"Ah...autumn. Can you feel it in the air? No? Neither can I, but it must be just around the corner because starting a week and a half ago it was the beginning of leaf-blow and vacuum season at the Maurice Fitzgerald Playground (106 Street & Atlantic Avenue).
This is at least the third (and probably the fourth or fifth) consecutive year that they've dragged out these giant noisemakers this ridiculously early in the season. Why? That's what I'd like to know! I have complained in the past to 311 about this (especially when they start using these things before 7 AM) and I've gotten this response:
"We are aware of some of the drawbacks of leaf blowers, but, like other mechanized equipment, they enable us to maintain parks and playgrounds more efficiently. Leaf blowers help us keep thousands of acres of parkland free from litter and debris that would otherwise limit public use and enjoyment of open space."
Standard reply stuff, but it doesn't explain why rakes and brooms are good for the rest of the year, but somehow insufficient for use from August to November - and - equally important - why they have to be used at the crack of dawn?
Don't get me wrong, when Autumn really kicks in and the leaves fall by the buckets, I don't begrudge the park workers using the means at their disposal to collect them, but we've just had three days of rain and there's no pile of leaves or debris to pick up in the park. It's long about time that someone in charge at the Parks Dept. demonstrated some common sense (and courtesy) to us long-suffering residents who live around this playground.
Thanks for letting me vent.
yours,
K
PS Are those park workers covered for damage to their own ears or working with mechanized equipment?"
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