K.C. Park still not ‘safe for kids and families to visit’

November 13, 2009

Anonymous The Laurel Leader-Call Fri Nov 13, 2009, 09:51 AM CST

To the editor:

Two years ago, namely, Nov. 8, 2007, the Laurel Leader-Call printed a missive, titled “K.C. Park must be safe for kids and families to visit,” in which this writer described “insidious, NEFARIOUS activities” occurring in an area “behind the wall of trees....secluded....in the south end of the park.”

At that time, this writer strongly suggested that the “secluded area” — in the best interest of “the public health, safety and well-being” of all patrons — should be cleared and become an “open part of the park,” thus eliminating the wall of seclusion. Ridding the island of trees, filling in and leveling the voided area is the right solution to what is presently a dangerously hidden area.

However, two years have passed, and no one has addressed the danger while safety and well-being conditions at the park are compromised. For several weeks now, hidden in that area are at least three wooden benches positioned underneath a blue tarp — strung in the trees as a canvas-where a growing accumulation of alcoholic beverage containers are present, indicative of the type of activity taking place under cover at the park as officials ignore it.

As a result of Laurel Police Department’s park management personnel’s and the ward representative’s failure to look further than “their nose” at the K.C. Bottom Park, and frequently monitor activities there, in the men’s restroom, for example, a homeless, demented individual has been bunking there, while some city personnel question the verity of this act occurring.

But worse, because of the negligence and laxity of monitoring activities at the K.C. Park, on Friday, Nov. 6, all of the evidence of a makeshift “carwash” operation was going on. It resembled one that once existed on Popular Drive, in spite of “Laurel cracking down on transient vendors,” according to the front page of Nov. 1, 2009, LL-C. Paraphernalia used in washing and waxing vehicles were spread out over the asphalted area usually where crews park for lunch. The “pirate” had his electrical extension cord extended from the tarmac to access the electrical outlet at the pavilion to power the vacuum cleaner. His hose was available to link to the faucets to wash and rinse the vehicles in this illicit activity that can only be labeled as “utility piracy” at the K.C. Bottom Park, while the music played and the grill smoked. However, reports of similar illicit activities have been conveyed as occurring at the Roosevelt Community Center in Ellisville.

As a consequence of the various illicit activities occurring at the K.C. Bottom Park, based on reports given by “one diligent councilperson,” recently, several signs have been posted pertaining parking and alcohol. Now, in that the City of Laurel is looking at “....cracking down on transient vendors,” it ought to, as well, be very mindful of what is happening t the K.C. Bottom Park with “utility piracy” and illicit businesses.

Therefore, concluding with a semblance of the grace sedateness and earnest sobriety that President Ronald Reagan expressed to Mikhail Gorbachev in one of the Four Reagan-Gorbachav summits, “....Mr. Gorbachev!, tear down that wall!” Thus, in a similar fashion, Mr. Mayor!, Mr. Parks/Recreation Director! and MR. Councilperson!, “cut down that island of trees!” If not, again, you are fostering “a very dangerous” area where the benches are now hidden. And, by ‘omission,” you are aiding, abetting and creating a haven for criminal activities at the park, which should be fully open, whereby patrons, with children, can see and feel safe and not fear the now cloaked area.

— Harvey Warren

Laurel

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