The Observation Deck

Through out the past year and a half, some of us have mentioned the Visiony Alingment for Lakewood. Let me take this chance to ask one of the fundemental questions and get Lakewoodite's views.

What do you see as the center/heart of Lakewood?



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Despite the existence of two threads, my answer remains the same for both:

The center and heart are not necessarily geographic. In my (rather jaded) view, there is but one center and heart of this city. Located at the corner of Arthur and Detroit (soon to encompass the block running to Mars), the Lakewood Public Library is the very soul of the city; a place where all may gather, learn, exchange ideas and be entertained, without restriction for social status, education, race, creed or color.

Jeff
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I 'd go along with that.

It's not only a good operation, but it's used,in some cases quite avidly by virtually every stripe of Lakewood resident. It's unusual for a community to consider a library so important.

I agree with Joan and Jeff and I'd like to add this---

As I look at the plans for the new addition it seems that there will be public areas that will be particularly well suited for informal gatherings and the accidental but ever so pleasant bumping into an acquaintance.

It would seem that this will be unique because I think these kinds of encounters had primarily occured in areas of commerce in the past.

This will represent a solid commitment to the publico as the ancient Greeks envisioned.

I predict that this will end up being the most successful aspect of the new Library addition and will contribute to our unique sense of community that we have in Lakewood.

Stan Austin

I think it is the library. But a close second in the summer is Lakewood Park.

I think it is the library. But a close second in the summer is Lakewood Park.

I agree with that. The library has some great National Geographic Photo books

and Lakewood Park is the place to be in the summer. If we only had a beach...

Lakewood does have a beach but it is private, right? Or is Clifton Beach part of Rocky River? Not sure. I thought a beach was a part of the planning for Lakewood park at some point? Or is it only the boardwalk?

I'd have to agree that the library is center of the soul of Lakewood.

I don't know if the development department approaches developers with ideas or if they wait until a developer approaches them but:

Kuffman Park, Little Links and the tennis courts at Kauffman get very little use. the park itself looks a little abandoned. How about:

1. Replacing the existing Drug Mart Plaza with a public park framed by the old Christian Science Building and the Old Mason Hall.

2. Selling the existing Kauffman Park to a developer, moving the church behind Taco Bell to the vacant church on Warren.

The Rockport project could use a little help so..

1. Have the city buy the apartment buildings around Pepper's for parking. That would relieve the developer of the expense of a parking garage.

2. Move the auto parts store and Baker Motors and putting up a small park along Detroit.

Those two small investments would have a dramatic impact on the city.

For what it is worth

I would agree as would 99.9% of those who have kicked into the Visionary Alignment.

The Library as in ancient times is a place where one can go and ask questions and get answers that explain both sides of a question or problem. There is no political slant, people are safe to learn and take part. It is an educational, spiritual, entertaining, or just peace and quiet.

It is the true center of society, education and living.

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Charyn

Nice to have you back disagreeing. Love the new name, congratulations.

For a vast many of us, ie those without kids. The schools are to us what the Library is to you.

Let's also remember the amount of children programs that the library does on their own and with the schools. I could be wrong but I believe the Library and Schools are connected in many ways here in Lakewood, as they see each other as partners in education and continuing education.

Again great seeing you back.

peace

Charyn Compeau wrote:Ahhh...

I suppose it is no surprise that I disagree.

While I believe that the library is a vital part of our city, I don't see it as the heart and soul of our city. To me, the heart and soul should of the city is the one part that defines what the city is. The place where you can go to really see and understand the culture, values and norms of life in the city. It is the part that everyone knows about and that most people are involved with at some point or another.

This made me think of Tops Friendly Markets for some reason. And all the bars and restaurants on the Eastern half of Madison. And to a lesser extant, the hospital.

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Charyn

The ties between the schools and the city cannot be underestimated. Property values are directly tied to how good schools are and how ell they are funded. But for 2/3rds of the city that is the end of the impact.

You cannot get in without a pass, a monitor, and damn good reason. Meanwhile the library much like a church is open to everyone. You do not even need a library card or driver's liscense to enjoy the books, music, programs, etc.

I also think the schools a tad closed minded when it comes to certain things like dress, and information that would prove the schools bad.

I know for a fact that the library will not only help you find books to prove them bad, but will also get you online to find the stuff.

I am all for gicing schools their credit, but they will never be as open, nor unbiased as the library.

But we both know you and I can do this forever, as we had before the marriage.


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