August 5,2026

I grew up playing in San Brannon park, when San Brannon Park was a place where families would gather, children would play, and community events took place regularly. Sadly, those days have changed drastically. The park, which sits adjacent to Gray Avenue Middle School and shares a chain-link fence, has become a hotspot for illicit activities and poses serious health and safety risks to our children and the entire community.

Every day, stories of fentanyl overdoses reach my ears. The park has been overtaken by a growing homeless population and rampant drug use, making it a dangerous environment for families and, crucially, for the middle school students who access the park after school. These young minds are exposed to highly inappropriate and unsafe situations as they witness drug activities in a place that should have been a haven for outdoor fun and learning.

Children are impressionable and deserve a safe environment to grow, learn, and play. As it stands, San Brannon Park is not a sanctuary but a hazard. The park's alarming condition is not just about deteriorating facilities; it's a blatant public health crisis. It's about protecting our youth and ensuring their upbringing is not marred by exposure to drug abuse and unsafe settings.

Statistics from the local health department show a rising trend in drug activity reports around the area, directly correlating with the alarming increase in park-related incidents. Our community members have repeatedly voiced their concerns, but up until now, there has been insufficient action from local authorities. This petition aims to change that.

Our demand is straightforward: close San Brannon Park until a comprehensive clean-up and restructuring plan is executed. This plan should involve relocating those experiencing homelessness into appropriate housing and support services, continuous law enforcement monitoring, and creating community activities that offer a safe, fun, and instructive atmosphere for our children.

By shutting down the park temporarily, we can work towards revitalising it as a safe community space everyone can enjoy once again. It is imperative that action be taken now to safeguard the welfare of our children, their futures, and the overall safety of San Brannon park. I implore all residents, parents, educators, and stakeholders to join me in this critical cause to reclaim San Brannon Park.

Lend your support by signing this petition. Together, we can make our community safer and our voices heard.

Thanks for your time