CRIME TRACKER: 'My kids found needles, drug needles'
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- The KIMA Crime Tracker heard your concerns about a Yakima city park a lot of you say is dangerous. Neighbors say Cherry Park at Cherry and Fourth avenues is notorious for drugs. The Parks Department paints over graffiti there almost every day.
Cans aren't you the only things littering Cherry Park.
"My kids found needles, drug needles," said park visitor Sarah Stacy.
"Found drug needles over here, and there's always liquor bottles," said neighbor Jenny Rhoades.
Jenny lives across the street from Cherry Park. She sees a lot of drug deals, fights and vandalism.
"My dad said to me once, 'Man, that's really good you have a park right across from your house," said Jenny. "And I'm like, 'It isn't that good because that's where everyone congregates,' especially people you don't want."
You called us about the problems. So, we called the city. Rae Julsing with the Parks Department began cleaning right away.
We found graffiti on the swings, the slide and even the grill. She's here nearly everyday.
"It gets kind of repetitive, but you know, I'd rather do this than see the graffiti everywhere," said Julsing.
Tagging isn't the only crime committed here. In just two months, there have been nearly a dozen other crimes within three blocks of the park.
We learned park security is up to YPD. They tell us they patrol the area 24 hours a day, everyday. Lights were installed to deter criminals.
"It has gotten so bad that the lights just seem to help everyone do their deals here," said Jenny.
Jenny says she's even seen people shoot at the lights. It's just one more reason most parents keep their kids close or avoid Cherry Park all together.
"I wouldn't leave my kids here alone," said Stacy.
"It's not safe," said Jenny. "Not good. I would not bring my family here. Not for any reason."
When the Parks Department gets a complaint they notify YPD and request additional patrols. Neighbors do say the lights seem to help when their operating.
Cans aren't you the only things littering Cherry Park.
"My kids found needles, drug needles," said park visitor Sarah Stacy.
"Found drug needles over here, and there's always liquor bottles," said neighbor Jenny Rhoades.
Jenny lives across the street from Cherry Park. She sees a lot of drug deals, fights and vandalism.
"My dad said to me once, 'Man, that's really good you have a park right across from your house," said Jenny. "And I'm like, 'It isn't that good because that's where everyone congregates,' especially people you don't want."
You called us about the problems. So, we called the city. Rae Julsing with the Parks Department began cleaning right away.
We found graffiti on the swings, the slide and even the grill. She's here nearly everyday.
"It gets kind of repetitive, but you know, I'd rather do this than see the graffiti everywhere," said Julsing.
Tagging isn't the only crime committed here. In just two months, there have been nearly a dozen other crimes within three blocks of the park.
We learned park security is up to YPD. They tell us they patrol the area 24 hours a day, everyday. Lights were installed to deter criminals.
"It has gotten so bad that the lights just seem to help everyone do their deals here," said Jenny.
Jenny says she's even seen people shoot at the lights. It's just one more reason most parents keep their kids close or avoid Cherry Park all together.
"I wouldn't leave my kids here alone," said Stacy.
"It's not safe," said Jenny. "Not good. I would not bring my family here. Not for any reason."
When the Parks Department gets a complaint they notify YPD and request additional patrols. Neighbors do say the lights seem to help when their operating.
