SNOHOMISH – Months after neighbors raised the roof with their concerns, the city seems to have made progress reducing problems at the Averill Youth Complex.
“People’s impression is what we’ve been dealing with. So, if people’s impression is improving, we are happy,” said Chuck Macklin, the city’s interim police chief.
Officers have responded to the 1.2-acre park about 40 times per month from May through July – a substantial decline from 81 calls in April – Macklin said.
The park includes a skate park, playground equipment and a youth center, surrounded by businesses and homes.
Police recently have arrested minors for misdemeanors such as possessing alcohol and tobacco, Macklin said. But extra patrols have reduced those instances.
Earlier this spring, residents complained that some park users damaged property, cussed and smoked at the popular hangout for young people in town. That caused conflicts between some teenagers and parents of younger children.
In response, the City Council held a community meeting in June to identify problems and solutions. The city recently took some actions, including clearing shrubbery to make the dumpster area more visible.
If the city doesn’t see enough progress in six months, it could take tougher steps, such as installing security cameras and confiscating skateboards and bicycles from lawbreakers.
City Councilwoman Lya Badgley said she and her family frequently clean up litter at the park as part of the city’s adopt-a-park program. Badgley said she’s heard that the parents of young children feel less intimidated.
“I think a big part of it is just getting a word out to all of the users at the facility that they need to be more sensitive to little kids,” Badgley said.
The Boys &Girls Club in the complex has helped the city’s efforts by using its group of teenage peer counselors to discourage smoking there, said Sunny Duffy, the club’s unit director.
Resident Linda Purvis, who attended the community meeting, said she is glad to hear about the positive change at the park that her son, Jesse, 16, frequents.
“A lot of people put a lot of money, time and energy to build (the park),” she said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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