
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 5, 1993                   TAG: 9308050456
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NORTHWEST PARK GETS SHORT SHRIFT

WE HAVE lived on the same Northwest Roanoke street for 20 years, and for 20 years have been asking the same question of Parks and Recreation officials and others in the city: When will Bowman Park become a real park?

For 20 years, the answer has been the same: it's not in the budget. It's hard not to feel our middle-class neighborhood is being overlooked while playground equipment goes to parks in more affluent areas of the city.

Bowman Park is a lovely site for a park. Nestled in between two streets in a residential section just off Williamson Road, there is plenty of room for playground equipment - and plenty of children to use it.

Yet, since we've lived here, the park's swings have deteriorated, a merry-go-round and jungle gym were removed because of their poor condition, and no attempts have been made to replace any equipment. The park is a patch of green grass, some trees and a sign - that's it.

I raised five children here, am a day-care provider and a foster parent, so I feel qualified to say that the children in this neighborhood need a real park - one with play equipment, and one which is maintained so that broken glass and other debris do not accumulate to the point it is unsafe for children.

We have been reading a lot lately about juvenile delinquency and the problems of teens. I think more money should be spent on providing a place for children to participate in healthy activity. Perhaps then less money would be needed for rehabilitation.

In 20 years time, I could have saved enough from my household budget to do something at Bowman Park.

Why can't the city spend a little where it is greatly needed and would be greatly appreciated?

RACHEL DEEL\ ROANOKE

by CNB