Overcrowding at Kayla's Park causes safety concerns

Many people took advantage of the unusually high temperatures today and were out enjoying the spring-like weather. But it looks like they all ended up in the same place. Kayla's Park, located at 35th and Puetz, is new to the Franklin park system. It was built in 2016 at a cost of $1.4 million on the existing Franklin Nature Center land using funds set aside for Franklin's community center.

Many of the local residents were upset their quiet neighborhood park was destroyed in favor of a regional park. The neighbors were so upset they pushed the blame on their Alderwoman Janet Evans and they recalled her. The park was always Mayor Olson's idea and at a recent meeting he was heard to say that Kayla's Park will be his legacy.

As a result of overcrowding at the park today, DPW workers were called into work to relieve chaos in the parking lot. Some vehicle owners disregarded the caution tape set up by DPW. But that wasn't the only problem.

Once the parking lot reached capacity, people were observed parking on the grass area, sidewalks, and even spilling onto the local streets, creating an unsafe environment for families. Restroom facilities were closed and children were observed urinating in the park. Neighbors never experienced this type of traffic volume when it was considered a local neighborhood park. They question why a regional park was placed in their neighborhood, causing overcrowding and unsafe conditions.

Children have a habit of darting in and out of traffic. If the mayor does not take action to deal with the overcrowding at the park, a serious accident will occur. Many residents will remember the woman that was killed by a motorist less than a block away from the park. When you have parked cars on streets, cars and bikes driving both ways, deep ditches, and no sidewalks which force families to walk in the street, you have to shake your head and pray that nothing happens.