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hoops at Madison Court. Throughout history, things that are taken away or given up are seldom returned. I implore Council, the Mayor and LPD to work together and with community-based organizations and community members, on a comprehensive, diverse, and equitable solution to bring the basketball hoops back immediately to Madison Park, implement short-term strategies to discourage disorderly and other negative activity in Madison Park, and work with the community at-large, for a longer-term investment and strategy for crime prevention, resolve, and restorative justice. Evidence shows that intentional use of public areas can serve as a deterrent to crime and disorder, and I encourage the Mayor and City Council members to examine and reimagine Madison Park. I grew up in Lakewood and Madison Park was the park where I spent plenty of summers at the pool, and hanging with friends and my family. This park is an important asset to the neighborhood and its families, in the area and beyond. As a public asset, it is in Lakewood's best interest to maintain it as an asset and do everything it can to keep it that way. Lastly, I support fully, Councilmembers Kepple, Shachner, and Neff s communication for intersectional and holistic safety approaches. Crime is certainly not limited to only one root cause and only one race as the offender. It is multi-dimensional and multi-faceted and therefore will need an intersectional approach to truly make an impact that lasts. I encourage the City's leadership including its Police Force to examine and have the courage to do things different, and by different use evidence based strategies and approaches, which do not perpetuate systemic racism, and are void of bias, and work to enhance safety, and make Lakewood a safe place for all, and Safer Together. Mike Fordosi Location: Submitted At: 5:14pm 04-19-21 As a lifetime resident of Lakewood, I am opposed to the removal of any basketball hoops throughout the city. The actions of Individuals are responsible for the recent gun violence to have taken place in our community, as is the case in scenarios like this across the country. The scene at which it occurred is not the issue. We don't remove produce from the shelves of grocery stores, tear down movie screens, or halt the delivery of FedEx packages because these locations have experienced similarly tragic events. The weather is on a turn for the better, and especially because of the events of the past year, citizens are thirstier than ever to be active and get outdoors. Naturally, crime throughout the city will reactivate and increase during these warmer months ahead as well. Additional patrolling by foot and bicycle police units in parks and other heavily populated areas of the city would probably be a more effective solution. If a perp wants to run amok in our community, removal of basketball hoops will not deter, but only relocate the ruckus. The basketball courts, along with the baseball fields, skate parks, bike paths, playgrounds, etc. not only encourage physical fitness and healthy activity, but also act as a therapeutic means that can help all of us cope with the struggles and misfortunes of everyday life. Lakewood is known for being a friendly, diverse community inhabited by citizens from all walks of life. Basketball is a sport that encourages diversity and participation from all walks of life. It would go against the identity of our community to not have outdoor public basketball hoops available. Aaron Pearl Location: Submitted At: 5:06pm 04-19-21 1 would like to speak in support of the recent grass roots movement to promote safety, fun, and inclusion at Madison Park, at the basketball court and the park in general. Marissa Burke Location: Submitted At: 4:44pm 04-19-21 1 do NOT support the removal of the basketball hoops at Madison Park. Basketball is not the problem. Are we, as a community,just not supposed to gather outdoors anywhere. It feels like the removal of the hoops is a band-aid to the real problem. Christopher Shamaly