Over the past few days, a disturbing series of events has unfolded in our community. Last week, a small park on E 18th St in Vancouver called MyPark Neighborhood Park was completely covered by gang graffiti. A concerned resident brought it to the attention of the city, which promptly sent out a crew to clean up the mess. Over the weekend, the freshly cleaned park was tagged again - even worse than it was before. The same resident found the park covered in graffiti on Monday and while taking photos of the new vandalism, was approached by several gang-involved youth who attempted to intimidate her and another resident who was at the park. They retreated when the two women pulled out their cell phones and began taking pictures of them. Later that day, another crew of city workers was called out to the park to clean up the mess and were also approached by a group of youth, whose threats and intimidation caused the city workers to leave the park before the clean up could be done. In short, these gang members have crossed a line that will not be tolerated by our community. We must reclaim this park, and by extension, our entire community.
The city is currently making plans with law enforcement to ensure a safe park clean-up within the next 24 hours. By tomorrow evening, the park will be cleaned and ready to be reclaimed by the community. Therefore, I would like to invite you to join me, residents of the Maplewood Neighborhood, and other concerned citizens for a community potluck any time between 4 and 6pm tomorrow night at MyPark Neighborhood Park. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided by the Safe Communities Task Force; feel free to bring something to share or just come as you are to show your support. Physically and symbolically, we will take back this park and demonstrate that it is a safe place for the children and other residents of that community to congregate.
The city is currently making plans with law enforcement to ensure a safe park clean-up within the next 24 hours. By tomorrow evening, the park will be cleaned and ready to be reclaimed by the community. Therefore, I would like to invite you to join me, residents of the Maplewood Neighborhood, and other concerned citizens for a community potluck any time between 4 and 6pm tomorrow night at MyPark Neighborhood Park. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided by the Safe Communities Task Force; feel free to bring something to share or just come as you are to show your support. Physically and symbolically, we will take back this park and demonstrate that it is a safe place for the children and other residents of that community to congregate.
