I don't have a problem with kids wading or splashing in the fountain, or dogs jumping in. I just don't see the harm. 
I do mind the people who mess around with the fountain mechanisms, as described in a neighborhood post earlier this month, but as long as there's no physical damage, I don't see a problem.
I frankly would rather the police's energy be spent dealing with the uncomfortably loud music at the groves or in the cars driving through the park, or the people who drop trash and bottles all over the jogging path or the playgrounds.  
----- Original Message -----
From: Eliza Littleton
To: neighborhood@highlandpark.pgh.pa.us
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2007 6:02 PM
Subject: [Highland Park] Highland Park Gardens and Fountain

Hello Neighbors,
On such a lovely day, it is great to see so many people coming to the Highland Park gardens and fountain. It seems like the perfect place to let kids bike and run, and to sit and enjoy the beauty of the garden.

I am not sure what counts as enjoying the fountain and reflecting pool. My kids like to float their boats. Other than that, we just enjoy being around it.

Which brings me to the question: what are reasonable ways to enjoy the fountain and reflecting pool?

I don't know whether the community has yet decided what these water features are for. Which is fine for now, but in the meantime, not surprisingly, some folks are using it to swim or to bathe their dog on a hot day. (Eek, all that bird poop and germ-y water, not to mention the risk of children drowning).

Maybe we need more supervision of these areas by local police. Also, I think the community should plan ways to use the fountain and pool. For example, perhaps a local toy store could sponsor a model boat rental on the weekends (our family favorite)? 

I think the community needs to help people resist the urge to let their children and dogs go for a swim...

Sincerely,
EL



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