Dear Editor:
Every fall people gather at JFK stadium to watch the Redwings play football. The crowds cheer, the cheerleaders dance and the players pass, tackle, and kick their way to victory. But unfortunately, with the crowds come double parking and serious safety issues for all involved. When cars are double parked, it’s very difficult for traffic to see people who are crossing the street. There are lots of players, students and their families on the sidewalks and in the streets during game day and practice events. This makes for a very chaotic and precarious situation. The reality is that many of these players don’t have to be driven to the game or to practice. Our town is 1 mile square you can walk to JFK stadium from anywhere in town in 20 minutes. You can bike it in 10.
These are athletes: walking and biking should be part of their workout regimen. Here are some step we can take as a town to improve the safety at JFK stadium: Educate & Inform: Remind spectators, parents, players coaches and staff that double parking at the stadium is illegal and will be ticketed. Students and athletes should be encouraged to walk or bike to games and practice. Have a loading zone in front of JFK stadium for drop off/pickup only. Enforce. For out of town visitors offer other transportation alternatives, the 9th street light rail is only a few blocks from the stadium. For people who must drive coordinate a discount with a parking lot and offer a shuttle to and from the stadium. Enforcement of tickets and towing of illegally parked cars. We never want a child to dart out in the street and get hit because a driver didn’t see them. Let’s do our best to make sure it never happens.
Chris Adair
