Over the last few years, sections of LaSalle Park have literally deteriorated to the point that large 'sink holes' are now visible. Down towards where AmVets Drive 'should' meet Lakefront Boulevard, there are sections of the park (along the water) that need to be repaired right away. For years the problem has become worse and worse. There are holes so big that a person or a dog could easily fall inside. Of course there is yellow caution tape flying from the nearby trees, but the tape is all ripped and tattered. The problem runs for quite a ways and has damaged the grass, sidewalks and trees.
I would imagine that since there is yellow caution tape at the site, The City is aware of the problem. So as long as this problem is being addressed (and I'm sure it is), why not take care of the rest of the park too? Instead of just patching up the visible problems, why not look at the park as a whole? For years people have asked why cars need access to the Lake Erie side of the park. There is plenty of roadway found away from the water... it's called Dar Drive. Keep the cars off the water... keep them over towards the thruway. There is even a roundabout to lead the cars back out of the park once they have rolled in. That is where the parking lots are found too. Leave the waterfront to the bikers and the walkers... don't just patch LaSalle… fix it for good.
Have you ever noticed who is driving along AmVet Drive? Last week I saw a guy who pulled up to polish his trophies. Another guy was washing his car. Are these activities that need to be performed along the water's edge? And there are many more activities going on that I won't even mention. Why not make drivers park at designated parking lots along Dar Drive? From there they can walk to the water. Why do all of our lakeside parks have some sort of road running next to them? This is not a heavily trafficked roadway. It's not like people need to get across town and need this road to get there... removing the road along the lake would not compromise any businesses either.
If you want to see a grand vision of the park from a former administration, just click here. There is no reason that this plan could not be adopted by the current administration. At least money could be saved by re-using a former plan that looks pretty well though out.
Below you can see just how much respect the car drivers have for anyone else. This guy uses the entrance to the bike trail as his personal parking space.
