In a move aimed at curbing ongoing disruptions in downtown Winston-Salem, the city has removed all tables and chairs from Merschel Park, a popular park that opened just two years ago. The decision comes amid rising concerns over violence, loitering, and disorderly behavior in the area, particularly involving large groups of teens.
What Happened
Merschel Park, located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, was designed to be a vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike. However, recent incidents of fighting, littering, and disruptive behavior have led the city to take action. The park, which opened in April 2023 at a cost of $5 million, has faced increasing violence, including a shooting on September 14 that left a 16-year-old dead.
In response to the uptick in crime, city officials decided to remove the park’s furniture, including tables, chairs, and a solar charging station funded by a $16,000 grant. The city also disconnected the park’s Wi-Fi and is currently working with local police to develop strategies to address the issues.
Community Reactions
Local reactions to the furniture removal have been mixed. Some residents, like Broderick Moore, believe that the problem of fighting and disruptive behavior exists elsewhere, not just at Merschel Park. “It’s only been here two years,” Moore said. “There’s stuff that’s been here longer than that and had fights, and they don’t take the bar away.”
Others, like Chris Varney, a visitor to Winston-Salem, expressed concern that the changes might only push the issues to other areas of the city. “I think removing the infrastructure isn’t necessarily going to get rid of it,” Varney said. “It’s just going to make the young teens and homeless people go somewhere else, and they’re going to fight there.”
Rising Crime and Safety Concerns
City officials have acknowledged the recent rise in crime, noting a noticeable increase in disruptive behavior at Merschel Park in the past few weeks. Police have been called to the park multiple times to respond to fights, with the most recent incident occurring just days before the furniture was removed.
The shooting of a 16-year-old near the park on September 14 is a particularly tragic event that has intensified concerns about safety in the area. City officials say they are actively exploring additional measures to address the situation.
Next Steps for the City
In addition to removing the furniture, the city of Winston-Salem is considering implementing stricter guidelines for public parks. These potential changes will be reviewed by the city council, and there may also be amendments to the city code to give police more authority to enforce these new rules.
As the city grapples with these challenges, the future of Merschel Park and its role in the downtown community remains uncertain. The hope is that these measures will help restore order, but concerns about where the issues may move to next continue to linger.
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
