Our City Council Address

May 29, 2012

Mr. Mayor and City Council Members,

Almost two years ago, a group of concerned citizens started out with the noble intention of creating a new downtown park that would be safe, easy to maintain, and fun for all of our children including those with disabilities. This group, Play By The Bay, has spent countless hours and considerable money researching our goal and navigating through the political process.  Recent inspections by Fairhope’s  Building Official, Barry Fulford , revealed that 75% of  the current downtown park is rotted, splintered, and/ or warped. Most wooden playground structures need to be replaced after 10-12 years of use. In fact, many cities have removed their wooden playgrounds due to liability issues associated with excessive deterioration.

On March 14, Play By the Bay was endorsed by this city council to continue our efforts.  Play By the Bay invited the community to a public meeting which took place on April 30^th.  Soon after this meeting our efforts came to a halt when we met resistance from a small group of original park organizers.

On May 18 the playground was discussed at an informal meeting chaired by Chairman Lonnie Mixon. Play by the Bay, Ken Eslava, and a small group of original park members attended.  Mr. Mixon invited two of the original park members to speak tonight and share their proposal for the Fairhoper’s Park.  We were discouraged by this pronouncement, since Play by the Bay had been through the process of endorsement and done our due diligence.  

We have to date done preliminary planning which includes a multi-tiered, multi dimensional play structure, a splash pad, a toddler play section and a stage.  Plans also involved Fairhope’s local food production initiative to create a gardening section.  In addition we contacted several local architects and artists to discuss incorporating art elements from the existing structure. 

Play by the Bay still feels strongly about the condition and accessibility of the Fairhoper’s Park, but we are not in this to compete with other groups who don’t share our same concerns. Therefore it is with much regret, Play by the Bay is respectfully suspending its offer to plan, fundraise and build a new Fairhoper’s Park. 

We would like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way.Thank you to all who have shared their time and come to this with selfless motives.  We look forward to the day when the downtown park once again safely serves our community needs.

Attachments

1. Building inspector report
2. newspaper articles from other cities who replaced Leathers structures
3. Letter from Justin Vance a playground inspector

Play By The Bay Board Members

Katie Evans

Dina Floyd

Carissa Cumbie

Maura Coley

Rivers Puckett

Karen Mullins