The Observation Deck

I have seen the new Lakewood Park access ramp to the waterfront, but only from the lake. Looks pretty nice. I thought today would be a good day to visit this new facility on foot. The gates were padlocked at both ends of the path.

Once again, I am the one with unreasonable expectations.

So, if it's not open on Sundays in June, then when would it be open?

Is it by reservation only, like the Women's Pavillion, or only open from 2:03 to 2:17 in the afternoon?

Maybe the schedule could be published in the Lakewood Observer, or at least print a phone number for making appointments.

I do want to add a couple of positive comments about two simultaneous events at Lakewood Park on Saturday.

The "Meet the Trucks" event was fantastic. It was well attended and everyone seemed to have fun. I'd have to say that I was surprised at the wide variety of vehicles used in our city. Kids were in the police car, or sitting on the police motorcycle, honking horns. What little kid doesn't enjoy a front end loader or fire engine? City workers had all of the trucks shined up and looking their best. My wife and I were wishing for grandchildren to share an event like this with, but still enjoyed watching others. I hope it happens again.

The plant sale in the pavillion was really informative. Spent some time at the table with info about plants that attract birds and butterflies. Good deals on all kinds of plants too.

Steve---- According to Public Works Director Tony Beno the locked gate was simply a mistake. It should not have been locked. He is looking into the situation so that it will not occur again.
Stan Austin

Stan Austin wrote:Steve---- According to Public Works Director Tony Beno the locked gate was simply a mistake. It should not have been locked. He is looking into the situation so that it will not occur again.
Stan Austin

Meanwhile the council person that championed this project Michael Dever mentioned it might have something to do with the arrival of the guard. He unlocks the gate when he gets there and locks when the park is closed.


.

Thanks Jim but I was really only a supporter of the Park Projects. I believe most of the credit needs to go to a couple of unsung hero's, Lou McMahon and Dave Corrigan of the Lakefront Coalition.

Michael Dever wrote:Thanks Jim but I was really only a supporter of the Park Projects. I believe most of the credit needs to go to a couple of unsung hero's, Lou McMahon and Dave Corrigan of the Lakefront Coalition.

Was that Lou at that one council meeting a couple months ago. The guy that said he would come back anytime and help?

but i know you have worked hard on this, as did all of council, the mayor and city hall. Standing ovations from me to all.(whatever that is worth)

Now can we get the key?


.

Well Steve or Jim, did you get the Key???

Michael,

It wasn't in my mailbox or under the mat. Where did you leave it?

Do you want a check, or cash for that?

I'm tired of hopping the fence with the kids at 2:00 a.m..

Steve

Michael Dever wrote:Well Steve or Jim, did you get the Key???

I put it under the rock on the right when I left.

Or was it...

I put it under the rock on the left when I was right!

I told you not to give it to me.


.

.

Just to clarify, the path is closed at nights in order to do what? There certainly is some attractive nuisance with the shore and the breakwall and I'm sure that there are legal obstacles from our friends in the Law Dept.
I made my way out to the park early this morning and thought I would walk down, check out the sunrise, get a view of Cleveland and found the gate locked. While I am very open to the answer and I'm sure that there is one, I'm just curious if how this is supposed to play out if there is an incident. The fence seemed easy enough to hop but I didn't want to risk being found hobbled on the other side when the guard got there to unlock the gate. Have there been "traffic cameras" installed to help enforce the ordinance posted to not hop the fence. Come to think of it, there are new signs there to notify that there is surveillance cameras now. Is this where they are positioned?

Hi,
I know from experience that Huntington Beach is always open.

I do not understand Lakewood's administration desire to spend the tax payers money to fix the park and then restrict access. Why make it difficult for law abiding citizens because of a fear of a problem?

There are hours to the park. If someone goes down there during non-hours they can be prosecuted.

Don't hand out keys! Take down the gate.

Don't hand out keys!

Well, I don't think they're just handing them out.

Jim and I had to make special deals to get keys.

Steve

Donald Farris wrote:Don't hand out keys! Take down the gate.

Don


When you remove the guard from Clifton Beach.



.

Hi,
Well Jim, I think you have hit the difference between public and private. See, private places, like Clifton Beach, have a guard to restrict access. Public places, like Lakewood Park, are not restricted (or I mean should not be restricted) so the public has access.

Once I pay my annual Clifton Beach fee (whether I want to or not) then I can use Clifton Beach. As is usually the case private places charge extra.

I have seen a plan (is it still in the Observer Offices?) that would place a public beach at Lakewood Park. I think that's a good idea. But the plan I saw was for an open beach without gates or locks and keys.

Guess I'm not the only one with unreasonable expectations.





Steve