HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-2020 - Supplemental Materials - PC PrestonFrom:laurelpr@seanet.com
To:Dawn Nations
Subject:Comments re proposal for bathroom facility near 520 lid
Date:Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:47:00 PM
To the Park Board:
First of all, thank you for continuing your work on behalf of the City of Medina
and its residents during this difficult time.
We are writing to express our strong objections to the motion to install a porta-
potty near the 520 bicycle-pedestrian trail. The Medina Police Department has
expressed concerns about risks associated with unstaffed bathroom facilities. A
porta-potty risks creating problems in the form of vandalism and misuse. Many
years ago, we did have a porta-potty near the tennis courts temporarily. It was
vandalized several times, including being tipped over and exploded. A porta-
potty provides a potential location for clandestine drug use and other illegal
activity.
Locating a porta-potty near Fairweather Park and Nature preserve may
encourage longer stays in the park and on the lid. The parking lot for
Fairweather is small and has a two hour limit. If we encourage longer park and
lid visits by providing facilities, we will put pressure on parking lot enforcement
and perhaps on on-street parking as well.
To discourage outdoor urination as much as possible, please consider a
coordinated strategy of several approaches that will not create new and
additional negative impacts. For instance, we appreciate the increased signage
recently put in place. To what extent can the City provide increased fencing or
other barriers, and to what extent can we provide increased supervision and
patrols? Have we identified days and times that are particularly problematic?
Can we reach out to local cycling groups and to WSDOT for public service
education?
The pressures on our parks are increasing as people around the region seek
new outdoor options for recreation and exercise. Thank you for your efforts to
maintain and preserve our parks under this pressure.
Best regards,
Laurel and Steve Preston
7640 NE 32nd St