A large group of my friends and I have red, painful chemical burns from the grass. I can still see imprints of individual blades of grass on my legs after 4 days. The chemicals used are far too strong and this is unacceptable for a public park where children play.
I’m a frequent user of Switchyard park, but I’m very unhappy with the state of the parking lot on Walnut St. I’ve seen city employees out working in the area several times, but it’s still unsightly. The beds are sparse and bare-looking. It appears as though the working crew has mulched around Johnson grass - an invasive grass - and tall fescue. Does the landscaper not know the difference between invasive and ornamental grasses? Not only this, the hills south of the stage area around the playground and dog park are filled with thistles, Johnson grass, and other invasives. Is the city’s flagship park not worth landscaping maintenance? Considering that this is the city’s most beloved, brag-worthy park and it still looks awful, I’m hesitant to visit other parks.
On the basketball courts, one of the hoops is missing the crank to raise/lower the basket. I've seen individuals manually raise and lower it by using a similar piece to the cranks, but having the crank replaced greatly enhances the usability of the courts.
Around 8:45 this morning, I encountered a strong stench coming from the woods to the west of the B-Line Trail in Switchyard park between lampposts 20 and 21. It smelled like rotting flesh. Could someone please investigate to make sure it isn't a hazard or concern?
Half of the 8 light fixtures across the two light poles at Switchyard Skatepark are out and have been for quite some time.
I'm going to start a weekly inquiry for when the Switchyard Skatepark lights are going to be fixed. There are still many bulbs out and there are plenty of dark spots so skating past sundown becomes dangerous, despite lots of people still skating around that time.
The merry go round isn't going around.
Loose bolt on basketball hoop at Switchyard: The south basket at the Switchyard basketball court has a loose screw that keeps needing replaced/tightened. As you face the basket, it's the upper-left bolt. A constituent has been voluntarily tightening it when it gets loose, but he wants it fixed. He said last time the bolt fell out and the washer was lost and had to be backordered/the basket was out of commission for a while. He said he's submitted some complaints before and it is still a problem.
Switchyard basketball court lighting: Most of the park is well lit at night (pickleball court, skate park, etc.) but the basketball court isn't. Constituent would like to request lighting there so it's safer/easier to see.
Outside the homeless shelter at switchyard park off the walking path are hundreds of cigarette butts. This is making the area look very trashy as well as dangerous for wildlife/animals. Please hold people that litter accountable. Please also talk to shelter organizers to provide trash stations for cigarette butts and help educate people responsible for littering.