To the Editor:
Dare anyone in Shoreline ask if a city can have too many parks? Shoreline has 31 according to the latest city Recreation Guide. Some of them are very large, such as Shoreview, Boeing Creek Park, Richmond Beach Park, and Hamlin, but there are also many fair-sized parks such as Twin Ponds, Ronald Bog, and Paramount. Kayu Kayu was opened in 2009. More are being envisioned, such as Sunset Park and Aldercrest Park, and possibly the Cedarbook school site. Many parks were acquired when Shoreline was incorporated but several were purchased subsequently (e.g., South Woods and the north extension of Hamlin Park.)
Parks cost a lot of money, not just in purchase but in routine maintenance, upkeep and repair, to say nothing of the enhancements that decorate our parks, whether these are the bronze ponies at Ronald Bog or the large gazebo and sculpture at newly renovated Cromwell Park. As well, Shoreline abounds in recreation facilities, with its two public pools, a gym, tennis courts, baseball and soccer playing fields (including a Stadium), and off-leash dog areas. I doubt any other comparable sized city in King County has as many parks, trails and recreation facilities as does Shoreline.
Can Shoreliners really afford all this? Between 1995 and 2005 Shoreline was an affordable city. But folks are fleeing now, with 330 homes for sale and 171 in foreclosure according to the latest RE report. With the current continuing bad economic news, we really must make some difficult choices. So, while parks and trails are a distinct community advantage we may be living well beyond our means.
Gini Paulsen
Shoreline
Read more...