City Councilperson Meghan Sahli-Wells this morning identified two positive takeaways from last night’s community meeting with parents about replacing playground equipment at Syd Kronenthal Park.
“One,” she said, “is that we improve the process of notification when park improvements are planned. We achieved consensus in going forward that when changes in the park are planned, we will have signs up. That way we will make sure those who use the park have an opportunity to weigh in, learn more about the project and be able to register their opinions.”
Secondly, Ms. Sahli-Wells said, “there needs to be infrastructure for the 0 to 5 set.”
Beyond that point, opinions were fragmented.
“The details — which piece of equipment, where do you put it, what are the tradeoffs – on those questions, there was no unanimous thought,” said the Councilperson, herself a mother of two young men of playground age.
As a parent, Ms. Sahli-Wells said she “completely” understands the lack of a consensus.
Opinion differences are “completely reasonable. Different families have different needs, different ideas about how things should be.
“But for that,” Ms. Sahli-Wells said, “we can have staff go back. I think I have a really good idea about some of the concerns. Staff will try to draft a plan.”
Parent ideas will be welcomed at City Hall well into the foreseeable future, she said.
No significant decisions are expected for months, according to sources.
“We are going to continue to receive comments for the next week,” Ms. Sahli-Wells said. “They should direct their opinions toward the City Clerk (Martin Cole).”
Regarding the lack of agreement among the concerned and complaining parents, The Councilperson offered caution. “Remember, these are families, soldiers,” she said. “It is not going to be follow-the-leader, and everybody says the same thing. That (division of opinion) is completely normal.”
