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Another closure <br /> park osu e <br /> 0 n Monday, Scobert Park be- hoods have lost parks because of too <br /> came the second Eugene park much gross, illegal or intimidating be- <br /> to fall victim to crime and havior. Closing these parks, of course, <br /> fear within the past year. City offi- treats a symptom, not a cause. The <br /> cials closed the park until Dec. 1 be- problems will be displaced, not solved <br /> cause of neighbors' complaints about — and in weeks or months a third, or <br /> drug dealing, filth and other public fourth, neighborhood park may be <br /> nuisances. West University Park was lost. <br /> closed late last year for the same rea When a park comes to be regarded <br /> sons. In both cases, civil society as a liability rather than an asset, a <br /> staged a small but saddening retreat. city loses more than open space, play - <br /> Both Scobert and West University grounds, gardens and other amenities. <br /> parks are small patches of open space It loses a part of what makes a neigh - <br /> in densely populated neighborhoods. borhood more than a ZIP code. It sur- <br /> These parks could be — should be — renders part of its right to enjoy com- <br /> islands of calm. Everyone, particular- mon property. Its residents become <br /> ly children, ought to feel safe and wel- more isolated and less free. Eugene <br /> come in these places. needs to find effective ways of resist- <br /> But now two Eugene neighbor- ing these little encroachments. <br /> • <br /> t .:' , t ii } ..,:r �S ?..k..f . . :3} > . �}i 2 in tti Bill 29f%lk.atit`;;; - 24 .S' 't ! ' i 0 S. } Si is} }3 S > ;;, ?; <br /> �: : . : , ? ,3• ; >3,3,..f;;Y } 2 # 22 < l}st� ? ? 1?+3 } } l - > ?3,,,,..:�, • . ;.,:.;,}.} . ,.:., . � �:.. �, . 2,.!>3 }..s.,.. 3t, ,.�.. .e '� . };. ; , ; , i 4 i ,:,1t,,.,. <br />