By Daina Wilburn / Herald Forum
Hey now, hold on. I have lived across the street from Everett’s Clark Park for almost 14 years. And I’ve owned and buried two dogs here and now have a third. So I love the idea of an off-leash park, right across the street, no less (“Everett to replace historic Clark Park gazebo with a new dog park,” The Herald, Jan. 29).
But now I read that the 103-year old historic gazebo is being removed. But nothing certain is said about what is happening to this relic.
“The city hasn’t said whether removal means the gazebo will be demolished, or if it will be relocated. A removal date hasn’t yet been announced,” The Herald reported.
I want to know which it is, because it seems to me you could open a bid and $10,000 would be a reasonable price to demolish it. Or remove, for that matter.
I just want to know what we are actually getting for the $10,000 park upgrade.
And beyond that. The gazebo was useful for the homeless which according to the article, they can still gather in anyway. I have given clothes to them in that gazebo. And they huddle up there on the coldest nights. And I should say I’m not really pro homeless, but I’m definitely not against them either. But the gazebo was useful and helpful in the winter, so I hope they are at least moving it.
Or, the gazebo could be useful within the new off-leash park. Shade and water, for example.
Or if they are moving it because it’s needed for space for the off-leash park, why? There’s plenty of space on the other side of the park. Which is where I assumed they are putting it anyway.
I need more information. If they are just demolishing it, that is just wrong. Is there no prohibitions against tearing down a historic relic? And if not, why not? This is automatic in many cities across the country, so surely it is here, right? (Please say yes.)
I have looked for info. The neighborhood people don’t ever tell me anything. And I’ve tried. I’ve been to the City of Everett website and parks department. Their projects or news sections don’t even mention this. So your my eyes and ears. I’ve been a subscriber off and on for almost 14 years. So I’ll leave it up to you. Go to some more of that old-fashioned investigative journalism.
Meanwhile, me and my chocolate Lab will be right here. She’s my or maybe the neighborhood’s ambassador. She’s friends with almost all passers-by, and with some of the homeless. If you are female, she might just get up on the fence rail and let you pet her. If you’re a male, she might bark at first or for a few times. But, if you’re nice, she’ll eventually let you pet her too. She gets lots of treats from lots of sources. We need no more tennis balls at this time. Thank you.
Daina Wilburn lives in Everett.
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