Citizens and parents in Burien say just a month after the city re-opened the newly renovated Dottie Harper park, it's filled with illegal activity, making it dangerous for children to play.
"Our parks should be a welcoming environment where kids shouldn’t have to worry about erratic behavior drug activity," said Burien resident Lisa Parks.
The renovation was made possible through a $195,000 grant from King County and $10,000 of city funds.
On Monday morning Lisa Reasner brought her 2- and 3- year old children to the park. They picked up beer cans around the park.
"That’s certainly frustrating," said Reasner.
She also noticed what appeared to be a homeless man sleeping just steps away from playground equipment.
"I want a park where I can come and feel safe with my kids and not have to worry about looking over my shoulder to see who else is hanging around here," said Reasner.
The city says it has stepped up police patrols and is requesting contractors visit the park more frequently to pick up trash.
"We've asked them to step it up a little bit so i think we'll see a little bit more cleanly atmosphere," said Katie Trefry, spokesperson for the City of Burien.
Parks said she and other concerned citizens picked up used hypodermic needles, dozens of old beer cans and bottles, and even a homemade bong at the park.
"There’s people in the park drinking and doing drugs," said Parks.
The city says that homeless people have a right to be at the park too.
"Everybody’s allowed to use the park and up until there's disruptive behavior up until there's illegal activity going on we have no grounds to remove them it's their park too," said Trefry.
However, Trefry added, if they are doing illegal activity, that's when they are not allowed in the park.
"If there's a person here a parent here, a caretaker here and they see concerning activity, calling 911 is their best bet," said Trefry.
BURIEN, Wash — Parks and other concerned citizens say they hope the city continues to make sure the illegal activity stays away.
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