This gang graffiti in the Harold Washington Playlot on N. Paulina was reported to the Chicago Park District and the Alderman's Service Office (directly to the Chief of Staff) on the morning of October 10th.
We were told that it would be removed "right away" (within 2-3 days)! Of course, it is still there.
Please feel free to publish this as another example of dismal response for services from ALL responsible, concerning to quality of life issues in our NoH neighborhood!!
These pictures are of the conditions at the Harold Washington Playlot, which show a complete lack of Park District maintenance, both preventive and that requested by the community.
This Playlot is 3 years old and the photos need no explanation as to where it's headed.
Mike
NHNA
12 comments:
As I post this comment, the 'gang graffitti' is being sand blasted from the cement at the benches on the playlot by the City. Now, can we get the signage replaced/repaired, the fencing repired, the landscaping and trees properly maintained and mulched, etc., etc., etc. Where is the Park District 'oversight'? Who is responsible for this complete lack of Chicago Park District management?
Mike
NHNA
I wonder why it is we blame the Park District and the Alderman's office for the abusive defacement of public property done by the lovely local residents themselves?
Why don't we address the problem of out of control, no respect for authority, no respect for property, no respect for themselves, "children", and other young people.
Call it what it is; stupid F_ing A__Holes ruining things for everybody else.
Oh, that's right, we choose to live in Rogers Park with the filth and trash, human and otherwise, so it's OUR fault that low life scumbags are around, because we choose to live here too, and apparently WE have elected "officials" that support the rights of low life scumbags over those of, say, tax paying property owners and working people.
Nhna, that playlot is under the supervision of a local Parks Supervisor. I do not know which park that supervisor is stationed at, but others in the NOH area certainly do as they are involved in the local parks advisory council. "Maintenance" issues such as everything listed in the post and your reply are the responsibility of the appropriate park supervisor. They are supposed to put in a "work order". So, chain of command is; complain to/point out issues to responsible Park Supervisor, and or any member of that same parks advisory council. I personally have had GREAT response working through the park advisory council. In many ways the council members have more "power" to get things done than the supervisor does. The Park District hates getting called out on maintenance issues by the public and or council.
Graffiti is a special case in that a call to 311 with SPECIFIC location and description, with a stress on it being "gang" graffiti gets a prioritized response.
I am fully aware of the Park District's 'chain of command' and the 'work order process'. The community has, thru the NoHPAC, submitted several request for a number of maintenance requirements at the Playlot over the past 3 years. The problem is getting 'timely' results without the need to make calls, do postings, send e-mails, etc., get vocal! The person with day to day responsibility is the Park District Staff Person at Touhy Park. The gang graffiti was reported as such (to Commander Rottner at the 24th as well, for the record) and we were assured by both the Alderman's office and the Park District that they would make it priority and get it dealt with, as I said earlier, within 2-3 days.
P.S.
I was being sarcastic in my first post about "where's the oversight; whos responsible...."! And you are right on about what is, in many cases, criminal vandalism by community residents/children. But it is just this kind of destructive behavior that requires those 'in-charge' to be especially proactive and diligent in carrying out their duties and responsibilities to the community at large.
P.S.S.
For example; In the spring of '07 it was formally requested that the damaged & vandalised signs at the Playlot be replaced. As you can see by the photos, as of October 15th, 2007, nothing has been done. All the while the damage/vandalism gets worse.
nhna,
I would think that pretty much all caring citizens completely understand your frustration. I sure do. I hope my comments were taken in the spirit intended. That is as a simple guide for action. However, it is clear you know the deal and just wish things got fixed without having to point out, pressure, and point out some more to get things fixed that; 1, shouldn't get vandalized at all, and 2, got fixed because the responsible party simply did their job without community pressure.
peace
It took 10 years of dedicated community effort to get the Harold Washington Memorial Playground built and become a reality for the children (11 years and under) of the neighborhood. The effort was and is about 'quality of life' for all. IMO, it's disgusting as well as frustrating to watch the playlot be damaged/destroyed not only because of the community based vandalism, but also because of the lack of proactive, consistant 'attention' from those WE PAY to be attentive and responsive.
I lived in this community in the 70's, and some of the 80's. I've recently came back, and I am COMPLTELY beside myself as to what has happened.
I'm fully aware of each community having to take their share of the unwanted, or unfortunates. But the attitudes of these people are un f#$king believable!
I also take notice that no one wants the dope dealers around, yet there's plenty of "permanent" residence buying weed from them.
Folk's we can't have it both ways.
A week or two ago the little mis-beehavins were in full force on morse avenue, as some school party was let out, and people criticized the police for allowing them to behave in a manner that looked like an anti-education demonstration.
What the F#$%%, the police aren't responsible for their actions, they and their parents are!
Put the blame on them, and no one else.
The video on Morse ave. was great. As the young girls asked if he was the one putting them on the internet, he says "No, that was someone else".
FU@* that! Say yeah, thats me, and I ain't goin' way---EVER!
Then point the camera right at her.
I am not saying that some rules are broken and it is serious. But now the kids know that they are being watched and filmed by strangers who call the police if they appear over 12 years old or stand on the swing not sit.
These "ADULTS" need to be better role models, show they kids how to use and respect the park, not stoop to graffiti themselves and then post pictures on a blog claiming it was kids.
Sorry, I left off the first part of my thoughts when I cut and pasted,
The Graffiti is underlining the words on sing, what kind of kid does that. this was obviously done by a "grown-up"
The graffiti shown on the table was removed several months ago. The table is clean today and was last friday.
north of rogers,
You don't know what the hell you are talking about. All the photos were taken on the morning of October 10th, including the graffit on the table. Those of us who ARE and have been, for 3 years, INVOLVED 24/7 at the HW playlot continue to encourage proper use and activities. And we will continue to do so!! Who and where are you in that regard?
Mike
NHNA
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