The Battle for Sheridan Park

Vaughn R. Larson for The Beacon, October 2, 2004

SHEBOYGAN – The Friends of Sheboygan Parks presented 251 petitions with 3,325 signatures – about 900 more than needed – to City Clerk Patricia Lohse last Wednesday morning, calling for a referendum to preserve Sheridan Park.

“We hope all of this hard work will accomplish what we set out to do,” said Kathy Meyer, spokesperson for the Friend’s group.

The Sheboygan Common Council voted Aug. 2 in favor of building a new police station at Sheridan Park. Reasons cited include central location, reduced cost and design-friendly terrain.

Opponents of the Sheridan Park site countered that the park is one of two original town squares in Sheboygan, and a much-needed green space in a troubled neighborhood.

Dan Verhasselt of the Friends group said that the petition shows that approximately 88 percent of the residents approached in Sheboygan support saving the park. Alderman Juan Perez, whose ward includes Sheridan Park, said that between 200 and 300 residents around the park support the preservation drive.

But others who live near the park do not support that effort.

Some of those residents spoke with The Beacon recently. Fearing retaliation, they requested that only their first names be used for this article.

“Fifteen years ago, when I was seven, I stopped going to that park because of the gangs,” said Stephanie.

Paul said his family stopped going to Sheridan Park when graffiti began to cover the playground equipment.

“I hate to see all the trees go, but you have to do something,” Paul said. “If (the police) put a play area there, I’d be totally satisfied.”

“Nobody particularly wants to lose a park,” said Bruce. “But I’d think the benefit of a centrally-located police station in the highest crime area in the city is obvious.”

“I would feel safer around here with a police station,” Stephanie said. “When I was pregnant, a drunk guy climbed my stairs and wouldn’t leave – he was looking for someone who owned him money.”

Gina said the park is not parent-friendly, noting the removal of restrooms, band shell, shepherd stoves and a wooden jungle gym.

“Gangs and drug dealers have trashed the entire park,” Gina said. “Most of the people don’t see what we see”.

This is a watchful group. They frequently remarked on the number of semi trucks driving down the street, despite newly erected signs banning truck traffic. They know who their neighbors are, and which residences in their area are to be avoided. They complain about traffic problems and trash stemming from nearby factories. They talk about a beating at the park three years ago, and a student at Sheridan Elementary who brought drugs to school last year.

Neighbors Against Drugs reportedly has set its sights on the Sheridan Park neighborhood, but has not started a campaign there yet.

Gina noted that neighborhood children frequently play in her fenced-in back yard, which she said has more play equipment than Sheridan Park.

Those who spoke with The Review said that Perez had not spoken with any of them regarding the park or the safety of the neighborhood.

Wednesday morning, Perez countered that he and other volunteers had contacted between 63 and 70 percent of homes in the area.

“Is it possible that some people were not home when I came by? Of course,” he said.

Yang said he occasionally lets his children play at Sheridan Park, under adult supervision. He said a police station at the park would be good for the neighborhood.

“Sheboygan has changed,” said yang. “It seems like once a week you hear about drugs on the radio. There are some bad people here.”

Stephanie said she knew of two area residents opposed to a new police station at Sheridan Park.

“The only reason they give is they don’t like cops,” she said.

Gina agreed.

“The way we see it, the people who don’t want a police station here have their own agenda,” Gina said. “They’re afraid of a police station.”

“If these people win and save the park, they’re saving it for the drug dealers,” she continued.

Marsha said the park was nice 20 years ago, but not now.

“That park needs to go,” Marsha said. “They do (drug) deals right there. We don’t dare go there after 6 pm. Why fight for a park you can’t use?”

“If you want to make our neighborhood better, put the police station there.”

Friends members argue that Sheridan Park has been ignored by the city for some time, but contend that some grills and tables have returned since August.

In addition to making the neighborhood safer, these residents believe that a new police station at Sheridan Park will focus the city’s attention on the area, which could mean better streets and sidewalks as well.

“The city is really trying,” Gina said. “I see it getting better, but we have to get the police station. Otherwise, more home-owners will move away.”

Whether the petition results in any change is uncertain. City Attorney Stephen McLean questioned if a council action could be undone by direct legislation or referendum, and if the language of the petition does not satisfactorily answer that question, it is possible that it may not make it onto a future council agenda.

McLean said that even if the petition did not pass muster, the council could choose to put it on the ballot anyway.

Because of the time required to verify signatures and for the “Friends” group to answer any questions, any referendum would wait until the spring ballot.

Verhasselt said that the Friends group is well situated to save Sheridan Park.

"Cases like this have gone on all over the country, and they have succeeded," he said. "Politically, there’s something to be said here."

“I don’t see how they can ignore 3,300 people,” Meyer added. “Our council was elected to represent us.”

Meyer said that the Friends group was exploring other options should the council not take up the referendum issue. She declined to elaborate.

Perez was upset that only two council representatives were on hand, noting that the council and Mayor James Schramm were invited to the press conference following the petition presentation.

“That’s a total disgrace,” he said. “That tells me they don’t care.”