It wouldn't necessarily be correct to say the City of Monroe has taken quick action to alleviate problems at Recreation Park, because there have been concerns about them for years.
But the city did take quick reactive measures to at least blunt what seemed to be escalating issues with unruly kids there this summer. For the short term, that's a good thing. City leaders now must take a long-term approach to ensuring the park is a welcome place to as many people for as many activities as possible.
The Parks and Recreation Department last Friday removed the basketball hoops in the park in response to a letter sent by Alderman Mark Coplien to most members of the City Council and other city officials in which he shared concerns about some kids engaging in inappropriate, and at times illegal, activity. The kids' behavior was deterring more law-abiding citizens from enjoying the park.
Removing the hoops seems to have alleviated some problems in the short term. But simply removing equipment and activities won't solve the problem.
The city reacted quickly once the complaint wave began; that's good.
Removing the hoops may alleviate the problems short-term, but the city shouldn't think simply removing some equipment is a satisfactory long-term remedy.
Coplien said there have been problems at the park for three years. Park neighbors say it's been longer than that.
The current problem needed addressing. Between March 16 and June 26, there were 52 police calls to the park. That fact, and the goings-on described by Coplien in his e-mail, made necessary an immediate reaction.
Now, it's time to find a way to provide all park activities - including basketball - without the bad behavior. To accomplish that, some forms of stricter enforcement and punishments likely will be necessary.
Mayor Ron Marsh said the city plans to be more proactive regarding the park. A good first step came when the city voted to install surveillance cameras in the park, which should happen within a couple weeks, Marsh said.
Will that be enough? Other methods the city should at least consider include an increased police presence - probably via bicycle or on foot - a strict enforcement of park rules at all times, and an earlier closing of the park with the exception of the softball diamonds.
But the city did take quick reactive measures to at least blunt what seemed to be escalating issues with unruly kids there this summer. For the short term, that's a good thing. City leaders now must take a long-term approach to ensuring the park is a welcome place to as many people for as many activities as possible.
The Parks and Recreation Department last Friday removed the basketball hoops in the park in response to a letter sent by Alderman Mark Coplien to most members of the City Council and other city officials in which he shared concerns about some kids engaging in inappropriate, and at times illegal, activity. The kids' behavior was deterring more law-abiding citizens from enjoying the park.
Removing the hoops seems to have alleviated some problems in the short term. But simply removing equipment and activities won't solve the problem.
The city reacted quickly once the complaint wave began; that's good.
Removing the hoops may alleviate the problems short-term, but the city shouldn't think simply removing some equipment is a satisfactory long-term remedy.
Coplien said there have been problems at the park for three years. Park neighbors say it's been longer than that.
The current problem needed addressing. Between March 16 and June 26, there were 52 police calls to the park. That fact, and the goings-on described by Coplien in his e-mail, made necessary an immediate reaction.
Now, it's time to find a way to provide all park activities - including basketball - without the bad behavior. To accomplish that, some forms of stricter enforcement and punishments likely will be necessary.
Mayor Ron Marsh said the city plans to be more proactive regarding the park. A good first step came when the city voted to install surveillance cameras in the park, which should happen within a couple weeks, Marsh said.
Will that be enough? Other methods the city should at least consider include an increased police presence - probably via bicycle or on foot - a strict enforcement of park rules at all times, and an earlier closing of the park with the exception of the softball diamonds.
