Description

Since purchasing my home in the Park South neighborhood last year, I've admired Pat Kelly park at the intersection of Morris and Knox. It is always impeccably maintained... and padlocked. I've asked about it at the neighborhood association meetings on a number of occasions and got hushed murmured responses as to why that is, and who has access to this park.
Over the weekend, I was walking my dog and to my great surprise- a HUMAN! In Pat Kelly Park- gardening! I quickly walked over to this person and from the other side of the fence said with excitement "Good morning! I've never seen anyone in this park!" The person ignored me. I tried again "Do you have the key?" "Yes Maam I do, " said the person, not making eye contact - then walking away, ending the conversation. Stunned , I continued on my walk, baffled that someone who somehow has a key and private access to a CITY PARK was being so rude.
On my way back I asked from the other side of the fence "this is a city park, right?" the person refused to answer me and went skulking off behind the shed.
This is not acceptable. What the heck is going on with Pat Kelly Park? If it's someone's private park and I am confused- please let me know. But if this is a city-owned park (as the most recent parcel map indicates) it needs to be open or there needs to be some avenue for gaining access to members of the community. Is this the Secret Garden?