Ballard parks the focus of safety meeting

According to neighbors, safety is an ongoing issue at Ballard Commons Park, Bergen Place Park and Marvin’s Garden.

Last month, neighbors delivered a petition to the Parks Department that was signed by 80 businesses and residents. The petition calls for an exclusion zone for the area. “We have very heavy daily use of drinking, drugs and sexual behavior,” a neighbor said. On Thursday, June 4th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Police and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will hold a community meeting to discuss safety and security issues at the three parks. Parks staff will talk about the exclusion zone for the parks as well as work with the community to bring positive activities to the area. The Department of Neighborhoods staff will let community members know how to apply for funding to make improvements to the parks and put on community events. SPD will provide personal safety tips and talk about the importance of calling 911. The meeting will be held at the Ballard Library.