If Cleveland Metroparks continues to expand into the city of
Cleveland, the safety of the good people in these neighborhods must be of paramount concern. This is evident from the horrendous attack this week at West Creek, along with residents' concerns previously voiced in
Slavic
Village. Vandalism at Washington Park Golf Course has been addressed, but personal safety far outweighs property concerns.
Before they take on even more areas within the city, Cleveland Metroparks needs to better patrol what they have. Most urban municipalities are already stretched thin compared to outer ring suburbs (which have less crime and bigger budgets and police departments). It is unfair to park visitors or to the park’s present holdings to put either at risk. Basic safety and land protection is more important than fancy buildings, new exhibits or premier golf courses.
In 1997 (before the addition of Ohio and Erie Canal, Washington Park or West Creek Reservations) CMP had the equivalent of 88.4 full time rangers and total budget expenditures of $47.6 million. By '07, with three additional reservation, there were 85.6 rangers and budgets expenses of $78 Million.
In 10 years three (urban) reservations have been added, the budget has increased by 2/3s, but the number of rangers has fallen by 3. We need to make sure this remains a 'freak incident,' and that means devoting the money and personnel necessary. Dollars spent on landscaping along I-71 or maintaining other non-park land could instead pay for additional rangers.