Kaufman/Foxx survey

[Dave Mechenbier]

Wow where to start. If nothing else this thread brings up the diversity of visions for the city.

When our kids were younger, we used Kauffman alot, in all seasons. The size of the entire park is what makes it so valuable as a recreation area. It has adequate parking to host adult softball, enough grass area to host organized games on the diamond and at the same time kids can
play on the playground or use the backstop at the eastern edge. You can even use the field for football games and perfecting part of the golf game.

As far a train safety, if Kauffman may be dangerous because of the proximity to the tracks, you better take a close look at Cove, Merl Bunts and Webb parks. Are we ready to give up on these too? Just think how much safer the "green space" would be for kids if it moved closer to Detroit Ave.

Someone mentioned they wished we had an area for teens to go, rather than having them take the trip to Crocker Park. Yes, something new, with the right blend of stores/activities might work for awhile. But do you really think that a teen with access to a car would rather stay in Lakewood, where horror upon horrors he might be seen by his parents, parents friends, neighbors etc. I don't think so. I think half the allure of Crocker Park is that teens can anonymous there. Hey, maybe we could attract the Westlake/Bay teens here!

What so we expect of our green space? How can it be used? Unless it is large enough, shielded from auto and truck traffic I think all we are going to get is a homogenized green space suitable for photo backgrounds.

Nice but is it worth it?