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A bowl full of dirt (w/update)
UPDATE - Deputy of Accounts Michelle Boxley called me in to talk concrete. She said the gaps in the bowl were documented before the graffitti was removed, meaning the power washing did not cause any damage.
As I go back over my notes it appears Risk & Safety Dir. Marilyn Rivers did indicate the washing made the surface rough, but did not directly attribute any structural damage to the wash.
Boxley also said the city has proposed a "skate at your own risk" policy to the school district, which owns the property. They are waiting for a response.
I've been getting a lot of feedback from residents on the city's decision to fill the concrete bowl/pool at the East Side Rec skate park with dirt. The majority of people in the skateboarding community I spoke to about it yesterday were absolutely flabbergasted.
For those interested, the Facebook fan page put up in support of the park can be found here.
One of the most interesting tidbits I've heard since the article ran today is that the city is still paying off the initial bond for the park. There are three payments in the 2010 adopted debt service budget that add up to just over $3,500 in payments on principle and interest from what appears to be the initial build and the improvements made in 2006.
But what I'd really like to know what it cost to fill that hole with dirt too. For a city in the middle of a fiscal crisis I'm not sure the priority list has been whittled down just yet...
If the lack of posts wasn't enough of an indication, I've been having a hard time reconciling blogging with the working week. There is only so much to write about, this story just piled on some dirt to work with.
What is it that you, the reader, want from this blog? Would two or three updates a week with lists of interesting stories be enough, or would you visit every morning if there were fresh stories and links?
Please call or email with feedback.
pdonges@saratogian.com
583-8729 ext. 219
As I go back over my notes it appears Risk & Safety Dir. Marilyn Rivers did indicate the washing made the surface rough, but did not directly attribute any structural damage to the wash.
Boxley also said the city has proposed a "skate at your own risk" policy to the school district, which owns the property. They are waiting for a response.
I've been getting a lot of feedback from residents on the city's decision to fill the concrete bowl/pool at the East Side Rec skate park with dirt. The majority of people in the skateboarding community I spoke to about it yesterday were absolutely flabbergasted.
For those interested, the Facebook fan page put up in support of the park can be found here.
One of the most interesting tidbits I've heard since the article ran today is that the city is still paying off the initial bond for the park. There are three payments in the 2010 adopted debt service budget that add up to just over $3,500 in payments on principle and interest from what appears to be the initial build and the improvements made in 2006.
But what I'd really like to know what it cost to fill that hole with dirt too. For a city in the middle of a fiscal crisis I'm not sure the priority list has been whittled down just yet...
If the lack of posts wasn't enough of an indication, I've been having a hard time reconciling blogging with the working week. There is only so much to write about, this story just piled on some dirt to work with.
What is it that you, the reader, want from this blog? Would two or three updates a week with lists of interesting stories be enough, or would you visit every morning if there were fresh stories and links?
Please call or email with feedback.
pdonges@saratogian.com
583-8729 ext. 219
posted by The Saratogian City Desk at
2:43 PM
4 Comments:
Patrick-
Glad you've got a break to sit down to the desk! I think we'd all like to see more action here.
In the past, this blog was a VERY busy place, one where the author often got immersed in personal dialogues where comments were directed at him, not the Topic.
I'd like to see 2-3 newsworthy posts where the string can grow without growing moldy. If there are REAL stories, like today, post any info NOT in the news story. That's my 2 cents.
As far as the LANDFILL, that is utter MADNESS. The problems should have been made Public in an agenda item at a Council meeting. Then public comment or a full-up Public Hearing should have been held... possibly raising the money for repairs.
But this expense, both dirt and labor, is reckless waste. Skaters should be upset, and taxpayers should be FURIOUS.
My dumbstruck mind wanders to "Cool Hand Luke" where Paul Newman is ordered to dig holes... only to fill them back in.
But of course, that mindless madness was only a movie.
-Kyle York
I don't dig stoopidity
My sons and their friends enjoyed the skate park for years - it was the only place for miles where they could "legally" skate. Such a shame - I agree the cost for "dirt and labor" is disgusting in this time of fiscal crisis. Hello - is there anyone thinking in Saratoga?
What we have here is failure to communicate. Some councils just can't be reached....
The good news is when we need it dug back out i'm sure we'll have plenty of kids in trouble that can do it for free while doing community service and waiting out the 6-12 months of their ACOD. We never seem to have any shortage of teens in trouble... (or "grown ups" either for that matter)
I agree that more frequent posts are needed, or frankly this blog will fade into irrelavency.
SaratogianSince1973
hey pat, how many accidents have happened there in the past? what makes this more of a liability, then in other communities? why can't they make it, skate at your own risk? why would they mayor make this decision without public notification?
the facebook page is up to 704 ppl. there is an obvious public outcry for some action here.
on a side note, here's a poststar article about some other recreation items in the city.
http://poststar.com/news/local/article_865a35d0-387d-11df-8c06-001cc4c03286.html
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