We all want what is right and safe for our kids. This wouldn't be as obvious except for the fact that we have them in an after school program such as baseball, and that alone can help to attest to the fact that we want what is best for them.
But what about safety? When we drop our kids off in the parking lot and watch them run across the street to the park, do we worry for their safety? During games, when their siblings run back to the parking lot or to the restroom across the street - do we look for any cars that might be racing down the road because we worry for our kids safety?
In the eight years that I have been around this baseball park at this time of year, I have witnessed many close calls concerning a child and a car. I know that I am not the first parent to be concerned with these near misses, and I don't want to take credit for being the bell ringer on this issue - but non the less, it is an issue that should be addressed.
We normally try to keep this site with an accent on humor, and basically just make light of the project since we are all volunteers. However, this subject of safety concerning the cars and crossing the street is one we take seriously, as any parent would.
At this time, we are beginning the first stages on the temporary use permit (including construction and installation) of the barricades that will be in place on Second Street when some of you return for baseball next year. These barricades are designed with both the pedestrian and vehicle safety in mind. They will be placed at the intersections of Ave. A and Ave. B along Second Street.
I think that these barricades require some explanation of their use and storage in this unique facility. First, let me say that getting the permission granted to install these was no easy task. Sealing off traffic on a public street is not something ACHD takes lightly. However, after several explanations and demonstrations of the traffic (and our inability to contain parking and speeders in the area). They have given us the preliminary go ahead (with conditions).
Following our approval on the temporary use permit, we will need to construct the barricades according to the drafted and safety depicted manner in which they were presented to ACHD. What this means, is simply a design that can be as fool proof as a set structure can be - without human intervention.
The barricades are designed to be safe to the flow of traffic when either closed or open. They will incorporate a mechanism that allows them to be held in the closed position. When in use, a detent lock mechanism will force each barricade into a "resting in use" position of 90 degrees to the edge of the road. Holding the device at 90 degrees would help to insure "jousting" would not occur with an oncoming vehicle. Should the barricade arm become unlocked and swing into the street - 90 degrees is preferable, 22 - 45 degrees would be catastrophic. The detent is designed that if a collision were to occur with a vehicle at a resonable speed (20 mph max) while the barricade is in use, the barricade apparatus would be propelled away from the collision reducing damage to both the vehicle and the barricade itself.
While stored (under normal circumstances) the barricade would be locked, and could only be used during game times or other events included on the yearly certified use permit (C.U.P.). As serious as this sounds, it is just some of the dedication we will need to show the people of ACHD when it comes to allowing the use of these important devices. It is our kids who need this protection, and we will continue to promote the safety of this facility by using the barricades with respect to traffic and other users of 2nd street in the park.
Of course every permit comes with conditions, and this one is no different. Albeit unique, it is in the hands of ACHD and possibly the City Parks Department to monitor abuse or neglect of the barricades. They are granting us the chance to show we can use them appropriately. However, if that is proven to be a bad choice, the devices are designed to be permanently locked or even removed.
I know that in the future, as new familys use the facility and become members of the baseball or community softball association that will use the park, we can guarantee our kids that we will continue to provide them with a safe park facility, and the barricades will continue to be maintained and used properly by these organizations.
That is the deal, that is what they are telling us and we should listen. A lot of work went into the design and function of these barricades, so it would be a shame to lose them. Dedication from the parents attending the games and events in the park will secure the future of these needed safety barricades, and that dedication is all we need. To show respect of others in the park when using these traffic devices, and responsibility for the devices when not using them.
But hey, enough of this downer factual stuff! Here are three of the many artist's rendering of the barricades as they were presented to the Engineers at ACHD. I apologize, but we do not have a finished engineer draft for this. If you have any questions please email me, I would be happy to answer your concerns.
Thank you,
Walt Douglas
Director, Kuna Baseball Park Redevelopment Committee
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