We all have an essential right - to feel safe in our neighborhood. Today, in Rose Park, Salt Lake City, our children are stripped of this right, due to an escalating homeless drug problem they are forced to bear witness to regularly. Each day, as they walk down the Jordan River Trail to reach their schools, the public library, and the park, our children are confronted by drug use, discarded dirty syringes and, at times, even deceased bodies - stark images that no child should ever have to encounter. This disquieting situation is not simply exclusive to children; it poses a significant concern for all residents alike.

The negative impact of this issue on our community is destabilizing. We find instances of aggressive behavior and littering of drug paraphernalia, compromising the safety, cleanliness, and overall aura of our neighborhoods. The submerged fear amongst us all, especially our children, is causing unbearable anxiety and taking a toll on their emotional well-being.

We call on the office of the Mayor of Salt Lake City to listen to our plea and take immediate action. Implement stricter rules for the use of our public spaces especially the Jordan River Trail. A curfew must be instigated, and a firm ban on camping should be enforced at all times– because our neighborhoods are our homes, not places to court danger and harbor fear.

These measures are not just necessary but a pressing need. We need to reintroduce the safe, healthy environment that our children and every resident of the city deserves. Let's make Rose Park, and thereby, Salt Lake City safe again. Sign the petition to demand an end to the homeless drug problem and the reinstatement of peace & security in our neighborhoods.