Public Comment Correspondence – Angela Bittbauer
From: Angela Bittbauer [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, April 29, 2022 9:57 AM
To: CityClerk <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Meeting May 3rd - regarding Prohibiting Adults Not Accompanying Children Under The Age of 12 From Park Playgrounds
-EXTERNAL-
Dear City Council,
I recently read about a new ordinance being discussed at the council meeting next week relating to "Prohibiting Adults Not Accompanying Children Under The Age of 12 From Park Playgrounds". I must say my initial reaction was surprise that such a proposal is even being considered, it seems a little absurd.
But I would like to understand the reasoning behind it more.
Apparently the underlying issue is vandalism of the playgrounds. I'm not sure if this is just inappropriate use of the equipment or more along the lines of plain and intentional destruction. How would banning adults without children prevent that? It seems that the act of vandalism itself is a crime and therefore punishable already. I don't understand how making it illegal to be present at a playground is going to prevent that from happening. While a playground is probably not a usual hangout spot for a lone adult, maybe I want to sit and just enjoy a coffee there. Why shouldn't I be able to do that, it's a public place after all that my taxes helped fund? Seems strange to me.
I'm sure there are more nuances to it, I'd love to hear more.
Sincerely,
Angela Bittbauer
(I live in District 5)