Description

Dover Park has a big fence all around it. It has two entrance-ways, each of which has two metal gates on hinges. For some unknown reason, there are clasps and locks on both sets of gates. Thus, random people can close, clasp, and even lock the gates.

Unfortunately, this happens often, even in the middle of the day. Sometimes it happens with people INSIDE the park, who then cannot get out!! Other times the gates are clasped and/or locked when NO ONE is inside, but then no one CAN get inside.

It's a public city park, paid for by taxpayers of Oakland, so this should not be happening.

I have asked several Dover Park users if they knew anything about these annoying and sometimes frightening occurrences. They all seemed to think it has to do with the children's playground. They thought what was happening was that certain parents / caretakers brought their unruly children to the playground, and rather than control them by normal means, these neglectful adults LOCKED THE GATES TO THE ENTIRE PARK to keep their own children under control. Then when they left, they didn't bother to unlock the gates.

Unless there is some other explanation, I believe the solution is simply to put a short fence with a clasp device AROUND THE PLAYGROUND ITSELF. There is plenty of room.

Then the fences, gates, clasps, and/or locks to the entire park should be removed.

I have seen and used these "tot lots" at many other parks, including in Oakland, and they work fine. Thank you for your consideration.