January 27, 2020, Budget Meeting Item 11.7, Written Submission

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To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for replacing the play structure in Willistead ahead of schedule.

I am a resident of the Olde Walkerville neighborhood and the parent of a six year old. We frequently use Willistead Park for recreation purposes, however we avoid using the play structure due to safety concerns. The sand base on the play structure poses a serious health risk to the children who use it. I have found not only garbage, sharp sticks and twigs, and cigarette butts in the sand, but also shattered glass. These hazards are of particular concern as I have seen children frequently take their shoes off to play in the sand. Further, there are often wasps in the sand in the summer.

The sand base is not only a health and safety concern for the neighborhood children, but to the community as a whole. During Art in the Park, the playground receives exceptionally heavy use (as reflected in the fact that vendors who sell children's toys and clothes often set up in the vicinity).

I sincerely hope the City chooses to support the investment in Willistead Park.

All the best, Elizabeth Donnelly, PhD, MPH, LICSW, NREMT