When opponents of fence removal at Swingset Park expressed concerns about the possible influx of interlopers to the park once the fence was down, they were probably thinking of Capitol Hillites, residents of the Central District, and other such inlanders. And when marshaling their arguments, the proponents of fence removal were clearly focused on the benefits of providing greater access to the water and not the other thing (providing greater access to the land).
But in what's certainly an ironic case of unintended consequences, it seems that the primary new users of Swingset Park—now that the fence is gone—are Canada Geese. The missing fence, a longtime “visual barrier” to the water, turns out to have also been (at least for our avian summer visitors) a too-tall physical barrier between the Lake and the shore. With the fence now history, the geese have discovered the park---and they're loving it.
Of course there are some nasty implications to this turn of events. Geese poop now pretty much covers the grassy area of Swingset Park to a depth of ten or fifteen feet inland from the water. As you might expect, this situation has not gone unnoticed, especially by those who wander into the area to check out the shoreline, admire the new view, walk the dog, sunbathe, or launch one of those kayaks that the anti-fence forces perhaps thought would become a fixture of the park (actually, we've yet to see any kayak launchings, but we're not on site 24/7 either).
Anyway, some residents are concerned. One of them, Bill Allen, in an email to other neighbors and the Madison Park Community Council, has suggest that Seattle Parks erect a low-level wrought-iron fence that would impose a physical barrier but not create a visual barrier. Say, isn't that something we once recommended? It was considered a too-expensive option at the time, so we suspect that is still the case. No word yet on whether Seattle Parks is willing to reopen the issue.
For those who have yet to go down and enjoy the ambiance of Swingset Park in its new mode, we suggest a visit. From the sidewalk, at least, the view is great. If you want to get a closer look, however, we can only advise: watch your step!
[Photos by William Allen]
I love the geese, they are God's creatures as well.
ReplyDeleteMadison Park residents are experts in creative complaining. How about some creative solutions like a little path to some nice benches near the water? Oh, and by the way, geese know how to fly, duh, even over low metal fences. What a bunch of .... geese poop!
ReplyDelete. . . and won't all that poop be a disincentive for those Capital Hillites and Central Area criminals who otherwise would descend on the Park?
ReplyDeleteMaybe a Madison Park resident should sue the geese.
ReplyDeleteHow about having the MPCC pick up the bird poop?
ReplyDeleteThe city and the state govs should use it to promote their "legalize marijuana" initiative. Plant the park with the weed, sell it and use the profits to maintain it. The geese will fertilize it for free. Mad Park residents should get discounted rates. How's that for state planning? No drinking allowed!
ReplyDeleteSo THAT's why all the hot ladies haven't migrated down from the beach. Darn geese.
ReplyDeleteThe dreaded geese are all over Madison Park Beach too. What's the big deal? Let dogs run around around Swingset Park off-leash and they'll chase the geese away (probably back to Madison Park Beach). The more people use Swingset Park, the less the geese will. The geese can be trained that it isn't a good place for them.
ReplyDeleteThis park is still not safe for the kiddies, imagine if one fell into the poop.
ReplyDeleteI may be the only one who does not at all like the new "swingset park," and much preferred the old, wilder park with the fence covered with birds and blackberry bushes (and delicious blackberries, in fall). It seems barren and sterile now, the "gorgeous" view notwithstanding. And yes, it is covered with goose poo, which itself is rife with guardia, that has sickened a couple of local dogs so far (and is transmissible to humans). Plus, I've seen several children toddling toward the rick-rack by the shoreline, and harried parents hurrying after them to pluck them off the rocks. Wish there was some way a smaller fence with inlets for kayaks could be built, or at least some heavier, taller bushes, to keep the children in, and the geese out.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that since the park's new "facelift," they have been repeatedly dousing it with pesticides, that have been definitively linked to seizure disorders as well as learning disabilities in children. The parks department has been nice enough to post when these pesticide applications take place, but still, it is NOT a place where I feel I can safely take my own dog and child anymore ):
ReplyDelete