I queried Ken Holden about security and whatnot....his response...
Dear Mr. Horn,
Thank you for your kind words. I am extremely proud of how well this project has run and the superb results we are getting. The last minute details are always a crunch, and I'm hoping they can all be completed by end of the work day on the 15th. Minor but important details like getting new vending machines, getting all the bleachers moved back, finishing the striping of the new parking lot, and getting all the court rules and the DOs and DON'Ts signs reinstalled are consuming my time at present.
I can appreciate your concern for the security of this wonderful new facility. You ask about security cameras, however from other projects I've worked on where we had the same concerns, since there was not an issue with personal safety cameras were not to be considered. As for locking the courts, they will be open and actively in use until the lights go out at 10:30 or 11:00. We just do not have staff available at that time to go around and lock all the gates to the courts. We do have a security service that locks the park restrooms throughout the summer, and we can certainly request that they do a surveillance drive by when the park closes. Other than this, I would have to say the best approach to reducing vandalism and abuse of the facility is to have it actively used. I'm confident that this will be the case. However, we have already had some graffiti on the new wall. The Contractor is taking care of it at this point. Even with this issue I'm hoping active and continuous use will be a determent.
Again, thank you for your email and kind words.
Ted Holden, Senior Landscape Architect, Project Manager
Seattle Parks and Recreation
"Creating community through people, parks and programs." www.seattle.gov/parks
>>> William Horn 8/9/2008 2:53 PM >>>
Dear Mr. Holden,
Just a note of thanks on behalf of Seattle tennis enthusiasts
(addicts, obsessives, etc.) for your part in the transmogrification of
the Lower Woodland courts into the splendiferous incarnation nearing
completion. I would have to call them spellbinding if that didn't
sound so over the top. Gratitude and superlatives are ricocheting among
those of us who have had a look.
Now since, like Baudelaire, I am a worrier ("I have cultivated my
hysteria with joy and terror."), I am wondering if any security
provisions have been made to protect this pristine and lovely work. Has
any thought been given to securing the courts overnight by padlock now
that they are fully enclosed? Are nighttime security cameras wildly
implausible? Signage regarding food, drink, and black-soled shoes? Am I
fretting entirely too much? If funding is not available for such
measures, can the city accept private donations to realize them? Just
wondering.
I understand the courts will be playable on 15 August. Thanks again
for your efforts in realizing this great asset to our city.
Yours,
William Horn
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5 comments:
Reckon we'll all have to do our bit for "active and continuous use". I'm sure our families and employers will recognize this civic duty.
Bill, I think maybe we went about the security cams with the wrong angle.
Perhaps if it was a web cam that would benefit the tennis public as a whole maybe a better argument.
1 We can see if courts are available.
2 We can tell whether or not the courts are playable, being how in climate conditions can be.
3 Security.
4 People will realize how public oriented and caring this city gov is.
Bill -
Thanks for requesting Seattle Park & Rec. position on security. I think Ted Holden's response pretty much confirmed what we thought. Perhaps, it's time to consider what we can/or are willing to do for ourselves.
I just got off the horn with Pat. He just talked with Ted about the opening day. According to Ted Holden, the courts will be available for use late Friday afternoon. No opening ceremony is planned. It's hard to belive nothing is planned when you consider it's major project and a high dollar value one.
If you have any ideas for Ted his no. is 206 684 7021. I guess we will have to give it our own ceremony.
Some security will be needed after the lights go out, I think the web camera is the best idea, because it's low cost and when people know they can be seen they tend to stay away.
Pat and I want to be part of a barbeque there late Friday afternoon. We could do this right in the parking lot. These are my thoughts and right now I'm busy trying to get my work done so I can have Friday off for tennis. So over and out and see you all on Friday. From West Seattle this is Dave
I know some of us are planning to do alittle BBQ on Sat, not sure about fri nite though. We figured Sat since it will be a day more can attend...
Has anyone seen more lately?
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