Bits and Pieces . . . SHORT EDITORIALS

It took four employees from Raytown Parks and Recreation over half a day to clean up fireworks and other debris on July 5th at Kenagy Park this year.

C. Lee Kenagy Park is located in the geographic center of Raytown at 79th and Raytown Road. It is the largest park located within city’s limits. It has 18 acres of public space available for Raytowners' use. Walking trails, tennis courts, a fishing pond, six shelter houses, playgrounds and a skate board park plus green space galore for visitors to enjoy.

Like all other parks in Raytown, it is illegal to shoot off fireworks in the park.

So why is a work crew spending half a day cleaning up fireworks debris and trash of irresponsible visitors from the July 4th holiday?

The answer is simple.

Governments are often unwilling to do something about a problem, particularly if they view a problem as untreatable. In short, they would probably rather not hear about it.

This type of apathy is not a responsible way to govern. The city should work to find a solution – enforcement of laws already on the books would be a good first step.

Rock Island Walking and Bike Trail Open to the Public

BRIDGE OVER BLUE RIDGE CUTOFF
LEADS TO THE TRUMAN SPORTS COMPLEX

This linear park cuts diagonally across Raytown with some of the most scenic sections of the trail.

The western end of the trail, accessible at a trailhead located at 59th Street and Raytown Road is exceptionally scenic as you approach the Truman Sports Complex.

If you have not been on the trail yet, dust off your bicycle and go for a ride, or, put on some comfortable shoes and go for a relaxing stroll.

Traffic Hazard on 59th Street

The picture at left is of an uncovered cover sewer or water pipe on 59th Street just about 60 feet west of the Raytown Road and 59th Street intersection.

The exposed pipe is about 6” in diameter. Most cars can easily travel over the exposed pipe. However, bicyclists should take special care when riding on 59th Street. The hole is large enough to ruin a wheel and tire. Or worse . . . cause a bicyclist to wreck.

The exposed pipe is also dangerous for riders of all terrain vehicles (ATV) vehicles as well. Especially those travelling at high speeds. 59th Street at high speeds.

Even if the pipe is not city owned, it remains the city’s responsibility to make certain responsible parties repair the hazardous conditions on public streets.

Speaking of Safe Streets

The picture above shows a "speed hump" built into the street in the Brookside sudivision located just south of the Country Club Plaza. The location is next to a neighborhood park which has a children's swimming pool and tennis courts. The park is centrally located in a residential neighborhood.

Most patrons of the park walk to the pool from their homes. A number of the people at the park said the "speed humps" were a very welcome in the neighborhood. The humps slow the traffic down to 15 miles per hour around the park area -- making it possible for families to walk safely to the park.

Last Saturday afternoon a homeowner whose home backs up to Colman Park told of a vehicle cutting donuts at the south end of the park on Lane Street. Speed humps would have made such reckless drivng impossible.