What readers think about downtown parks

I agree with Rick Reynolds, that we need to make sure that this in not just a move to harass homeless. But I also think if Debra Brown (police spokesperson) thinks the parks are safe she should take her sack lunch downtown to Occidental Park some afternoon. That place is yucky!!

— Terri Turner-Carney, Seattle

I think putting fences around the parks would only increase unwanted activity rather than discourage it. Parks are supposed to be community-oriented public spaces. Fences create psychological barriers as well as physical ones that encourage people to defy authority. Good parks do not have fences.

— Katie Sheehy, Seattle

I would say that my favorite park in the daytime and least favorite in the evening is Occidental Park. The romantic character during the day in Pioneer Square is great with the Grand Cafe opening out to it and first Thursday occurring in the light filled summer nights. This is my neighborhood park and I hope to see some cleaning up of the park as more and more people decide to move into downtown proper.

— Justin Fogle, Seattle

I think its just another way to keep the poor homeless people from sleeping in the park. Spending money to encourage people to enjoy their parks is simply silly. I don't think people refuse to go in the parks because they are either dirty or full of unsavory people. Americans just don't walk much. I live in Victoria now and just returned from Europe. People mix it up more in both these places. The busiest parks are the off leash ones in Victoria. They don't have a fence, just a sign designating the large area of waterfront where dogs can enjoy themselves. All of Seattle's parks are lovely and the design and land-scaping beautiful. I think Seattle is lucky to have such lovely green spaces. Perhaps you should try telling people they can't go in the parks for a week. Then they will all want to go.

— Susan Housel, Victoria, BC

Why would they be unarmed. I don't imagine an unarmed "park ranger" can make our Seattle parks any more safe. I would actually feel sorry for the unarmed "park ranger".

— Joel Green, Seattle

I visit Seattle once a year and I still marvel at the green spaces it has. I live in Philadelphia where the green spaces get replaced by condos as soon as they can sell the land.

— Michael Penn, PA

Parks are a great place if you want to get mugged!

— Greg Stroud, Everett

Who needs security guards around the parks when you've already got a fluegelhorn player? That should keep the bad guys out. Maybe add an accordion and a bagpipe. Yep, that should do it.

— Deanna Christian, Bellingham