Park Flaw, Beach Soccer and Lacking Spirit

December 20, 2001

Dear Editor,

(Re: "Another Award for Palisades Park," Dec. 19) I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, and City officials are well aware of my views on this matter, but those who give prizes to Palisades Park for its beautiful design clearly have not visited there using crutches, walkers, canes or wheelchairs.

If they had, they would have discovered that the decomposed granite walking paths are slippery, dusty when dry and muddy when wet. This dust and mud comes up all over the hands and clothing of wheelchair users and the high content of silica, or something similar, makes the paths treacherous for those who are not nimble of foot. Considering that this is one of the most often used parks by our City's seniors, there was evidently not a lot of thought put into this aspect of the new design.

The previous paths, made out of asphalt, were perhaps not as "attractive," but at least they were navigable without concerns for personal safety and the ruining of one's outfit. To "downgrade" an accessible asphalt surface to a dirt surface is, in the opinions of myself and others, an unintentional violation of the public access provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I used to spend many hours in Palisades Park. It is where I taught our son to take his first steps, holding on to my wheelchair. Unfortunately, I rarely go there anymore because I'm always filthy with granite dust and mud when I leave.

I agree that Palisades Park is greatly improved, for the most part. But this design flaw is a significant oversight that points out the need for more diversity, including residents with disabilities on our City's boards and commissions. Had a person with a self-identified disability been on the Recreation and Parks Commission, this matter would probably have been addressed well in advance of the final design approval, budgeting and contracting process.

Similarly, when the beach bike path was conceived, who in their right minds thought that ONLY bicycle riders would want to use it? Separate lanes for walkers, joggers, children, strollers, skaters and/or wheelchair users makes perfect sense now, as it should have then.

As we develop others of our parks, let's hope a deeper utilitarian consciousness will prevail than was the case in these instances. "Who uses the parks and how do they use them?" should be the mantra before any designs are put into place.

Alan Toy
Santa Monica

December 18, 2001

Dear Editor,

I listened Thursday night at the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting to all the complaints about open fields. In the last 4 years my husband and I became avid soccer grandparents and we agree that the fields are not in good shape.

However, there is a resource at the beach that can satisfy 10 soccer fields in the open air (cleaner then the airport or civic center). North of the pier, north of the parking lot, we have the Gobi desert.

If you saw what Crossroads school did with their playing field, which is the state of the art -- they had to schlep sand to create the cushion under foot -- you will understand that the Gobi is the answer to all our Soccer problems. I understand that the city of San Diego has created soccer field at their ocean side.

I heard that there is a desire to green the beaches, here is the best opportunity to do so. I suggested this at the working group and (Recs and Parks Commissioner) Mr. (Frank) Schwengle said it will cost too much.

I believe that land is very dear at the civic center and no matter what it will cost at the beaches it will never cost as much as at the civic center.

The Gobi is large enough to accommodate the neighbors' concerns, it can be placed in front of the parking lot, where there are no neighbors. Parking will be no problem, and there will be enough beach for strolling and swimming for the brave ones.

Bruria Finkel
Santa Monica

December 16, 2001

Dear Editor,

May I suggest that you send your reporter out to find the answer to a very important question. Why has Santa Monica cancelled Christmas this year?

My husband & I drove down Wilshire Blvd. & other areas & found no city decorations up. We were also bewildered by the lack of decorations in windows of businesses.

What has happened to this city? Rumor is that the communist factor here is responsible, but I can't believe that. Would like to know though. Thanks