The above story appeared in the print edition of the Journal Times today, Saturday, April 17, 2010, on page 15A. I looked for it online at journaltimes.com, but couldn't find it. So I scanned it in.
I understand the dilemma. State law requires a considerable upgrade to the plumbing if humans are going to run through the fountain. We can't afford it. There was even some concern that we might need to provide a lifeguard, or some sort of supervision, even if we could afford the upgrade.
I think it's a shame. Isn't there any of that stimulus money left to use for this? The work necessary to meet state guidelines should generate a couple of temporary jobs, like the other stimulus jobs. These would probably be skilled. And the lifeguard/babysitter job would be regular seasonal employment.
Maybe this is something the people of the city could get behind as a fundraising drive. Give your spare change to make the fountain safe.
Those kids running through the fountain are a joyous scene. It reminds me of kids running through opened fire hydrants. The glee on their faces, their squeals and shouts - it just makes me smile. Too bad that we can't come up with some way to allow it to continue.
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17 comments:
wow, that's so sad, maybe I'm wrong but wasn't the idea of kids enjoying it part of the reason for it? I hope something can be done to fix this :(
Orb's your correct. It's a problem, but I agree stimulus money should be available, not to mention "The Beach" in MY opinion is MUCH more dangerous, even WITH lifeguards, again not to mention full of CRAP.
Lifeguard...are you shit’in me.
1 parent/adult for every 2 or 3 kids and you need a lifeguard.
I think all the “crack” the Racine Police confiscate in drug raids goes right to city hall.
I am so very saddened. It was my understanding that the park was originally meant to be a beautification park, not a splash pad.
I heard the story, not sure it was true.. that once children began splashing and playing, some employees of JWax complained, thinking it was too "uncultured." It is my understanding that Sam, himself, said he could not think of a better end result than to offer this to the children of Racine. Sam was a big thinker and a true human being.
Laurel Clark's family was thrilled that the children played in this park, named after her.
Racine received extremely positive media attention due to this wonderful park, open to the public.
What are we doing? We fund other parks in the city, we buy red metal art work, put up expensive moasics.... but we stop this true gem for lack of funding?
I, too, enjoyed seeing the sheer delight on kids faces while running though the water. Many of these kids will never have the means to get to a real waterpark.
Wow, kk, I didn't even think of that: $50K for Becker's "artwork" in Uptown, but not a penny for the fountain. What screwed up priorities this city has. Dickert said last year that something would be worked out on the fountain, but that, like the ten year plan and other promises, must have been another lie.
It sure would make things a lot easier for us if our "representatives" just told us the truth.
And we have another $120K to spend on the pedo's lawsuit, but nothing for the fountain.
Actually, all of this is very in keeping with Racine's long tradition of honoring pedos and discarding children.
And how much did we spend on his trial?
Amazing! Hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on a pedo, but nothing for the kids and the fountain.
Yes, be sure to continue to listen to our "representatives." Yes, they know what is best.
No, let's really be honest here. You can't have the inner city poverty (black, white and brown) splashing and showing themselves all ghetto in our "upscale" downtown. It just doesn't fit ANY plan, including the ten year one.
Shame, shame SHAME on us.....
Ah Crap! Now I'll have to find a different place for my weekly bath!
When I was a kid, I knew more than one person who toted a bar of soap to Lake Michigan.
KK: Good comments. Unfortunately Racine no longer has the commitment It had when the likes of Sam Johnson, Robert Hamilton Sr. John Batten, Fred Young Sr. and others were in charge of It's industry.
That's sad.
I thought that was the idea behind it?
So the city will generate some $$ by ticketing anyone that goes in?
Excellent post KK!
Racine is good for “hanging a carrot” out there for the children of Racine, then strip it away and wonder why as they grow older they are out walking the streets, hanging out at the mall and have their music blasting from their stereo systems.
Then the city has the balls to say it’s all the parents fault, they didn’t raise them right.
So sad, Mina really had fun running through that last year.. Here's a picture.. sorry about the link, I don't know how to make them work.. just cut and paste or if someone knows how to fix it I'd appreciate it..
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4110718&l=787d0001c7&id=621997218
The site is blocked at work so I can't check. If it is a valid link to your picture, this should do it....
picture
thanks it worked for me anyways..
I remember occasionally running through the fountain on a hot day in the middle of my run (squishy shoes a small price to pay).
I remember my first visit to Racine...downtown was in such bad shape I couldn't tell whether some building were being built or torn down (really!) It looks much nicer now, but just can't seem to quite get everything together to have a vibrant downtown. Which is a shame since there is potential there. There are some buildings with great character, a nice lakefront/river location, and some attempts at new developments which haven't overwhelmed the older buildings (at least not yet).
Then you get things like this which seem designed to keep people away!
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