Tragedy has struck our community not once, not twice, but three times too many. In January 21 into the 22nd, 2020, Daniel Wiggins Jr. went missing after being pursued by Toledo Police Department, only to be later found in the infamous lake behind Old Libbey Field. This story echoed in our hearts in June of 2020, when another boy, Jonathan, vanished under similar eerie circumstances. The lake claimed another life in 2008, when a young man, also being chased, met the same fate.

This pattern of misplaced lives in this body of water underlines a serious safety concern that has remained unaddressed for far too long. Each of these incidents occurred when the individual was in a state of panic, fleeing from an assumed threat. Thus, it has become apparent that a safety fence around this lake could have encrypted a different fate for Daniel, Jonathan, and the young man on the bike.

We believe that the City of Toledo has a responsibility to protect its residents and ensure their safety, especially in public areas such as the Old Libbey Field. By installing a fence around the lake, we can prevent further tragedies from happening and let our community members enjoy the park without any fear or reservations.

Enough lives have been tragically lost. Let's put a barrier around the lake behind Old Libbey Field. It’s a small step, but one that could save lives, and ensure our loved ones aren't the next to be lost to the perils of the lake. We implore those who want to protect our community to sign the petition for the City of Toledo to install a safety fence around the lake.

Sincerely, 

   A Childhood Friend who has never forgotten about you! Abby!