THIS IS THE ACTUAL PROPOSAL, as discussed at CANA’s March 4,2009 meeting,
which was APPROVED and forwarded to the Mayor’s office.
CANA meeting notes:
“Bob from the Albany Bicycle Coalition detailed plans for a “car free Saturday in Washington Park. He stated that this had been done in other cities and that Albany already does this for Tulip Fest. The plan would be to barricade the entrances to all car traffic. They have been shot down by the Mayor’s office in the past.:
CANA introduced a proposal to support closing the park to traffic for the last Saturday in May. The motion was approved.
“Proposal:
Day in the Park
We, the Albany Bicycle Coalition (ABC) and residents of Albany, formally propose
creating a City sponsored and maintained event in Washington Park. We are
asking that the City of Albany and the necessary departments oversee the
closing of all roads into Washington Park on the last Saturday each month from
May through August, a total of four days. This event can be run as a trial first, and if demonstrated to be successful, can be a regularly scheduled event. The closure will be for all motorized vehicles for a set time period of 8 am until 4 pm.
Bringing people together!
The City of Albany is presented with the opportunity to set an example to other
cities by reclaiming and redefining open spaces, bringing people into
the city during the weekend, supporting neighborhoods, and assisting the
people of Albany in making healthy lifestyle choices. Washington Park is known
for it’s history and beauty, and offers an ideal location for community gathering.
Closure to motorized vehicle traffic will allow the park to be utilized as it was
intended. This will provide a safe haven for children, joggers, cyclists, families,
and all of the diverse population that calls Albany home. An event of this nature
would demonstrate that Albany is willing to invest in, and support the citizens.
Scheduling this event on a last Saturday will mean less advertising as it
is an easy to remember day. Saturday is the most ideal day due to local church
traffic on Sundays. And Saturday provides the greatest opportunity to increase
traffic to downtown businesses. Weather does not become ideal until May, and
May is also national Bike Month, so there will be a large support for this proposal,
and the media involvement to drive it. Schools resume in September, so there
would be an expected decrease in participation.
Cost versus rewards?
Obvious costs to this are the wages of city employees to close the
roads to vehicle parking prior to the event and the placement of
barricades. Then the wages for monitoring the barricades through
the event time, and the final removal of barricades and minor trash
clean up. The possibility of arranging an area for ‘farmer markets’
and charging a fee does exist to offset the costs.
The reward is giving to the local neighborhoods that define this city.
Providing a safe place for children to run, play and ride bicycles. For
families to go for walks, for people and communities to gather
outside and strengthen the neighborhoods. And for the city to show
that it acknowledges the natural resources available, and supports
and encourages the citizens to come participate as a community in
healthy lifestyles. Please look around the country, and see the potential
we have to be one of the first in line or last. It’s our choice.”
