City Councilman wants to “take back” parks in Colorado Springs
A Colorado Springs City Councilman took his frustrations on park loitering to social media last week.
William P. Murray posted to his Facebook page pictures of Antlers Park located at 31 W Pikes Peak Avenue saying, “Antlers Park 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon 7 sleeping in the park.” He goes on to share his feelings against placing a soccer stadium at the park and that the first order of business should be “to take back these parks and maintain and patrol them.”
Murray’s words were met with both support and backlash.
One Facebook user said, “I agree! This is exactly what needs to happen. I am empathetic and open-minded and about as liberal as it comes but as a business owner in Colorado Springs, this is an issue, meaning the homeless issue, has about tapped out my patience.”
Another disagreed with Murray’s point, commenting, “William P. Murray, sir you make me sick. I thought you had compassion. Now I see you are like most in this town government. I’m certainly not supporting you anymore. You act like these people are less than you and they are not.”
Even a man claiming he was currently homeless reached out to the councilman, “As a currently homeless person who does not use drugs or drink I am highly offended. I work during the night because its the coldest then. Sometimes a park under a tree is the only place I can go. Especially while trying to save money to change my circumstances.”
Councilman Murray did not directly respond to every person who agreed or disagreed with his opinion but did comment with, “Let’s get together and find shelter for those who need it. The parks are not the answer. Get with the program, please! Be part of the solution and less part of the problem.”
