Frog Pad Park officially opened yesterday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony (although there may be some on-going finishing work that remains to be completed by the contractor). Alas, the Waterfront has its first park.

The intersection of Sycamore Avenue and Willet Street (where the park resides) however is still only partially-controlled. There are no stop signs along Sycamore at the intersection. We all understand the problem stemming from speeding drivers along Sycamore, and scant police enforcement in the area has obviously had little to no effect. Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, many drivers travel at speeds nearing 40 mph. Who are these people?

It is my opinion that traffic along Sycamore poses an unnecessary risk to the children that will play in Frog Pad Park, so I sent an email to City staff that was to be discussed at yesterday’s Traffic Calming Workshop…

Subject: Stop Sign at Sycamore and Willet

With the construction of Frog Pad Park (at the northwest corner of Sycamore and Willet in the Waterfront) nearing completion, I think it is appropriate that the City considers the installation of stop signs along Sycamore at that corner, making it a three-way stop intersection.

There will be plenty of children playing at this park and that means there is an increased potential for those children to accidentally spill out into the street (maybe to fetch a rolling ball, maybe to turn around on a bike). Sycamore Avenue — although posted at 25 mph — is unfortunately a very quick road, where the average driver speeds along at 35 mph or even higher, especially around dusk. For the safety of the children, I think that making this intersection a three-way stop is appropriate.

Additionally, a three-way stop at Willet along Sycamore will reduce the ramp-up and ramp-down effect into and out of the Promenade development which undoubtedly increases speed along Sycamore Avenue in the Waterfront.

I hope that the City considers this action promptly as the opening of the park will bring lots of children to this immediate area.