Recap of 1st Lester Park Neighborhood Meeting with the City

Here’s my attempt to recap the neighborhood Lester Park meeting while also sharing some post-meeting updates. Please fill in the parts I missed so we can create a complete report.

First, since the meeting we’ve already seen that the picnic tables are out from under the pavilion. They are spread out with more trash cans in other areas of the park. More trash cans in other locations at the park were specifically requested at the meeting to encourage greater use of the park and also to help neighbors see a direct change as a result of the gathering. (Thank you!!) I also know that some neighbors are deliberately using the park more since the meeting. As another update, the city met again with directors last week and is putting together a team of people to make a short-term and long-term plan for improvements at the park. I hope they’ll invite some neighbors to be on that team. These changes are promising, but of course, there’s more to be done. 

Again, I want to share my highlights, takeaways, and a general summary, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Please comment with your perspectives since we all have our own narratives. Also, since I chose to be present and not take notes, I’m sure I missed things and would love help filling in the gaps. Thank you!

I appreciated how the meeting started, hearing from Monte of Parks and Recs, Mayor Ben Nadolski, Council member Angela Berryman Choberka, and Chief Young of the Ogden City police department regarding the issues they see at Lester Park. Though at first I wanted the neighbors to kick it off, it was good to hear from them and know that they see the issues we live with every day. They mentioned the same topics that neighbors have brought up to me in many interviews over the past 3 years. It’s good to know that in some ways we are on the same page. The city is aware of the drugs, prostitution, trash, vandalism, mental health challenges, and the general lack of warmth or welcome at times in Lester Park. 

The mayor mentioned that they had been discussing the issues of the park and how to find solutions, then decided to take this question to the neighbors. I appreciate that. I’ve been hearing potential solutions from neighbors for years and trying to communicate them and put them into action, but it’s much more possible when we meet in person and work together. While the Parks and rec department has met with me a few times to hear the hopes of neighbors regarding the park, this is the first time multiple council members and the mayor participated. I hope this is the first conversation of many, which is the hope that they expressed too.

It was mentioned that the city had had some outside parties come in and evaluate the crime and situation of the park. Someone asked how that solves the problem. The city acknowledged that it doesn’t. They did say that a RAMP grant had been awarded with matched funds from the city for a new playground and court (I’m not sure yet what kind will come first – basketball or pickleball- so I’ll do some more research) that they are hoping to start installing this fall. WOO HOO!! That’s been news we’ve waited years to hear!

Next, they listened to community members’ issues and ideas. There was a range of comments that I’d love to see reiterated in the comments below, but I’ll do my best to list them. I know I can’t show the passion community members shared, including one neighbor who mentioned presidents of the United States (including Theodore Roosevelt) who have visited this park. It was clear to the city that people care and are committed to helping be part of the solution.

-It’s a struggle to organize events at the park and pavilion when there are special permit fees and insurance, especially when the park is already not inviting or safe. There used to be more regular programs but they were shut down by police for not having proper paperwork. People now choose to go to other parks instead or to not hold events at all. 

-Some programs have been moved entirely by the city to other parks, like the concert series and summer lunch program. This has led to fewer positive activities at our local park.

-The playground is outdated. 

-People come to use the field and want to see that open space remain.

-Mental health issues of people in the park and harassment have led to people choosing other parks for their play. People will drive to farther parks if they don’t want to deal with these issues so they can relax more easily.

-This is a problem that spans generations. When kids don’t have a place to play, they often stay inside crowded apartments while their parents are at work or they start getting into trouble, involved in crime, smoking, and other escalating addictions. Creating a space where different ages can feel safe and welcome in the park can change things for the next generation and today’s.

-There aren’t safe, sanitary bathrooms which is important when you have young kids. The current structure doesn’t allow a clear line of vision between the playground and bathroom doors to watch children as they come and go. There are also areas where it’s easy for people to hide.

-Neighbors don’t like being asked for drugs at the park and bus stop. 

-People choose to come to the park because they want community. While some could just play in their backyard, they come to the park to meet neighbors and get to know others passing through. This connection strengthens our community.

-When the park has events and greater numbers, people feel safer and more welcome. Some neighborhood parties there have still had challenging moments where people under the influence were an issue, but the space needs to continue to be used anyway. The only way to overcome fears related to the park is to make new good memories and keep using it together. 

-Perhaps organizations can partner with neighbors to create regular events so people can enjoy the park in safety. Maybe together there can be funding for the permits and insurance.

-The community policing has offered to check the park and make sure it’s safe before events. Perhaps officers should attend if they are available too but hopefully without so much gear as it can be intimidating at times for some populations. This was specifically mentioned at the meeting – the firearms on the police in full uniform. People want the park to feel inviting for all, especially those in recovery, and this attire doesn’t always create a comfortable environment.

-People expressed gratitude to law enforcement for being a presence in the park and for responding quickly whenever there were issues. Several people agreed.

-People were frustrated that you can’t sit on a bench in this park and easily meet with friends. We were informed that benches are being made for the park from trees that used to line 25th Street. I know these have been in the works for a while, so hopefully, they will be installed soon, if at all possible.

-Concerns were raised that programming in the park often leads to trash and leftover food and clothes. Others said that their weekly programs are well-attended and are how people get out of these cycles of addiction and homelessness.

-Some expressed that it will take more than a new playground to see lasting change at the park. There need to be enough updates to reach a critical mass that will lead to big changes in park use and dynamics. Some feel that the changes will likely be more effective if done as part of one big remodel.

-People expressed hope that more fundraising as a community could lead to a bigger remodel in the near future. Perhaps businesses could sponsor parts of the park. Or perhaps other organizations could offer grants, specifically for a running path through the park.

-Another comment was Lester Park is an urban park and will always be an urban park. However, we need to make ways to coexist and make more than one space desirable and accessible.

-Finally, this meeting was partly about rebuilding trust with the city. It was expressed that some trust had been broken after the previous contest and plans to redesign the park fell through. At minimum, seeing trash cans in other parts of the park so people can picnic or do book clubs on a blanket would be a great immediate outcome of this meeting and an act of good faith as connection and trust is rebuilt.

I’m sure I’m missing other great ideas that were shared, so please share them again in the comments.

At the conclusion of the formal conversation, small groups naturally formed and kept the conversations going. I think this shows how engaged our neighbors are, as well as our city leaders. It was fun to see them all connecting and enjoying each other’s company. When one comment felt a little more confrontational, that person was approached after too so their thoughts could be understood more fully. In general, I think people felt welcomed so they wanted to stay and keep the conversation going.

The parks and rec department showed drawings and plans of the overall design and listened to input from community members of all ages – including kids. I especially loved seeing the kids’ sketches on the plans and the hopes for a better place to gather and grow together. 

This is what I can remember, but I know there is more. Please comment on what I missed. All of your ideas and takeaways are appreciated and important. They show a key takeaway that I heard city officials had – that our neighborhood DOES care and will show up for each other and our community. Thank you for coming and for being part of the positive progress at Lester Park!