A couple of weeks ago I went to the location of the park we have announced for this year's Turkey in the Park event to start connecting with the new park location that had been strategically chosen due to its proximity to where we do a lot of Socks and Gloves outreach. To my surprise, the park we had chosen (that I had only ever driven past until that time) has a rule (posted on signs) that if you're not accompanied by a child you're not allowed in the park.
While our TIP event is kid friendly, I'm pretty sure that signs like the ones posted at this park are specifically intended to keep both pedophiles (which we are not) and other unaccompanied adults (which we are) out of the park. This was evidenced by the 4 homeless people sitting on the ground leaning on the gate outside of the park (instead of at the tables in the empty park - seriously, not one person -- adult or child -- was in the park). Instead of rambling about my concern about this use (or lack thereof) of this public space, I'll get to the point: we need to find a new location for our Turkey in the park event. Got any ideas?
We like to have something near transit lines; but, it's even better if it's not too far off from some of our regular S&G outreaches that frequent North B/Ahearn off of 16th and St. Francis at 17th & L Streets for those who travel on foot (since they can't load their carts and tent lives on bus lines). Since we interact with a lot of people staying at or near the shelters in the industrial area of North Sac it'd be good to be in that area. ... Anyway, please carefully consider (if you're a praying person pray) and if some ideas come to mind please comment here (and soon) so that we can update and republish our Fall/Winter Events info.
Thanks in advance for all ideas offered. :)
4 comments:
You guys are locals, so you know best. I know we did the original one at Winn Park and that might work. I do remember people saying that it was far. But I suppose any park will be far. I think you are wise to ask people to pray (if they pray).
Ryan
The good thing about Winn was that we picked up people who were sleeping on St. Francis' steps several years ago. If St. Francis is still doing the breakfasts, that might be good (they don't allow sleeping on the step anymore due to neighborhood complaints). There's also a plot on F street between 10th & 11th that I can check into - I'm not sure if it's an HOA garden/lot or a public park, though.
I vote for Winn Park. It may be far for some but that park always seems to have people there plus the playground is good as well.I will pray for God's will in this.
m
How do you all feel about Grant Park @ 21st and C streets? We should check out the permits 1st with the City due to some sporting events hosted at the park; but, the location is closer to our Ahearn friends. :) (Thanks to my Wed. night friends for this recommendation.)
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