Nice weather bringing York residents to Franklin Park, right-of-way issues may arise

With the end of last week’s sunny weather heading into the 70’s, many Yorkers gathered at Franklin Park on the 1200^th block between Whatcom Street and Franklin Street. Children, parents, and adults were entertained by the basketball court, picnic-seating area, and grassy open space that provided space for Frisbee and passing around the soccer ball.

The summery days ahead will bring much more activity to the park and opportunities for observation of the surrounding area. The right-of-way on the block of the park has many patches of grass and open area that has become a place for potential natural vegetation. There is also open space in Franklin Park for a trail system for the public. Another area that needs improving and vegetation, according to the York Neighborhood Plan, is the street island north of the park. York residents have put a lot of effort into restoring the park and have been working with the Parks Volunteer Program to help restore the right-of-way area.

Summer has not yet begun and only two days of hot weather brought a decent amount of activity to the park. The volunteers already familiar with the existing potential vegetation and unused space will continue to work for it to be improved, as was said at the neighborhood association meeting, and hope that others will become aware of the problem too.

A work party with the Parks Volunteer Program started restoring the area last month and will continue to help organize events where York residents can come restore natural vegetation to the area. When benches and trails are to be added, the community hopes that the City Planning Department will assist them in their attempts to make the park an attractive and friendly area.

Franklin Park already has much to offer and the York community would like to see it the best condition possible.