Posted by BOB ORAZEM on November 04, 2005 at 12:23:04:
As a resident of the Silver Lake Park area I am appalled at the condition of the park after last weeks Halloween Costume race.
On a course that is essentially an oval there are about 30 permanent arrows and large lines showing start, finish and mile splits.
The defacing of the park was not necessary.
On the 1.5 mile loop there is ONE ACTUAL TURN, the rest are gradual turns that a cone,streamer or maybe a person could have easily been posted.Giving instructions to the athletes such as "Always keep the water to your left (or right)" would have also worked.
Not since the St. Peters X-C Invitational about 10 years ago has an organization so defaced a city park.
The Dept. of Parks advises any organization with a permit that graffiting the park for a race is not allowed.They shouldn't have to do that. Common sense should prevail.
If the Richmond Rockets want to put on a event that will be remembered for a long time there are better ways than permanentely marking the park. This organization doesn't deserve to put on an event in a city park.
A note to the Rockets: PLEASE go to Silver Lake Park and paint over the markings. Do the right thing.
Bob Orazem
Yes, I am still alive