BILLY TAYLOR PARK

PARK PERCEPTIONS - Understanding the Interview Results

The vast majority (80%) of my interview respondents were African
American, which is most probably a reflection of the ethnic composition
of this section of Mount Hope. Interestingly, only 3 out of 12 respondents
mentioned crime and safety concerns before the questions on these topics
were asked. They cited drug dealing, vandalism, and rumors of prostitution
as aspects of the park they disliked. The other most common dislike was the
presence of trash in the park, especially in the playground area.

Almost 60% of respondents stated that they felt safe in the park. Another approximately 40% stated that they felt safe, but attached immediate conditions on this feeling. In other words, they would have to be accompanied, or only come during the day, in order to feel comfortable there. Only 1 respondent stated that he did by no means feel safe when he was in the park. About 80% of interviewees said they would visit the park alone, whereas the percentage of people who would come at night is lower at 57%. It seems that the lights on the basketball courts stay on late into the night, and thus the park is often used during the evening hours.

In terms of people's perceptions of crime in the park, about 60% felt that some sort of illegal activity was occurring, and almost 40% stated the opposite.

Only five people responded to the question on what they felt might be contributing to negative issues in the park. They believed that the vicinity's criminal and drug activity might be to blame, that people didn't take responsibility for the park and thus made it vulnerable to misuse, and that since it's a public park, it is naturally susceptible to certain types of problems.

Although a few people did speak of the nuisance and illegal activity that is creating the neighborhood controversy, only one person mentioned the disputed fence. He strongly advocated fence construction, and was generally appalled by the goings on in the park that he had heard about. He felt that the park, and more importantly the neighborhood in general, needs a much stronger police presence, as well as a more unified effort to ameliorate the 'unacceptable' conditions that characterize some areas in the community.

Park Crime - Understanding the Context of Crime