. Because of that they're empty. That's why they're targeting families with this campaign, trying to get them to take their parks back.
"It's a huge park, there's plenty of space out here. But who wants to bring their kids out here," says one parent.
That's why the Rodriguez family only comes out to play in the morning.
"There's a lot of loitering, lot of drinking and a lot of fighting out here. And you know what that leads to knives, and it leads to guns," they say.
McClatchy Park is also known for attracting dealers and users.
"The number one think we can do to get our parks safer is to get the community engaged and get them using our parks every single day," says officials.
To get more people to the park, city officials held 11 community meetings to ask neighbors what they're worried about. The city ended up with a list of nine parks that need help, from security features like lighting to new playgrounds.
"You got bolts missing here, a bolt missing here. And this is loose. If that comes off this is gonna fall and hurt somebody," says one concerned citizen.
McClatchy Park is first on the list and $100,000 in redevelopment funds will go towards safety and new features. From there, the plan is to attract proposition money and federal grants.
Even though the project is already in the works and they're reaching out to families in the community, the big party is on August 9th. They're planning to have families from the neighborhood here at McClatchy Park to kick it off.
Do you keep your kids away from your neighborhood park? The City of Sacramento is reaching out to local families worried about their safety. In an effort to increase security and draw more visitors, the Department of Parks and Recreation conducted a survey to determine which parks need the most help. The goal of the project is to add new features and clean up parks known for drugs and violence so that families can play in a safe environment.
The following Sacramento Parks have been flagged by the city:
- Hagginwood Park
- Gardenland Park
- Johnston Park
- Chorley Park
- McClatchy Park
- Ninos Park
- Strawberry Manor Park
- Bill Bean Park
- Martin Luther King Jr. Park
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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