Kaufman/Foxx survey

[Shawn Juris]

Yes or no for the following questions. Hopefully this will provide some good feedback to find a solution.

1. Do you think that this park is currently safe?
2 Do you think that this park is currently well maintained?
3. Would Kaufman Park would be improved if it were moved to the forefront, adjacent to Detroit Ave?
4. Have you or your family members used this park in the past 3 months?
5. Does a park require playground equipment?
6. Do planters qualify as green space?

And for the fill in question, where would you suggest replacing Foxx field and where would you suggest moving it to?

[Dee Krupp]

1. Do you think that this park is currently safe?

I don't know the reality to the question, but I don't like my kids to go there because of the seclusion.

2 Do you think that this park is currently well maintained?

I don't know.

3. Would Kaufman Park would be improved if it were moved to the forefront, adjacent to Detroit Ave?

I believe so.

4. Have you or your family members used this park in the past 3 months?

No.

5. Does a park require playground equipment?

No, but it's certainly an added bonus.

6. Do planters qualify as green space?

H*ll no.

And for the fill in question, where would you suggest replacing Foxx field and where would you suggest moving it to?

I don't know, but I believe housing would have to be removed to do so.

I'm not real helpful, but I thought I'd chime in anyway. I really have no clue what happens at Kauffman Park. I've lived in Lakewood 14 years, and I think I've been to Little Links twice and Kaufmann Park once with my kids...and it's close to my house. I just hate to see so much new development on green space. I just like that it's there...whether I use it or not. I certainly think the plaza should be upgraded/updated as well as the parking lot, but why can't that be done without removing the park?

[Dee Martinez]

Dee (the other Dee)

You seem like a reasonable person who is committed to the city, but your post is puzzling.

You dont like Kauffman Park, you worry about your kids using it, you dont ever use it although you live nearby but yet you DONT want to see it used for anything else.

Do you understand why some people might be banging their fists against their hands saying "what DO these people want?"

[Dee Krupp]

Dee (the other Dee)

You seem like a reasonable person who is committed to the city, but your post is puzzling.

You dont like Kauffman Park, you worry about your kids using it, you dont ever use it although you live nearby but yet you DONT want to see it used for anything else.

Do you understand why some people might be banging their fists against their hands saying "what DO these people want?"

I know, you're right. I guess I feel that something should be done with the area...I just don't know what....but I don't want it completely gone. A change in dynamics somehow. I don't want to see it used for more stores or housing....not necessarily not used for ANYTHING else. I like the idea of bringing it to the forefront. The strip could definitely use a facelift or even an expansion...no doubt about that.

[Brad Hutchison]

I'm with Dee Krupp, I think. I don't really know much about what might go on there after dark, and I've never used it aside from Rec sports. It's just the broader loss of green space that would bother me more than the loss of Kauffman Park specifically.

Moving the park space closer to the road, as the rumored plan seems to do, has benefits for the park and Detroit I think.

If the "U-shaped" plan calls for an acre or two of green space, as I think I read somewhere, there would certainly be room for a nice playground and some picnic tables and/or benches. I don't know what might be done with Foxx Field, though.

[sharon kinsella]

Or, if it's going to be moved - how about to the side and include where the Masonic Temple is which would give both Detroit and the side street full view and access.

[Holly C. Whisman]

Did I miss something?
Are we talking about removing historic buildings?

[Joe Whisman]

I am opposed to a developer coming into Lakewood and telling us how great it would be to remove our parks. This is a land grab and I predict Lakewood would end up suffering. All of our parks need help. Where is the outrage?
"You don't know what you've got til it's gone."-Joni Mitchell
"I swear it's Springfield's only choice. Throw up your hands and raise your voice. Monorail." - The Simpson's

[Shawn Juris]

Joe,
I understand your passion on this topic. My question though in essence is would it be a net gain to relocate the park just 50 yard to the east, not eliminate it just move it. In terms of the Kaufman Park area, I don't see the proposal to be to build on it without giving back something more, ie. an updated, safer (due to higher visability), more usable area. Foxx field on the other hand has yet to have an alternate location proposed and this is where the deal takes a turn.
I do think that it's very important to be clear and rational about what we as residents want and at the same time be able to look objectively at what's being proposed. If the offer is to give up an acre of park space in return for an acre of more favorable park space (judgement call), I don't see the harm. It's the space that is not being replaced that is an issue and what should be focused on. The very important detail is if the city would be selling them the land or just agreeing to move it.

New thought though. If the city was to sell Kaufman Park/Foxx Field to this developer, would the property management company then be responsible to maintain it? Would it be public or private in terms of trash collection, landscaping and repairs?

Sorry for the distraction, back to the survey.

[dl meckes]

Joe-

Lakewood has made or reconfigured parks in my lifetime. Growing up there wasn't a Web Rd. park or a Celeste Park, etc. Granted, Celeste is a pocket park that's good for just a few uses, but there have been recreation applications at the Web Rd. park for many years.

It's not a bad idea to keep looking at where we need green space and how we use what we have.

I don't say that from the point of view that I'm dying for more retail development, etc.

I'm suggesting that we need to look at green space and park use on a regular basis.

And some of our park space needs some SERIOUS greening.

[sharon kinsella]

Holly -

I was under the assumption that the land deal included the purchase of the temple.

This was just my idea.

[Frank Murtaugh]

Yes or no for the following questions. Hopefully this will provide some good feedback to find a solution.

1. Do you think that this park is currently safe?

Yes. However there have been problems in the Northwest corner area and the entrance off the track area has been closed off.

2 Do you think that this park is currently well maintained?

Fair maintenance. Putting money in should not be done now.

3. Would Kaufman Park would be improved if it were moved to the forefront, adjacent to Detroit Ave?

I don't see how

4. Have you or your family members used this park in the past 3 months?

Family from adjacent suburb has used for softball league. For young children, Lakewood Park is the place to go and in which to invest.

5. Does a park require playground equipment?

No. However the neighborhood needs a playground.

6. Do planters qualify as green space?

No and I don't think of the ball field as green space. It is essentially not accessible or really even visible. Its cut off on the North by the railroad, on the east and west by residences.The whole area behing Drug Mart is very unattractive. The area exists as is because it was not considered suitible for other uses in part because of the steep grade sloping north off the parking lot.

And for the fill in question, where would you suggest replacing Foxx field and where would you suggest moving it to?

Unknown because I do not know what is available. It will be interesting to see what plan emerges.

[Joe Whisman]

1. Safe? Yes
2.Well maintained? No
3. Moving a park seems pointless, however an extension of the park to Detroit Ave. would be nice.
4.Yes
5. I believe that childhood obesity is a huge problem. Children need a place for physical activity. Couches and television will not help our youth, so yes.
6. While I do like planters, they are not green space.

[Richard Cole]

Yes or no for the following questions. Hopefully this will provide some good feedback to find a solution.

1. Do you think that this park is currently safe?

Yes, my perception is that the park is safe, for the vast majority of time.

2 Do you think that this park is currently well maintained?

The condition of the Park has probable deteriorated, including weeds growing on the tennis courts. Maintenance could be improved.

3. Would Kaufman Park would be improved if it were moved to the forefront, adjacent to Detroit Ave?

No, probably not - the gentle slopes from the tennis courts to the playground equipment is one of the few areas in the city where young children can sled/toboggen in safety.

4. Have you or your family members used this park in the past 3 months?

No, I haven't used the Park in the last 3 months, but I highly value the option of being able to use it. Publicly accessable green space in the heart of the city.

5. Does a park require playground equipment?

No, but a park with playground equipment for young children has the added benefit of getting kids outside, playing etc etc

6. Do planters qualify as green space?

No

And for the fill in question, where would you suggest replacing Foxx field and where would you suggest moving it to?

Foxx Field is in a good location, it doesn't need to be moved. The designs for Detroit Road streetscapes include some wonderful improvements. If the same thought and considerations were to be applied to Kaufmann Park/Foxx Field we could have an asset that the city could be proud of.[/i]

[Jim O'Bryan]

1. Do you think that this park is currently safe?

Yes during operatinal hours. No stats to support anything different.

2 Do you think that this park is currently well maintained?

what is used yes.

3. Would Kaufman Park would be improved if it were moved to the forefront, adjacent to Detroit Ave?

Would improve the Library and street, maybe not the park.

4. Have you or your family members used this park in the past 3 months?

No

5. Does a park require playground equipment?

I would put a BMX Bike area here to offset the Skatepark.

6. Do planters qualify as green space?

Only if 1/4 acre or more.


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