Supervisor Steve Taylor responds to concerns, questions on Kayla's Playground

I have read many comments about Milwaukee County's involvement with the Kayla's Krew Project and I think it is important to set the record straight. First, Victory of the Lamb Church should be thanked for their early involvement in making this project close to becoming a reality. However, it has been known by city staff for months that the VOL site wasn't going to work. You will have to ask them why they were fearful to share that information with the public but until recently they didn't . I have regular dialogue with most members of the Common Council and I was informed of this information. As a result of this dialogue I brought up the Froemming Park location to Supervisor Borkowski and he agreed that we should talk to the Parks Director to see if it is an option that could be supported. I scheduled the meeting for March 3rd which occurred right after a previously scheduled meeting to discuss tennis courts at that same location. The meeting was very positive and the consensus was that if the County was asked to get involved the willingness was there. I look at every council agenda when they are posted online and when I noticed that city staff was recommending Froemming Park as an option I sent an email to the Common Council pledging any assistance. That's it, there were no secret meetings as a few have written. There was one meeting. On a side note I have met with city and county staff at least a half dozen times on the North Cape and St. Martins road projects. Not secret, not "behind the scenes" but just normal staff meetings. Anyone can do an open record request to view my calendar if they want to see how many meetings I have every week. I do want to comment on Pleasant View Park. It is my understanding that this is now the top choice for the playground. This park has been subject to a lot of controversy and has been since I was first elected in 2008. The residents who live around it have been clear that they want it to be a neighborhood park. Just deciding where to build a "low impact" trail caused a year of fighting between neighbors. The residents who live on Evergreen have valid concerns regarding increased traffic. I bring these points up because if Froemming Park isn't a desired location for some people because it could become contentious or that "politics" could get involved then look out because Pleasant View carries many of the same issues. At the end of the day the key is the playground gets built. That is something that we all can agree on. If you have any follow up questions please email me at steve.taylor@milwaukeecountywi.gov