Sometimes I take so many photos that I don't know where to begin. During the marathon a couple of weeks ago I went up to the top of Mount Morris in to see how the old fire tower was holding up.
Not well. Not well at all. As you can see, much of the stone work is falling apart. The mortar has rotted out and the stones fallen to the ground. The benches have been removed, and there's a chain link fence dividing the north and south halves of the hill top.
The fence is bizarre because both sides are easily accessible from different sets of stairs. The fence doesn't prevent anyone from climbing the short set of steps it runs along, and those steps aren't in any worse shape than stairs elsewhere in the park. So it's a mystery why the Parks Department bothered with the fence.
The city has recently spent some money to renovate the park. For example, $121,127 was spent this year to improve a playground and put up the useless fence. Another $571,000 was spent improving stairways and paths. There is one improved path on the west side of the hill, but all the stairways still need repair as far as I can tell.
More photos to come to show the extent of the dilapidation.
well, people probably see that and think it's not safe. probably helps with the insurance company. but if someone does get hurt, all bets are off.
Posted by: tien | 21 November 2006 at 10:30 AM
Now that I think of it a bit more maybe it's to prevent skateboarders.
Posted by: Joe | 22 November 2006 at 08:13 AM
it's incredible that the city spent over 100K on playgrounds there--we use them, and they suck. The only visible improvement is a sloppy and garish paint job on the toddler section. 100k--riiiiiight.
Posted by: Cassandra | 22 November 2006 at 10:05 AM