Some Skinker DeBaliviere residents and several children joined the Ad Hoc Playground Committee at Grace Methodist Church on November 29. They discussed the pros and cons of placing a playground at the southeast corner of DesPeres and Kingsbury.
Committee members Dawn Blobaum, Beth Bender, and Arline Webb spoke of the positive features of the Four Corners site: its central location, its not being a problem crime area. It is city property, so liability is not a problem. Several residents said that they supported a playground, but not at that site. One spoke strongly in favor of Lucier Park. Another said he would favor it across the street, so that no trees would have to come down.
After about an hour of conciliatory conversation, the group felt the southwest corner at Kingsbury and DesPeres, now a parking lot, would be the best alternative for the playlot, and they compromised on having the lot designed for children 6 and under. The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council must approve the plan. The committee intends to apply to the Gateway Foundation for funding.
