For the last five years, three women have worked to protect the serenity of Harrowgate Park, keeping it clear of drug use that plagues many public spaces in Kensington.
In rain or shine, scorching heat or icy cold, the women, walkie-talkies in hand, walk through their neighborhood park, ready and willing to approach anyone loitering, sleeping, smoking, or using drugs, and politely ask them to leave.
“A lot of people see Kensington and Harrowgate as overrun with the unhoused. But we are a community of families that raise their children, whose children play in the park, who work hard,” said Abner-Burton, 53, the founding member of the Old Lady Gang. “This community deserves a safe park.
Harrowgate Park, Abner-Burton said, suffered the same transformation, from a place where her grandmother used to feed the birds each morning, to one where she was afraid to walk — even during the day — as sex workers, drug users, and dealers gathered., more people in addiction gathered in Harrowgate Park, Rosario said, seeking a quiet escape from the dangers and crowds of McPherson Square and Kensington Avenue. But by 2019, Wells and Abner-Burton said, neighbors had reached a breaking point.
The vast majority apologize and leave without incident. Many, she said, are women who say they have children of their own and understand. “It’s a mutually dependent relationship, and I respect the hell out of them,” Rosario said. “They are an ally.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lightning sparks fire at Zion National Park, reminders from National Park ServiceA lightning-sparked fire in Zion National Park sent smoke into the skies of Washington County and prompted the closure of a popular trail
Read more »
Fair Park First pauses fundraising until audit findings clarify park’s financesAuditors are looking closely at $17 million in private donor funds nonprofit directly raised
Read more »
Berea man, Brook Park woman busted for drug trafficking in Brook ParkPolice arrested a Berea man and a Brook Park woman June 29 after finding them in possession of several Ziploc bags containing suspected illegal drugs.
Read more »
Gunman killed by Yellowstone Park rangers allegedly planned a July 4 mass shooting, park revealsPark officials identified the shooter as 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, of Milton, Florida.
Read more »
Gunman killed by Yellowstone Park rangers allegedly planned a July 4 mass shooting, park revealsPark officials identified the shooter as 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, of Milton, Florida.
Read more »
Gunman killed by Yellowstone Park rangers allegedly planned a July 4 mass shooting, park revealsPark officials identified the shooter as 28-year-old Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner, of Milton, Florida.
Read more »