I was happy to see a move over the last couple of months to freshen up our local Dutch Hill Elementary school with some mowing, a new sign and some gardening. However, over the last couple of weeks I was not happy to see the installation of a ton of very tall chain-link fence that has turned what was a nice community spot into what looks like a stockade. No doubt the children will feel like they’ve been locked in when they return to school as there is fence everywhere. What is sad is access to a great playground with lots of equipment to inspire activity in children is now behind a fence. There are basketball hoops and soccer nets, and a softball backstop … all activities that inspire kids to get out and play.
I don’t recall reading anything about vandalism there, so I wonder why the move to limit community access? Seems counter-intuitive to me. Last I heard, schools are taxpayer supported and as such, everyone should be able to enjoy shooting baskets, kicking a soccer ball, sliding down the slide, and swinging on the swings after school hours. Did I miss something in the news?
Karen Knapp
Snohomish
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