Veterans Memorial Park picnic area still a shambles
The Pinnacle first reported on a gaping hole in a fence around
the picnic area on the west side of Veterans Memorial Park at the
beginning of October 2007.
Veterans Memorial Park picnic area still a shambles
The Pinnacle first reported on a gaping hole in a fence around the picnic area on the west side of Veterans Memorial Park at the beginning of October 2007.
The hole in the fence is still visible and trash cans in the park are now overflowing. It is a location that is lost in between the jurisdiction of the city and the county.
To understand the problem a history lesson is in order. Veterans Park spans both sides of Memorial Drive. While surrounded by Hollister, the park itself remains the province of the county. Many years ago, the city parks staff maintained the picnic area and a tot lot that was a popular play area for children.
The county abruptly took back maintenance responsibilities and unceremoniously removed the tot lot. The park’s long slide began, and the spot has become a popular place for people to meet and perhaps consume adult beverages out of paper sacks; hence the broken glass.
Since October, when Pinnacle staff contacted city staff about maintenance of the park, the line has been that they do not have funding to resume maintenance of the park.
With the one percent sales tax increase kicking in April 1, we’ll check in to see if things change around the park.
The city’s parks operations fall under the Hollister Parks Commission, while the county’s fall to a similar condition. There’s a bit of good news in this bureaucratic tangle. Don Kelley of Hollister is the chairman of both panels. Kelley can be reached via e-mail at do********@ho*******.gov.
